| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Which team wins, and in how many games? |
| Mercury in 3 |
|
4% |
[ 2 ] |
| Mercury in 4 |
|
14% |
[ 6 ] |
| Mercury in 5 |
|
17% |
[ 7 ] |
| Sky in 3 |
|
2% |
[ 1 ] |
| Sky in 4 |
|
48% |
[ 20 ] |
| Sky in 5 |
|
12% |
[ 5 ] |
|
| Total Votes : 41 |
|
| Author |
Message |
Stormeo
Joined: 14 Jul 2019
Posts: 4701
Back to top |
 Posted: 10/08/21 10:23 pm ::: 2021 Finals Matchup – who ya got? |
Reply  |
|
The 5-seed Phoenix Mercury v. The 6-seed Chicago Sky.
A repeat of the 2014 Finals matchup – of which, the Mercury swept the Sky 3-0 to win their 3rd title. The Sky are still title-less here in their 16th season.
GAME 1: Sky @ Mercury. Sunday, Oct. 10 at 3:00 PM ET on ABC.
GAME 2: Sky @ Mercury. Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN.
GAME 3: Mercury @ Sky. Friday, Oct. 15 at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
GAME 4 (if necessary): Mercury @ Sky. Sunday, Oct. 17 at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN.
GAME 5 (if necessary): Sky @ Mercury. Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
So, who ya got?!
Last edited by Stormeo on 10/08/21 10:34 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
Silky Johnson
Joined: 29 Sep 2014
Posts: 3318
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/08/21 10:33 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| I'm going to say the same thing I said before the start of the Mercury/Aces series: either the Sky will win in 4, or the Mercury will win.
_________________
Professional Hater. The Baron of #HateHard
My team no longer exists, so I'll have to settle for hating yours.
|
|
mercfan
Joined: 08 May 2013
Posts: 1910
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/08/21 10:36 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Despite the injuries, I am feeling pretty good about this matchup.
Candace Parker will have to do a lot more than usual to produce against this front court. Griner is primed to explode in the finals after what she faced in the semis.
On the flip side, Chicago could get hot and make it extremely difficult if the Mercury are worn out and the bench gets too short. Luckily for Chicago, Nurse has torched them all season and is out.
The Mercury need to focus on winning this in as few games as possible. Gotta win both at home.
Should be a great series!
|
|
Rock Hard
Joined: 02 Aug 2010
Posts: 5377
Location: Chocolate Paradise
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/08/21 10:57 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| I want speed. I want more speed. I want full throttle SPEED! Feet don't fail me now!⚡🛸
_________________
You can win, as long as you keep your head to the SKY! Be OPTIMISTIC!
|
|
ChicagoAnnie
Joined: 04 Sep 2009
Posts: 9199
Location: St. Paul, MN
Back to top |
|
undersized_post
Joined: 01 Mar 2021
Posts: 2864
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/08/21 11:19 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| It's crazy to think about the fact that Sophie Cunningham singlehandedly saved PHX from being bounced in that first round single elimination game.
_________________
RebKell's 2021-2022 NCAA Fantasy League Regular Season Champion 🏆
|
|
mercfan
Joined: 08 May 2013
Posts: 1910
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 12:00 am ::: |
Reply |
|
Anyone else feel like the media is just glossing over how huge this is for Vandersloot in favor of Parker?
Seems like Vandersloot winning her first title is THE story and she is clearly Chicago’s best player. A win also solidifies her legacy as a tier one all-time pg.
The Candace Parker love is fine, but this is Sloot’s team. Maybe I just think Parker is overrated, I don’t know.
I guess I’ll also answer my own question with another question. What is it that makes Sloot so unmarketable? She has to have the worst talent/media ratio in the league.
|
|
Luuuc
#NATC
Joined: 10 Feb 2005
Posts: 21928
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 2:33 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| TBD
_________________
Thanks for calling. I wait all night for calls like these.
|
|
Cooper2009
Joined: 04 Nov 2017
Posts: 197
Location: Atlanta
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 9:41 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| mercfan wrote: |
Anyone else feel like the media is just glossing over how huge this is for Vandersloot in favor of Parker?
