I considered a couple of times, making a season post...but, I figured it would be me in here talking to myself. Playoffs, doe!

First...shout out to Sylvia fucking Fowles. What a lady, what a player. The Lynx missed the 'offs, so yesterday was her final game. Went out at age 36, with 10 points/12 boards/1 assist/2 steals/1 block. I'm SO glad she got all the love she got all season and realized how much fans and players/coaches appreciate what she's done. Sue's farewell season is getting a lot of shine, and deservedly so...but, salute to Sylvia:

2 Championships
2 Finals MVPs
1 League MVP
4 DPOY
4 Olympic Gold Medals
WNBA All time leader in rebounds

On to the matchups:
Wednesday
#7 Liberty at #2 Sky

#8 Mercury at #1 Aces
Mercury are no doubt feeling Britt's loss and DT went out with a quad strain about a week ago and missed the remainder of the regular season...hey, here's the best team in the league...go play a best of 3 against them.

Thursday
#6 Wings at #3 Sun
Connecticut at +425 is value

#5 Mystic at #4 Storm
Good to see Washington and Delle Donne back in the playoffs

as shit.

in a one loss elimination, I guess.

>First...shout out to Sylvia fucking Fowles.

The little lady popped a few bottles of prosecco yesterday in Syl's honor as we watched the games. We fell in love with her when she was here with LSU for the 2008 Final Four. We actually got to meet her and she stopped and spoke with us for a few minutes. One of the sweetest, most charming people I've ever run into. And you're right, she's not getting nearly enough props as she retires. One of the best to ever do it.


>On to the matchups:
>Wednesday
>#7 Liberty at #2 Sky

Chicago should roll. NY is on young & on the come up. But Chicago is so balanced. The only thing I worry about is that they have a tendency to get up big and then let teams back in.

>#8 Mercury at #1 Aces
>Mercury are no doubt feeling Britt's loss and DT went out with
>a quad strain about a week ago and missed the remainder of the
>regular season...hey, here's the best team in the league...go
>play a best of 3 against them.

Griner's situation has definitely been a weight on this team. But they seem to be quietly imploding. I don't think Skylar wants to be there anymore. The Aces should cruise in this series.

>Thursday
>#6 Wings at #3 Sun
>Connecticut at +425 is value

Connecticut underachieved last year. They're one of the toughest teams out there but they can't seem to finish. They should take this series over Dallas though.

>#5 Mystic at #4 Storm
>Good to see Washington and Delle Donne back in the playoffs

I like EDD but her health makes her a wild card. I'm picking Seattle. Stewie is unreal and I wanna see Tina Charles have a good postseason run.

got BIG KD/Draymond in that final season energy. It jumps off the screen when you watch them.

Never got around to a game.
Hoping the Sky can repeat.

Hope they can catch fire in the playoffs like last year.

Aces are powerful

..you never know who might show up.


*skatin' the rings of saturn*


..and miles to go before i sleep...

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Liberty steals tonight or Friday, setting up a winner take all, game 3.

That is where they play now right? Lol

but, it has to feel good going into Saturday, knowing worst case is you go home for the deciding game.

always looking to push it

Her touch on the ball when she passes is elite.

as Copper and Candace are...I fell in love with Vandersloot and Quigley, last season. Just so smart...always doing something positive. Courtney is a one-woman fast break...or she can push it and find the right pass...but she never stops moving.

Her, Lonzo and Rondo are my favorites for that exact reason.

When Lonzo got hurt last year, the Bulls just stopped pushing the ball.

No urgency at all!

Yeah, she runs that team well.
I was mad they gave up Game 1.
The city is anxious to see them repeat.

We flew up to Chicago on a whim 2 weeks ago and caught the Sky vs the Sun for our 1st WNBA game. We were not disappointed (although they almost blew it).

I've been a big fan since the old days when she had Fowles & Delle Donne. I was sure that team was gonna collect a ton of titles. After those 2 left, I gotta admit that I thought Sloot's shot at a ring had faded.

But man, last year's squad was so dope in the postseason.

putting that on my list, for next season.
>
> We flew up to Chicago on a whim 2 weeks ago and caught the
>Sky vs the Sun for our 1st WNBA game. We were not disappointed
>(although they almost blew it).
>

nothing but bodies, her way…and on the other end, NY has NO answer for Candace.

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she does a little bit of everything for them.

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Phoenix scraps it back to a 4 or 5 point game.

but, looks like Shey Peddy just ruptured her Achilles. She tried to drive off the ball of her foot and went down, grabbing at the back of her leg. They had to carry her off and everyone on the bench is fighting back tears. Phoenix taking body blow after body blow, this season.

