Seattle Storm vs. San Antonio Silver Stars

Storm--65
Silver Stars-- 75

My listening to the game was completely and totally destroyed by stupid Rogers, my internet provider. They, once again, screw up our connection just when Lauren Jackson came on air to help in the broadcast in the 2nd quarter. Stupid, stupid, stupid. My sister had to call them and they had to "help" us set our internet connections right again. In all honesty, however, Rogers has been giving us crappy connection for the past month, after they said that we had been using our internet too much. That's bull because we have unlimited access to the internet and that's what we're paying for. Needless to say, I'm not at all pleased that I missed LJ calling the plays and the player profile she did with Sue Bird. Rogers, watch your backs.

On to the game.

While we lost by 10 points, it really didn't feel like a bad loss. It's probably because we already clinched a playoff spot and we weren't playing with LJ. Apart from this, it's not like we were struggling throughout the game. There was this time near the end of the fourth quarter when we were down only by three, with our bench trying to get us the win. It all kind of fell apart in the final minute or so to get the Stars a 10 point victory, but I don't feel like the bench played badly or anything. They didn't let the game get away from them, although they didn't have great statistical games. As long as they can keep it productive while they're there and they're not going to make stupid mistakes, things will be okay. Good stuff.

I'm happy to report that our bench had significant minutes on the floor. Since we all know how the starters perform with their minutes, I'll start off with the bench numbers.

Barbara Turner played 30:46 minutes. She had 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and a block.

Edwige Lawson-Wade had 19:26 minutes on the floor. She had 3 points (a half court shot!), 2 rebounds and an assist.

Tanisha Wright had 2 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds in 19:49.

Ashley Robinson had 2 points, 3 rebounds and a block in 21:43.

They aren't staggering numbers, but they're decent for me because they didn't shoot a low percentage. They didn't force shots when they were on the floor, instead passing the ball to a starter that was on the floor with them. Nothing was rushed, nothing was cringeworthy.

The starters did as the starters always do, minus the Lauren Jackson factor, of course.

Sue Bird had 9 points and 2 rebounds. Sadly, no assists. There goes the assists title....

Betty Lennox had 17 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds. Ahh....Betty is playing well (In fairness, she's been playing well all year. It's just a great feeling down the stretch when Betty is confident and shooting pretty well). I feel strangely confident for the playoffs. Just please, Betty, please don't get injured. Get off your knee if you need to.

Tiffani Johnson had 4 points, 7 rebounds and a block. Okay, I've been pretty critical of TJ up to this point of the season. It all started when we caught games in Seattle and my sister actually screamed everytime someone tried to pass to #5 (she really can't handle certain passes). However, she had NO turnovers in this game and seems to be rebounding the ball pretty well. I may have to tone it down a bit. Heck, I should be pleased she's practically the only post player who hasn't gotten injured this year. Everyone might just have to switch to her diet and training regimen.

Iziane Castro Marques had 11 points, 8 rebounds and an assist. Awesome past several games by Izi. I may go as far as saying she's been that oomph that's been getting us wins. BTW, if anyone is keeping track of the free agents on the team, Izi is one after this season. Re-sign her pronto!

Janell Burse had 10 points and 8 rebounds. On the downside, she had 6 turnovers. I think her shoulder is still bothering her quite a bit. Also, she became the primary target down low which could have increased her turnovers. No problem. JB still had a good game. I'm leaning towards resting her too for the Houston game. There were several scary moments with the shoulder today. Okay, I said I wouldn't go off on TJ again, but I just have to say: we need JB for the playoffs. We need BOTH JB and LJ for the postseason. No question about it.

Next game is at Houston. Interesting scenario playing out. Houston has had numerous chances to clinch but they haven't. Tonight, they lost a freaking awesome match against the Mercury in 3 overtimes 111-110. Phoenix is still in the hunt for the playoffs. Houston needs to beat the Storm on Saturday to clinch. If they don't, the Mercs have a chance if they win their remaining games. Their last game is a toughie against Sacramento. Houston, though, has a great chance of winning against Seattle. It's not even about us tanking. It's about keeping our players healthy and getting them healthy by resting them. Sorry, Phoenix, but we have to rest LJ. Much as we like the way you guys play and everything, LJ isn't going to play that Houston game. At least, she shouldn't. Strange how the Comets had the same chances to clinch as we had but they lost to Charlotte and now to Phoenix. The Phoenix game is understandable but the Comets had to beat Charlotte. On the other hand, the Storm faced a tougher road with Detroit first on their road schedule and the Storm won. It makes me prouder of all the Storm players. And, yes, Houston fans, the Storm have been bit by the injury bug as well. Other people on our team have just gritted their teeth and made it happen.

GO STORM!