Seems like Vandersloot winning her first title is THE story and she is clearly Chicago’s best player. A win also solidifies her legacy as a tier one all-time pg.
The Candace Parker love is fine, but this is Sloot’s team. Maybe I just think Parker is overrated, I don’t know.
I guess I’ll also answer my own question with another question. What is it that makes Sloot so unmarketable? She has to have the worst talent/media ratio in the league. |
She’s not boisterous and they’ve very rarely ever given her props. So to all of a sudden truly start speaking on her the way they should, is a culture shift.
Candace deserves the love, but I do wish more folks would speak on Slooty and Quigley. I’m hoping they get their ring this time and I don’t think any of them are looking to be denied.
_________________
Nared.
|
|
WNBA 09
Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 12530
Location: Dallas , Texas
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 10:22 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| This won’t be like 2014. PHX is short handed and Chicago can score at all 5 positions meaning shoot the 3 just as well as PHX. Yes BG will have a field day but everybody knows Diana can’t defend a dead man . Skylar will Guard Sloot Peddy will guard Quigley to stay with her around the screens but Diana Guarding Copper is a disaster waiting to happen. Copper can defend DT may still have some good games in this series but Copper does not stop she will force Diana to play both ends or get ran off the floor. With all this being said I’m rooting for Princess to get number 2 but I don’t see it happening. PHX in 4 maybe 5.
_________________
3-Time WNBA Champion-3-Time National Champion-4-Time Olympic Champion....And Yes DT "We Got Confeti" lol
|
|
pilight
Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 66905
Location: Where the action is
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 10:33 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| Guarding Copper is a serious issue for Phoenix. She torched Bonner in Chicago and the Merc don't have a perimeter defender that good. That was Nurse's job.
_________________
I'm a lonely frog
I ain't got a home
|
|
singinerd54
Joined: 18 Feb 2009
Posts: 1817
Location: Missouri
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 10:43 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| pilight wrote: |
| Guarding Copper is a serious issue for Phoenix. She torched Bonner in Chicago and the Merc don't have a perimeter defender that good. That was Nurse's job. |
You don't think Peddy can do a decent job on Copper?
It would probably be a mess offensively, and we certainly don't have the depth to do it for long, but I'd be curious to see how (likely) much better a defensive line up with Turner at the 3 would be.
Do we know Cunningham's status or rumored availability?
|
|
mercfan3
Joined: 23 Nov 2004
Posts: 19760
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 10:57 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| singinerd54 wrote: |
| pilight wrote: |
| Guarding Copper is a serious issue for Phoenix. She torched Bonner in Chicago and the Merc don't have a perimeter defender that good. That was Nurse's job. |
You don't think Peddy can do a decent job on Copper?
It would probably be a mess offensively, and we certainly don't have the depth to do it for long, but I'd be curious to see how (likely) much better a defensive line up with Turner at the 3 would be.
Do we know Cunningham's status or rumored availability? |
I imagine Peddy is too small. Hartley is long, and we could put some spot minutes on her, but I imagine this is going to be Skylar's job. Cunningham isn't bad defensively either if she plays.
I'm much more worried about Parker and Sloot though. I think we're better off cutting off the head of the snake (which Peddy can do). Quigley's gonna score on Taurasi, most likely.
Team defense is hugely important here, especially for Turner and Brit to be in sync.
I'm very interested in how Chicago tries to defend Brit.
The Merc controlling the pace of this game will be important too. Merc are a pick and choose fast break team, but they really don't want to get into it with Chicago.
_________________
“Anyone point out that a Donald Trump anagram is ‘Lord Dampnut’”- Colin Mochrie
|
|
singinerd54
Joined: 18 Feb 2009
Posts: 1817
Location: Missouri
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 11:08 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| mercfan3 wrote: |
I imagine Peddy is too small. Hartley is long, and we could put some spot minutes on her, but I imagine this is going to be Skylar's job. Cunningham isn't bad defensively either if she plays.
