ARCHIVE: The Houston Roundball Review's 2001 WNBA Notebooks
2001 WNBA Notebook: thru July 8th
Charlotte Sting: 7 -10. Summary: Charlotte has won six straight games after they had a team meeting and rookie center Tammy Sutton - Brown was inserted into the starting line-up. Brown gives the team a solid low post presence on defense as well as providing the Sting with the "dirty work" which they've lacked. G Tonya Edwards has been a key to the team's success during the winning streak, too. F Allison Feaster has surprised some with her offensive rebounding and her scoring; however, the Sting's success still comes from their star guards: Dawn Staley and Andrea Stinson. If those 2 play well, then Charlotte is, typically, in every game.
Cleveland Rockers: 12 - 5. Summary: The Rockers play a grind it out style that is not pretty to watch; but, it is very effective in the win column. Their team defense only allows 54 points per game. Head coach Dan Hughes has done a fantastic job instilling a defense first attitude in his players. Merlakia Jones has been the team's most consistent offensive threat; however, if Chasity Melvin can provide low post scoring and Helen Darling can score from her point guard spot, Cleveland has a very good shot to advance very far in the playoffs.
Detroit Shock: 4 - 11. Summary: Detroit has lost 8 of 9. The team struggles to score almost every game. Different players lead the team in scoring game in and game out. No one has played consistently well all season. Coach Greg Williams is trying to maintain patience; but, the frustration of losing has to be getting to him. The Shock hardly draw any fans for their home games; so, rumblings of the team being relocated (possibly to Chicago) are swirling around.
Houston Comets: 12 - 3. Summary: After winning a season best 9 straight games to improve to 9 - 1, as well as enduring rescheduled games, the team has lost 2 of their last 5. In addition to Janeth Arcain and Tina Thompson, the team's offense is still searching for a consistent third scorer. Rookie F Amanda Lassiter has shown signs of being that 3rd option; however, she has to develop more aggression and self - confidence. The team embarks on a six game road trip beginning in Sacramento on July 10. Back up point guard and production from the center spot are still concerns.
Indiana Fever: 5 - 10. Summary: Indiana is playing a lot of close games. Unfortunately, they aren't winning many of those games. G Rita Williams has been the team's best player all season. F Olympia Scott - Richardson is excelling in her role as offensive rebounder and scoring on put backs. Rookie F Tamika Catchings is still recovering from her torn ACL she injured while playing at the University of Tennessee a few months ago.
Los Angeles Sparks: 14 - 3. Summary: LA lost three straight on a long road trip; but, they've recovered and haven't lost since. The team is undefeated at home; and Lisa Leslie is posting MVP type numbers. Leslie has posted 9 double-doubles. The offense has improved since the coaching staff stopped trying to make Leslie a small forward and returned her to scoring down in the post. The Sparks aren't well liked because, at times, they can't handle a team matching their own physical play; but, their talent continues to make them the best team "on paper".
Miami Sol: 7 - 9. Summary: Miami has far too much talent to have a losing record. G Sandy Brondello has struggled with her scoring most of the season. Unfortunately for Miami, Sheri Sam and Elena Baranova have struggled scoring, too. Miami's team defense has bent a few times as well during their losing streak. Because they play in the Eastern Conference, Miami is still in good position to qualify for the playoffs.
Minnesota Lynx: 5 - 10. Summary: The team has lost six straight. G Betty Lennox injured her hip capsule and no one has stepped up to share the scoring load with F Katie Smith. Rookie Svetlana Abrosimova has shown flashes of her ability; but, she's still adjusting to the pro game. Katie leads the league in scoring; but, she's getting no help from her teammates. The team has had losing streaks like this current one each year under coach Brian Agler. The previous streaks all resulted in missing the playoffs. This year seems to be no different.
New York Liberty: 12 - 5. Summary: New York still has maddening scoring droughts from time to time; however, their defense remains as formidable as ever. With her outstanding play, C Tari Phillips continues to show why she is one of the best centers in the league. If Becky Hammon isn't scoring from the outside and as long as Crystal Robinson stays healthy, the Liberty will always have a solid perimeter scoring threat on the court.
Orlando Miracle: 5 - 10. Summary: Orlando has underachieved all season. They've lost 4 of 5. Even with Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson healthy, the team is still struggling to score. Orlando has had breakdowns in effort and execution in close games. Coach Carolyn Peck hasn't given up on the season; but, it seems most of Orlando's fans sure have. However, they do play in the East; so, the season is by no means lost.
Phoenix Mercury: 6 - 10. Summary: Star player Brandy Reed was suspended for the season; and, Phoenix is still adjusting to life on the court without her. F Lisa Harrison has been the team's best all around player this season. Rookie Kristen Veal is still struggling with her outside shooting; but, she has improved her decision making when running the offense. Coach Cynthia Cooper is still tinkering with line-ups and establishing team confidence and chemistry. Even if the team improves over the second half of this season, it will be difficult for them to make the playoffs in the Western Conference.
Portland Fire: 9 - 7. Summary: Rookie sensation Jackie Stiles has quieted all the critics who questioned whether she'd be successful in the pros with her great ability to score over taller defenders. Stiles makes the Fire go; however, point guard Tully Bevilaqua is crucial to the team's success. Tully's presence provides a stabilizing influence when she's on the court. Sophia Witherspoon has big games this season; but, she hasn't been as consistent as she'd like. Coach Linda Hargrove has done a great job transforming this club into an exciting, energetic successful team which could be playoff bound in only their second season in the league. However, they have to recover from blowing a 17 point lead in a loss to Utah.
Sacramento Monarchs: 10 - 7. Summary: Coach Sonny Allen resigned and the team won four straight under coach Maura McHugh. As long as Ticha Penicheiro stays healthy, the Monarchs are one of the best teams in the league. C Kara Wolters has been a big surprise on offense. F Yolanda Griffith is beginning to dominate games like usual; and, Yo should flourish now that McHugh is the head coach. Consistent scoring from the perimeter (Ruthie Bolton - Holifield and Kedra Holland - Corn) is key to Sacramento's success the rest of the season.
Seattle Storm: 8 - 9. Summary: Rookie C Lauren Jackson is still doing everything for the Storm. G Semeka Randall has struggled on offense of late. This team has scoring droughts that have to drive Coach Lin Dunn crazy. Scoring under points in a WNBA game is pathetic; and, the Storm has done it twice this season. The club will have to develop more consistency on offense in order to maintain a realistic shot of making the playoffs this season.
Utah Starzz: 7 - 8. Summary: Supposedly, Coach Fred Williams' resignation surprised the entire organization; however, that seems difficult to believe considering how disappointing the team has performed all season. Candi Harvey is the coach for the rest of the season. The team has talented players at every position; however, the players don't seem to know how to close out games or play together in crunch time. Though she's continued to post good numbers, F Natalie Williams has not dominated like she's done in the past. Rookie G Marie Ferdinand is quickly becoming a money player. Coming from 17 points down to win at Portland is a huge win for the team.
Washington Mystics: 5 - 11. Summary: The Mystics continue to struggle. Coach Tom Maher has not connected with his players; and, G Nikki McCray has played poorly all season. Chamique Holdsclaw has been the brightest for the team all season. Rookie Helen Luz has been a spark, too; but, the rest of the team continues to settle for perimeter shots instead of attacking the basket or throwing the ball to the low post. Vicki Bullett has not played her best ball this season either.
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