Thanks, Cija! It's fascinating to watch. I 100% understand having to win at all costs at this point. But if that was happening over and over throughout the first 20 games of the season, then it's no wonder the team got worn out and broke down after the All-Star break. The 3rd period of this game was really eye-opening to me. There was no reason to play the starters that much, and getting the bench more reps will pay dividends.
I think the Storm were in 4th place at the midway point. But who gives a shhh if they get so worn down that they lose 8 of 10 games and drop out of a playoff spot by the end of the season? The Aces struggled early, but look at them now.
Other than kind of falling apart in the 4th Quarter especially on defense, the Storm played a good game. They need to keep playing loose and having fun but with an intensity showing everyone that they can't be messed with and they will come out on top in these last 8 games. Dom is doing great and she needs to keep getting more minutes - more than 20 minutes per game and let Nneka get more rest each game. I liked seeing Sky and Nneka taking and making more 3-pointers. The rest of the team needs to do that, too. Pretty soon we'll be able to blow some teams out if we keep taking care of the ball and playing the toughest defense in the league. It's encouraging.
Your “balance between rest and wins” section is spot on. Couldn’t agree more.
Thanks, Cija! It's fascinating to watch. I 100% understand having to win at all costs at this point. But if that was happening over and over throughout the first 20 games of the season, then it's no wonder the team got worn out and broke down after the All-Star break. The 3rd period of this game was really eye-opening to me. There was no reason to play the starters that much, and getting the bench more reps will pay dividends.
I think the Storm were in 4th place at the midway point. But who gives a shhh if they get so worn down that they lose 8 of 10 games and drop out of a playoff spot by the end of the season? The Aces struggled early, but look at them now.
Other than kind of falling apart in the 4th Quarter especially on defense, the Storm played a good game. They need to keep playing loose and having fun but with an intensity showing everyone that they can't be messed with and they will come out on top in these last 8 games. Dom is doing great and she needs to keep getting more minutes - more than 20 minutes per game and let Nneka get more rest each game. I liked seeing Sky and Nneka taking and making more 3-pointers. The rest of the team needs to do that, too. Pretty soon we'll be able to blow some teams out if we keep taking care of the ball and playing the toughest defense in the league. It's encouraging.