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what a season:
1st year head coach
Britt's detainment
simmering beef between your two best players (Skylar and DT)
the Tina Charles situation
Skylar not playing since early August (beef or not, she's fucking good)
DT getting injured just in time for the playoffs
Shey Peddy injury
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef1UCN6XAQI

Skylar already seemed to be disenchanted with playing there. She used a clown emoji for the head coach on social media. Britt's sentence seems to have broken her. She hasn't played since.

https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury/status/1555408497185099776?s=20&t=WHHK3_a3In4xYKHLcGDlcg

she gonna fuck up Dallas front court.

I love watching her play. And I would like to see her squad have some success.

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n/m

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I wish she had gotten a better shot than that 3. Or at least one where she didn't have to double clutch while in the air. I think Pam Ward said EDD was 0-3 from 3 tonight.

It's a shame she couldn't pull out the win because she had it ALL working outside of the 3-ball. It was a masterclass.

for that to be the shot she got for possibly the win. It wasn't in rhythm or anything.

is they can both operate inside or outside...so we get to see them bang inside OR one of them guarding the other on the wing. At this stage of their careers and health, Stewie obviously has way more bounce...but EDD had nearly everything working, last night. She drove on two people and hit a pullup, bank shot from like 12 feet...I was like yeah buddy!

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Mission get Sue Bird ring 5.

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Chicago’s defense has them so sped up…looks like the game is in fast forward when they have the ball.

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in a long time. Up by 42 with 3 minutes left and still playing D like it’s a 1 point game.

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Aces:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo28dySAnnc

The first time any WNBA team hit more than 20 3's.

they were talking about how, before this season, Vegas ran a post offense…which, if you got A’ja Wilson, of course. Becky Hammon came in and installed a motion offense, where the object was to get wide open shots…period. Just as they were discussing this, Vegas swung a pass to the baseline and I can’t remember who the shooter was, but there wasn’t a Mercury defender within 5 feet of her. That being said open or not…you have to hit the shot.

ain’t really hitting twos worth a damn, getting beat on the board and turning the ball over…gonna fuck around and have to travel to Dallas for Game 3…smh.

and the squad. Stewie and nem just too much, today. Such a balanced, team win. Aces vs Storm is going to be good.

They brought the fire last game. But NY won't go down without a fight. They should be embarrassed of that ass whippin' and may be looking for some revenge.

in that they are at home and they CAN beat this team.

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I'm picking the Sun.

I'm thinking Connecticut would be the tougher draw for Chicago. They're wayyyy more talented than Dallas. But as I said before, they're chronic underachievers.

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Stewie got it going and Tina Charles is legit on pace for 25 rebounds.

Kelsey picking up the slack, but Stewie is just on one. 10 minutes left.

I love Kelsey Plum…like, at a Stan level.
I’m sure Becky will figure something out, but the Storm threw 3 different, big and skilled women at A’ja and forced her to play hard defense, all night….and she did it well…but, boy did it zap her energy. She was a non factor on the offensive end.
Chelsea Gray might be the best pure scorer in the league. There’s literally nothing she can’t do. When a bucket is needed, she will get it.
I wish neither of these teams had to lose.

not trying to be funny...honestly asking.

and Tina Charles and Sue Bird beating the the albeit very good but young upstart team is not a steal no matter where they played.

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but, the Sky aren't playing their game. Looking like Game 1 vs. Liberty. James gone get on their heads at halftime.

losing on all the loose balls, getting beat in transition, getting turned over. Ten minutes to get this shit right.

I've watched them all season and outside of Kah, Sloot & sometimes Gardner they fall back if they can't run & have to play a set offense. Super frustrating to watch

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despite a Herculean effort by Ace.

33/13 with 3 blocks. Stewie was not to be outdone but didn't get the W. Good job on Becky and the Aces adjusting and not letting A'Ja get so bogged down, like the other night. This series is gonna be a banger, every game.

They will come out in game 2 and punch you in the mouth right from tip off. But they really just need to stop giving away those opening games at home.

Connecticut has all the talent in the world but they're lacking fire. When they get into a rut or the game starts getting away from them, they look like they're just going through the motions. No one pulls them into a huddle to try and put any energy in them.

Alyssa Thomas is a vet. Dewanna Bonner is a vet with a ring. Jonquel is possibly one of the top 3 players in the league. I don't ever see any of them take command of this squad. Again...they're gonna go down in history as chronic underachievers.

then they came back that Saturday for Game 2 and played the most insane defense I've seen in a long time. Full court pick up, scrambling, team on a string...and they did it from start to finish. They never let up, even with a 30 plus point lead.

Connecticut...*sigh*. They have SO many good players. JJ is so fucking talented. She's almost unguardable. You nailed it. They don't have a personality who gets in their face and says lets fucking go.

thanks to DeWanna. Chicago could have opened it up, a couple of different times. JJ in foul trouble, hasn’t been factor…Bre Jones picks up the slack, doe.