I'm much more worried about Parker and Sloot though. I think we're better off cutting off the head of the snake (which Peddy can do). Quigley's gonna score on Taurasi, most likely.
Team defense is hugely important here, especially for Turner and Brit to be in sync. |
I'm inclined to try and make Sloot beat us with her scoring. Taurasi guards her, Skylar on Quigley, Peddy (and hopefully Cunningham) on Copper. Minimal helping all around - I don't see Chicago's bigs scoring much on Turner and Griner. Copper will make some tough shots, but Peddy's ability to stay in front of her is what matters most (to me).
I'd rather Sloot score 30 than have 14 assists. She's been shooting quite well, but it's her distribution that is killer. (Of course, giving up both would be the ultimate killer.)
I don't expect we see this strategy. What hopefully is more likely is Peddy picking up Sloot pretty immediately, particularly after a Chicago defensive rebound. Like you said, cut off the head of the snake (aka Sloot igniting Chicago's transition).
|
|
Stormeo
Joined: 14 Jul 2019
Posts: 4701
Back to top |
|
PUmatty
Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 16358
Location: Chicago
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 12:10 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| mercfan wrote: |
Seems like Vandersloot winning her first title is THE story and she is clearly Chicago’s best player. A win also solidifies her legacy as a tier one all-time pg.
|
I guess. I'd say Copper has been the best player this go-round ...
|
|
Randy
Joined: 08 Oct 2011
Posts: 10911
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 12:17 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| The team that finally started giving a shit v. the team that finally got healthy. Mercury in 3.
|
|
Richyyy
Joined: 17 Nov 2005
Posts: 24351
Location: London
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/09/21 12:52 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| So much of Copper's effectiveness - especially the big buckets that swung momentum - came in transition. A lot of covering that is about work ethic, and setting up so that you can get back in time to get in her way, rather than regular defensive ability. Generally speaking I think Phoenix can do most of that, but it's another thing that gets harder when you're shorthanded. They've got five players left that Brondello has any interest in actually playing (unless Cunningham's getting healthy soon) and 4 games coming up in 8 days barring a sweep. Everyone on both sides looked tired late in last night's game, and I don't think Phoenix can win this series with their starting five all playing 35 minutes a night. |
|
readyAIMfire53
Joined: 20 Nov 2004
Posts: 7372
Location: Durham, NC
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/10/21 8:05 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| Richyyy wrote: |
| So much of Copper's effectiveness - especially the big buckets that swung momentum - came in transition. A lot of covering that is about work ethic, and setting up so that you can get back in time to get in her way, rather than regular defensive ability. Generally speaking I think Phoenix can do most of that, but it's another thing that gets harder when you're shorthanded. They've got five players left that Brondello has any interest in actually playing (unless Cunningham's getting healthy soon) and 4 games coming up in 8 days barring a sweep. Everyone on both sides looked tired late in last night's game, and I don't think Phoenix can win this series with their starting five all playing 35 minutes a night. |
This is Chicago's year. Having Candace out so long to begin the season really hurt the chemistry building. But now that they have it, this is finally their year. They ended up getting decent players when EDD wanted out, in Copper and Dolson. Don't overlook the effectiveness of Dolson's screens for Quig's automatic threes. Then, effective coaching finally made them the destination of choice for a free agent - the final ingredient in Candace. Plus having another big who can also score outside in Azura - and can also help guard BG - is HUGE.
Dolson will go in to set screens and give 6 fouls guarding BG. Ndour will give 6 fouls.
Diana gave it her all to get into the finals and her (lack of) defense is a field day for Chicago guards. I mean, Diana can't even do her usual minimal effort on defense right now. Her body is just d-o-n-e. I think her performance to get Phoenix into the finals is a great parting shot for the goat.
Hate to break it to you like this, but both Dee and Sue are retiring. This season - including Olympics - was a great way for both of them to finish. Breana's injury was a tough break for Sue, but that's the way the ball bounces sometimes.
_________________
Follow your passion and your life will be true down to your core.
