What’s that Michael Jackson song…

“Dagger Di-A-NAH!” Taurasi’s 3 with 15 seconds left sealed the Merc win over Seattle and added (some) clarity to the playoff picture. And I don’t think Sue really cared that she didn’t get the assist record (yet).

What will it take for the Storm to reach the postseason?

“We need to win, either one or both to make sure we can get in,” said coach Gary Kloppenburg. “It’s a hard league. Our league, from top to bottom, talent-wise, is very close. I expect both those games to be a war out there on the East Coast.”

Chicago ignored my comments and got steamrolled by the Liberty…and the Liberty’s bench! Which means they get a bye (bye, bye!).

“The way we’re playing, [said Charles] I wish we had more games [only two remain]. Maybe we could’ve climbed into the top two teams . . . We started off uncertain. Hopefully, we can finish off unforgettable.”

Sold out crowd at Staples got a treat, as LA handled Minnesota with (defensive) style. As we look to the future: No surprise, much of the Lynx’s depends on Whalen, ’cause, as Mechelle writes, the Sparks are picking up momentum as WNBA playoffs near

“It’s fun to play in an atmosphere like that,” said center Candace Parker, who led L.A. with 24 points and 10 rebounds. “It’s fun to play with the team we have, and to play the Lynx. We both know each other so well. It’s like playing chess, and I love that.

“I hope things are clicking going into playoffs. I know that I have to be aggressive and assertive, and I’m able to do that now. I’m healthy, moving well, and I feel good.”

Speaking of healthy and moving well, gimme a minute to put on my surprised face: Minnesota Lynx Sign Forward Cecilia Zandalasini

Been thinking of all my Houston Comet friends. So, if you want to help:

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Well, hello Northwest!

Specifically:

Evening at the Key started right.

Got a hug from a total stranger after the anthem….

Game was fun – though Sue Bird-less (knee) and still Whalen-less. I got “W in the 90’s” flashbacks with the low scoring, physicality and defensive fierceness. Oh, and that 5-minute scoring drought? Classic Lib v. Cleveland (look the Rockers up, newbies!).

When that little Langhorne putback fell and gave Seattle the lead, I’m betting most of the folks in the arena did what my little ensemble did – look at each other and say, “11 seconds is a lot of time.” Still not sure how Syl didn’t make that shot.

Random observations:

• Smells like real jalapeños on those nachos the arena serves.
• Like the fact that the ushers are totally pro-Storm.
• Shout out to the little girl in the spelling bee contest who, when asked to spell “Sue Bird,” quietly panicked and just started saying random letters. I’d have given her the win.
• Yes, the Liberty got the best of the Swords for a couple of Seattle draft picks deal.
• If Kaleena wants to see more than end-of-the-quarter minutes on the W court, she’s going to have to get into better shape. Watching her try and keep up with Maya was…comical.
• There’s nothing like watching Big Syl school second-year Stewart in the paint. Muscle and footwork beats not-quite as much muscle and footwork every time.
• Not happy to see shoulda-been-a-Lib Brunson wince her way to the bench. Last I heard was “walking boot” and “two weeks.”
• Moore had a pretty sucky shooting night, but near the end, she nailed a couple “in most games those would have been the nails in the coffin” kinda shots. Kudos to the Storm players for punching them out and getting the win.
• Key Arena is a great place to watch a game. It’s a little tattered around the edges, but the love is real.

See y’all a the game tomorrow night!

A couple more shots of the surrounding area:

 

 

 

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NOW where are you going???? *say the cats*

Last 30 days have seen me in….

St. Thomas

Grey Angelfish

Four Eyed Butterflyfish

New Orleans

Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/Key Largo

Honeycomb Cowfish

Rainbow Parrotfish

and now… OFF TO Portland/Seattle!!!! Gonna catch two Storm game and one Rose Hill Roller Derby match. Anyone around? I’ll be wearing the Suuuuuueeeeee jersey!

Fair warning – first time in Seattle, not only were we shooting pictures with FILM *gasp* but I won the Storm trivia quiz on the bus to Spokane. (Long story) You better step up your game, Storm fans!

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Short takes…

New York Liberty be like, “We can compete with the best!” LA and Minnesota be like, “Simmer down, friends.”

WNBA – “Yeah, we’re playing San Antonio, a guaranteed win!” San Antonio, “Nah, friends.”

Storm – “We’ve got a lot of young talent! How exciting!” Seattle fans, “Not so much, friends.”

Prognosticators – “Ouch, Chiney’s out again… it’s gonna be a tough year for Connecticut.” Sun plays, “Not so fast, friends.”

Chicago fans – “Dabnabbit, everyone leaves.” Sky players, “Some of us are still here, kids.”

And yes, still in New Orleans….at a conference. Really. I’m attending ALL the sessions….

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Minnesota moving through the opposition like….

3….

2….

1….

Yes, I’m at a work conference in New Orleans….

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