I wonder what big woman could work with her. She could be an absolute dominator.

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I wouldn’t even think that could be real if I didn’t watch the game.

and the flawless execution. 😬😬

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why on Earth didn’t Ezi wrap her up?

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up 4 w/ 13 seconds left, can't let them get a wide open look at that 3.

obviously up 2 w/ .8 left the only look they should get is a desperation moving three.

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their defensive rotations have been two steps slow, all night.

while setting a WNBA playoff record for points in the paint...cuz they got every offensive rebound and a million points from cutting to the basket. Wow

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https://twitter.com/LVAces/status/1567343251593773056?t=gLW2mDS6Tike5XJK95Fm1A&s=19

so I’m staying up for this.

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she hit some massive, timely shots. Chelsea Gray, though...sheesh. Just, wow. WHAT do you do???

Like why didn't Sue just shoot after getting the ball?

Chelsea Gray is something. Lights out.

Anyway, hats off to Sue GOAT who had a legendary career across all levels, collegiate, amateur, and professional.

down 5, you need points. Stewie clearly wasn't expecting to get the ball and just falls down.

She misread the final possession and threw the ball away about two possessions before that. I wonder if she had nerves (understandably because it was her last game) or was fatigued.

Either way, it was a disappointing last landing in her career.

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the way she can get anywhere on the court and get off shots that other women simply can’t, is such a benefit for them.

been low key clutch all series.

they’re doing the thing where they come unglued and no one is there to reel them in. Twenty turnovers against the defending champs is not gonna get it done.

and they’ll have all winter to think about that.

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Common foul with a little shit talking after. Who cares? Let it go.

this game ain’t over.

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Wow…this is happening.

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I’m about a 3 hour drive from the Sun’s arena - was hoping to get to a game this series. Didn’t happen, But glad I’ve got another chance this postseason.

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If only Game 1 was in CT., I’d head out there tomorrow evening and make a weekend of it.

They were up 10 with what...4 minutes left?

and did not score again after the dust up with Bonner and Copper.

I could accept a loss. the Sun are no joke. But to go scoreless like that? To let the Sun finish the game on an 18-0 run? That's embarrassing. I'm salty.

The finals look intriguing though. Right now, I think Vegas is looking like a well oiled machine. But Connecticut is a team that can just put you off your game.

I like Aja & I like Jonquel, so I'll be happy for whichever team wins.

This is tough, but I think I'm gonna pick Connecticut in 5 games.

they will be a different looking team next season. Something like 5 free agents. That little squabble between Copper and Bonner really got the Sun's blood flowing.

My two cents on the Finals. This is the matchup I wanted, honestly. You know I've been on the Sun since the playoffs began. If I was in a betting state, I'd have gone and put some action on them at +425 to win it all. I'm torn because I respect A'ja so much and she just carries herself like a champion...and I absolutely LOVE Kelsey Plum. I think JJ could be the best big woman in the league and the Sun just have some straight up hoopers. No one currently as smooth as A'ja or as prolific as Chelsea...just good players. The Storm showed something in Game 1 when they bogged A'ja down with big, athletic women. The Sun have the women to do that, too...JJ, Alyssa, Brianna. If the Aces aren't running their motion, it could get rough looking. I'm with you, though...I have the Sun winning in 5.

FTR, it's a good thing to me.

For all of the sports I've watched, I haven't watched a lot of women's sports. And if I do, I don't actively think of them in terms of gendered terms. Maybe I just view them as genderless. That might not be the best thing.

But reading your post made me think of how even reading about women's sports adds a dimension that gives an opportunity to reconsider viewpoints on athletes. Obviously, there are differences between the two sexes, but not necessarily a hierarchy or rivalry between the two.

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Kelsey and A’ja are ON. The Sun made up ground with their big lineup. They really need DeWanna Bonner to wake up.

Kelsey has to pick u that slack.

the free throw line.

shoutout to Dearica Hamby, too. Did all the dirty work and defended like her life was on the line.

The Big 3 went and put it on 'em last night. My GF is confidently calling it a sweep on Thurs.

I think Connecticut can claw out a win on Thurs. But if they do get swept, let's just go on and call them the biggest letdown team in recent WWNBA history.

Aces are TOUGH. Plus, Connecticut did beat the defending champs. No shame in making it to the Finals and losing to the best team in the league.

>Aces are TOUGH. Plus, Connecticut did beat the defending
>champs. No shame in making it to the Finals and losing to the
>best team in the league.

Connecticut is super tough and they got some killers on the team. I like them a lot and I would like to see them do well.