~rAf
|
|
mercfan3
Joined: 23 Nov 2004
Posts: 19760
Back to top |
|
Silky Johnson
Joined: 29 Sep 2014
Posts: 3318
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/10/21 3:32 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| mercfan3 wrote: |
| But Diana is 39 and playing on a high ankle sprain and fracture in her foot. She’s also not the most important player on the team anymore. So maybe that rule won’t be as effective here. |
If you say so. Taurasi is the only player in the WNBA today that I fear. She is the sole reason why I did not believe that the Aces could beat the Mercury, if it went to five games.
| Quote: |
| There seems to be a lot of concern about Phoenix’s defense here..but what is Chicago going to do with Griner? Stevens gets in foul trouble, and now Chicago has to play Dolson. - which means it’s basically 6 on 4 :wink: |
Except you don't have to beat Griner to beat Phoenix. If anything, depending too much on Griner's offense might make Phoenix easier to defend.
| Quote: |
| The advantage Chicago has is depth. |
Vegas had the same advantage, and look where it got them.
_________________
Professional Hater. The Baron of #HateHard
My team no longer exists, so I'll have to settle for hating yours.
|
|
readyAIMfire53
Joined: 20 Nov 2004
Posts: 7372
Location: Durham, NC
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/10/21 4:38 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| mercfan3 wrote: |
I'm very interested in how Chicago tries to defend Brit.
|
Chicago didn't "try" to defend Griner - they did the damn thing. Excellent gameplan and supreme execution. Griner did not have the legs to fight through two bigs and couldn't figure out quickly enough who was open when she got doubled. Chicago was brilliant in sending two bigs to double and rotating to smother Turner simultaneously. The fact that Sky players executed flawlessly was the #1 key to this game. (well, a thoroughly hobbled Taurasi also helped)
_________________
Follow your passion and your life will be true down to your core.
~rAf
|
|
mercfan3
Joined: 23 Nov 2004
Posts: 19760
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/10/21 4:55 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| readyAIMfire53 wrote: |
| mercfan3 wrote: |
I'm very interested in how Chicago tries to defend Brit.
|
Chicago didn't "try" to defend Griner - they did the damn thing. Excellent gameplan and supreme execution. Griner did not have the legs to fight through two bigs and couldn't figure out quickly enough who was open when she got doubled. Chicago was brilliant in sending two bigs to double and rotating to smother Turner simultaneously. The fact that Sky players executed flawlessly was the #1 key to this game. (well, a thoroughly hobbled Taurasi also helped) |
They did a good job this game. But that’s not aggressive Griner that we have seen all playoffs. And I don’t think it was entirely on Chicago. When Brit starts setting screens at the three point line all game instead of posting up, that’s usually trouble for the Mercury.
Edit: DT is the most important in the sense that she’s the leader, and the game isn’t over until she says it is. But Griner is now the teams best player. And although it’s important to score in a variety of ways, when the offense runs through Britney, the Mercury are really hard to beat.
_________________
“Anyone point out that a Donald Trump anagram is ‘Lord Dampnut’”- Colin Mochrie
|
|
pilight
Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 66905
Location: Where the action is
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/10/21 5:28 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| singinerd54 wrote: |
| pilight wrote: |
| Guarding Copper is a serious issue for Phoenix. She torched Bonner in Chicago and the Merc don't have a perimeter defender that good. That was Nurse's job. |
You don't think Peddy can do a decent job on Copper? |
That didn't work. What else ya got?
_________________
I'm a lonely frog
I ain't got a home
|
|
singinerd54
Joined: 18 Feb 2009
Posts: 1817
Location: Missouri
Back to top |
| Posted: 10/10/21 5:46 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| pilight wrote: |
| singinerd54 wrote: |
| You don't think Peddy can do a decent job on Copper? |
That didn't work. What else ya got? |
Peddy or Skylar is the right matchup. But it's the tactic that needs to shift. Take another step back. Make her shoot 3s or shoot over you.
But really, it's not like Copper was the one solving an otherwise stout defense.
|
|
|
|
Also, BG is has a very nice mid-range from around the FT line, somebody has to go out there and try to guard that too.
