The Houston Roundball Review's Archived WNBA Notebook: July 16, 2000

The WNBA notebook was updated throughout the 2000 season.

Charlotte Sting: 4 - 17. Summary: The watch to see when Coach T.R. Dunn will be fired has begun. Injuries early in the season were a big factor in the poor start; but, the Sting just haven’t put any type of consistent effort together from one half to the next let alone one game to the next.

Cleveland Rockers: 12 - 8. Summary: The team has won 4 straight since starting F Eva Nemcova tore her ACL. F Chasity Melvin has done a great job of scoring down low and in the paint. G Merlakia Jones has increased her scoring as well.

Detroit Shock: 10 - 10. Summary: Despite the injuries, the new faces, as well as a very young squad, Detroit holds a 2.5 game last for the 4th and last playoff spot in the East. G Dominique Canty has returned from an injured groin and her return will boost the Shock’s scoring attack. The team is still inconsistent; but, as long as they play solid defense, they’re offensive fire power should be enough to make the playoffs.

Houston Comets: 19 - 3. Summary: Despite playing without an injured Cynthia Cooper, the Comets should not have blown a 14 point lead to LA in the last 8 plus minutes versus the Sparks. That loss could come back to haunt Houston since the Sparks now own the head to head tiebreaker. Houston has 10 games left (4 home, 6 away); so, they can’t afford a slip up or they may not have home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Indiana Fever: 5 - 15 Summary: Losing 10 straight really zapped the team’s confidence; however, they won 2 straight before losing another game. Quite honestly, Stephanie McCarty has failed to live up to the expectations placed on her before the season began. C Kara Wolters has been the major bright spot all season.

Los Angeles Sparks: 18 - 3. Summary: They stubbed their toe versus Portland at home to end a club record to 12 game winning streak; however, LA bounced back and found a way to defeat the Comets the following game. LA needs to continue winning on their current homestand because they end the season on a 6 game road trip which could lose them home court advantage. F DeLisha Milton needs to regain her focus. She’s lost her cool the last 2 games and that lack of composure may hurt come playoff time.

Miami Sol: 7 - 14. Summary: Simply put, Miami can’t score and they can’t shoot. Coach Ron Rothstein publicly criticized his team for their inability to put the ball in the basket. The team still plays excellent defense; but, even the defense has begun to falter lately. Not good.

Minnesota Lynx: 10 - 11. Summary: Six straight losses have just about ended Minnesota playoff hopes. G Betty Lennox should win Rookie of the Year. F Katie Smith continues to lead the team in scoring; however, no teammates have stepped up on offense to help Smith and Lennox.

New York Liberty: 12 - 9. Summary: Five straight wins have vaulted New York to within 1 game of first place in the East. C Tari Phillips continues to be a rock on offense and F Tamika Whitmore has finally gotten into shape and returned to her scoring output from last season. The team’s experience could vault them into the Finals once more.

Orlando Miracle: 13 - 8. Summary: Three All - Stars (Nykesha Sales, Shannon Johnson, and Taj McWilliams) shows Orlando has talent. They play 7 of their final 11 on the road; so, holding onto first in the East won’t be easy.

Phoenix Mercury: 13 - 7. Summary: Michelle Timms is out for the season following knee surgery. Ankle injuries to Jennifer Gillom and Michelle Griffiths have hurt the club’s depth; but, the team has managed to win and move into third place in the West. Nine of their last 12 games are at home which should be a big help. Phoenix could pose big problems in the playoffs.

Portland Fire: 7 - 13. Summary: Winning in LA shows Portland’s potential. Once they realize how to win the close games, Portland could be a team on the rise in the Western Conference. G Sophia Witherspoon continues to be on a scoring tear.

Sacramento Monarchs: 13 - 9. Summary: Sacramento has lost 3 straight. The team defense has broken down and the perimeter shooting has struggled as well. Yo Griffith and Tangela Smith continue to play great; however, no one has stepped up to be a consistent third scoring option.

Seattle Storm: 3 - 18. Summary: Something is obviously wrong in Seattle. Calling team meetings usually don’t fix the problem. The team has lost 13 of 14 and the offense is in a major funk. Michelle Edwards and Edna Campbell returning to the lineup should help a little.

Utah Starzz: 12 - 10. Summary: A healthy Jennifer Azzi has been a huge factor in Utah’s success of late. They’ve won 3 straight including a win at Sacramento. F Natalie Williams continues to post a double - double every game. They trail the fourth and final playoff spot by 1 game; but, they own the head to head tiebreaker over Phoenix and Sacramento who are in front of them.

Washington Mystics: 9 - 12. Summary: Coach Nancy Darsch resigned last week ending her tumultuous season with the club. New interim coach Darrell Walker may realize Darsch was right about 1 thing: the team lacks the maturity to win. The Mystics turn the ball over too much and, lately, they’re defense has been non -existent as well.

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