On to the next game ... it's camp time! All the people who just started watching WNBA get to say, WTF? A 9 AM tip off on a Wednesday? And why is the crowd noise so high pitched? Sadly I have this work thing going on during the day, so I'll have to watch the replay later.
Kind of hoping that CC is able to play, but is rusty and messes up their chemistry. But, she'll probably play and hit 14 threes to get back at the Valks for shutting her down in Chase.
Let’s start on a happier note. Iliana got married today, just like the French press had reported!
Now, onto the game. Q4 was rough to watch, as usual, and it’s definitely something the team still needs to find a solution for. I know a lot of people have been pushing hard for a “star player” to close games, but I honestly don’t think that’s what we need. The obsession with that label feels a bit misplaced especially with an expansion team. It kind of reminds me of the Giants (lololol) everyone thought adding Devers would fix the offense, but the real problem had always been there. It just looked better before because our pitchers were carrying everything. Same idea here: a slight system tweak in the fourth quarter might matter more than adding a “star,” like trusting the bench more instead of overworking heavy-legged starters.
On a side note, we need to remember that Janelle joined the team late after the season had already started, and still debuted as a starter in the Washington game. I think Nat, the coaching staff, and even the gen public might be overthinking the challenge of integrating Ja and Ceci.
Good analysis, esp the Giants comp. It looks like Valks start out connected and confident, and then when things get more challenging, they lose the connectedness. On the road, they haven’t figured out how to push through together, how to problem solve as a unit. The Ballhalla crowd keeps them focused and confident. They’re going to have to figure out how to do that on their own out in the world. I also think Natalie might have less confidence/clarity on the road.
Some weird coaching moments today (though none of it would overcome the turnovers regardless lol) but none close to as bad as failing to challenge the facially incorrect inbounds violation call.
Separately: what a horrible process and call from that ref lol
Anyway man do things get tight in the fourth quarter for our Valks! Too bad, but two straight road losses against top four teams in which they were right there coming into the stretch - frustrating closings but I’ll take it tbh
Great analysis as always Eric. Would’ve liked to see Carla today, hoping she can be a spark against the fever
On to the next game ... it's camp time! All the people who just started watching WNBA get to say, WTF? A 9 AM tip off on a Wednesday? And why is the crowd noise so high pitched? Sadly I have this work thing going on during the day, so I'll have to watch the replay later.
Kind of hoping that CC is able to play, but is rusty and messes up their chemistry. But, she'll probably play and hit 14 threes to get back at the Valks for shutting her down in Chase.
Let’s start on a happier note. Iliana got married today, just like the French press had reported!
Now, onto the game. Q4 was rough to watch, as usual, and it’s definitely something the team still needs to find a solution for. I know a lot of people have been pushing hard for a “star player” to close games, but I honestly don’t think that’s what we need. The obsession with that label feels a bit misplaced especially with an expansion team. It kind of reminds me of the Giants (lololol) everyone thought adding Devers would fix the offense, but the real problem had always been there. It just looked better before because our pitchers were carrying everything. Same idea here: a slight system tweak in the fourth quarter might matter more than adding a “star,” like trusting the bench more instead of overworking heavy-legged starters.
On a side note, we need to remember that Janelle joined the team late after the season had already started, and still debuted as a starter in the Washington game. I think Nat, the coaching staff, and even the gen public might be overthinking the challenge of integrating Ja and Ceci.
Good analysis, esp the Giants comp. It looks like Valks start out connected and confident, and then when things get more challenging, they lose the connectedness. On the road, they haven’t figured out how to push through together, how to problem solve as a unit. The Ballhalla crowd keeps them focused and confident. They’re going to have to figure out how to do that on their own out in the world. I also think Natalie might have less confidence/clarity on the road.
Some weird coaching moments today (though none of it would overcome the turnovers regardless lol) but none close to as bad as failing to challenge the facially incorrect inbounds violation call.
Separately: what a horrible process and call from that ref lol
Anyway man do things get tight in the fourth quarter for our Valks! Too bad, but two straight road losses against top four teams in which they were right there coming into the stretch - frustrating closings but I’ll take it tbh
Great analysis as always Eric. Would’ve liked to see Carla today, hoping she can be a spark against the fever