» Thursday, July 2, 2009
Jodie's recap: Seattle @ Phoenix (16:31)
In a battle for second place on the leaderboard, Seattle were outplayed by Phoenix today in a 93 to 81 loss. While the result was disappointing there were some big improvements over their game against LA. Their teamwork, energy and communication were noticeably better and 4 shooters scored double digits, LJ with 17 points. They only turned the ball over 13 times tonight. The big difference was in the 3 pointers, Seattle with 3 from 10 and Phoenix with 12 from 24.
The first quarter opened well with LJ making a 3 pointer (her only one for the game) and Bird scoring a 2 in the opening seconds of the game. The pace was quick with the teams basically going basket for basket. Seattle were getting quick offence from their rebounds and Coach Agler was using the bench early. It was quite physical, lots of pushing and holding going on by both teams. No one really dominated in the quarter, Seattle led 25 to 22.
Phoenix came out with a much more aggressive and varied defence in the second quarter, they were forcing turnovers and scoring from them. Taurasi and Pondexter started landing their 3's, with Seattle not responding to Phoenix's quicker ball movement. LJ had 12 points for the half but wasn't being allowed to take many shots. Luckily the other Seattle shooters stepped up tonight and kept Seattle in the game, though 3 pointers were hard to come by. Half time saw Seattle up 50 to 47 but it wasn't convincing.
LJ started the third quarter with a bandage on her right knee. Phoenix came out quickly, using a man to man defence (again mixing it up) and with a 11/0 scoring run. Coach Agler was forced to call 2 early timeouts in the first 2 minutes as Seattle's first 2 plays misfired...it looked like poor communication. Phoenix's superior defence was highlighted when Seattle failed in 4 attempts (3 offensive rebounds plus the initial shot) to score, no fouls called, just really good defence. Emotions started to run hot, Wright was called for a flagrant foul! This actually helped Seattle as the officials took a lot of time to review the incident, stopping the momentum and letting players cool off. LJ again injured her right knee in a fall and was rested with a couple of minutes left. A technical foul was called on Cash for protesting a call (or lack of call) on a block and strip by Taurasi. Emotions still high, Phoenix leading 72 to 61 at the break, LJ didn't score.
Fortunately LJ returned in the final quarter, she looked to be moving well. Seattle came out more focused and were again moving quickly from the rebounds. Cash was looking to score and LJ was setting screens. Seattle got within 3 points early, however emotions were still hot. A technical foul was called on LJ, I guess she said something to an official that they couldn't repeat on air because it wasn't explained. Phoenix were better at collecting the loose ball and were scoring from it. Coach Agler sent his bench in with about 4 minutes to go. LJ was flexing her right knee while watching the rest of the game. Phoenix won 93 to 81.
While this was a better performance by Seattle, they need to find answers to an opponent that is quick and consistently aggressive in defense. Hopefully the upcoming run of 4 home games will help kick start some winning momentum!