But they were the #1 seed last year and lost to the 16-16 Chicago Sky. True, Chicago did go on to win the title. But they were still a .500 team. (Also, I might be bitter since I was 150% sure Connecticut had it locked up last year)

And Vegas is a great squad. If Connecticut loses to them, there shouldn't be any shame. But there should be a good bit of disappointment. The Sun's window is slamming shut fast and it doesn't look like they're gonna have anything to show for it.

looking at this season in a vacuum...4th seed making it to the Finals and losing to the best team in the league is not SO terrible...but, you're right...when you throw in that they got the 4th seed because of super inconsistent play AND last year with JJ being the reigning MVP then going out to a Sky team they should have beaten...feels disappointing.

their best offensive quarter of the playoffs.

but, man...the Sun feed off Dewanna Bonner.

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Go Dawgs!

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for the five of us who care, lol. Seriously though. So far:

Jonquel Jones traded to the NY Liberty. Other names involved, but that's the big one. This is the 2021 League MVP now going to be teamed up with Sabrina Ionescu. Imagine Giannis to the Hawks to pair up with Tre Young. On THAT level. JJ is my favorite player in the league. I'm kinda sad Connecticut couldn't make it happen.

Now, just announced...Ace to the Aces? What??? Candance Parker leaving Chicago and joining Las Vegas. A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum...and Candace Parker?? GTFOH, man! I mentioned it above...that meltdown by the Sky was a crusher and they had 5 or 6 FAs. Not gonna be the same group, this year.

We still don't even know where Stewie will end up, PLUS...Britt back to anchor the Mercury. This season is going to go hard AF. Cannot wait til June.

this is fucking seismic!!! Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart. LOL…can the Liberty/Aces Finals just start this weekend?

The Storm lost Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in one offseason…damn.

Courtney Vandersloot announced she will not be returning to Chicago. She permit her entire career there. TF is the Sky’s plan? They’ve lost Ace, Courtney and Quigley is a FA.

>this is fucking seismic!!! Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu
>and Breanna Stewart. LOL…can the Liberty/Aces Finals just
>start this weekend?
>
>The Storm lost Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in one
>offseason…damn.
>
>Courtney Vandersloot announced she will not be returning to
>Chicago. She permit her entire career there. TF is the
>Sky’s plan? They’ve lost Ace, Courtney and Quigley is a
>FA.

Yo...NY put together a juggernaut here! I've heard rumors that Sloot has been looking at NY too. I don't know if they're really interested or they can afford her. But they could slide Sabrina over to the 2 and let Sloot run the point (she'd average 85 assists/game on this squad). Jonquel & Breanna can go off in the frontcourt.

On the real, I'm sad to see Sloot leave Chicago. I'm a sucker for dope point guards & she's been one of my favorites in the WNBA.

I think Emma Meeseman is a FA too. If her & Quigs leave, Chicago's cupboards are about to be bare as fuck. Why are they all leaving KFC like this though...

https://mobile.twitter.com/itsBTerrell/status/1620614257569153027?cxt=HHwWhoC-xZaFyv0sAAAA

but, yeah...I knew they had 5 or 6 FA. I didn't think they would all get out the door. I'm not saying they HAVE to be on the same team, but I wonder how much weight Courtney leaving has with Quigley, as they are married. If the Liberty gets one of them or BOTH...Reynold's WRAP!

If the chemistry is right, this team is gonna be sick.

but, the writing was on the wall. ZERO surprise she's leaving.

w/ her and Bird gone, probably gonna be a rebuild. i mean, we still have some pieces, but that's two HOFers leaving in one offseason.

what a hurt piece for Chicago...Parker, Vandersloot and Quigley...gone.

but why is everyone bailing? I was going to say I feel bad for the coach but is it him?

all that's been said is she's not retiring. Just not playing this season. She is 36, but damn...she's probably the best 3 point shooter in the league. Any team would love to have her. As for James Wade...I've never heard anything bad about dude. Just saw Azura Stevens is leaving, too...so that's 4 free agents out of the 5 they went into the off-season with, that they haven't retained...and we still don't know what Emma is going to do.

2 games. I wasn’t sure if the Dearica stuff was going to go anywhere.

https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1658509048470175746?s=20

https://www.outkick.com/beck-hammon-suspended-mistreatment-dearica-hamby-aces-pregnant/

but a catch all that covers any medical situation.

I can't believe she was practicing and still getting chastised, sheesh.

I might be wrong on this. But I could have sworn that Nneka recently led the charge for the WNBA to give players some legit protections for pregnancy.

of negotiations and they got a package including maternity leave with full pay.

Hamby’s trade was kinda hidden in all the movement of big dawgs like Ace, JJ and Stewie. When I first saw the tweet where she came out with her concerns, I didn’t know how far it would go…but apparently, Dearica ain’t the one.

I was hoping Dearica would point the finger at some other front office exec. It kinda sucks that it turns out that Hammon was to blame. But Dearica makes a good point about Hammon being a mother of 2 and then shading other women.

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/37670912/aces-becky-hammon-denies-bullying-following-wnba-sanctions