Phoenix Game

[University Blue]

Ouch. Did anyone see the game? What happened?!

Do you suppose Cheryl Miller, who played with Cooper in the past, knows how to defend Cooper?

Maybe Cooper knows that Phoenix (and Sacramento) are legitimate contenders and does not want to "give away" too much of her moves in the regular season.

[Calvin23]

From what I saw, Cooper got double teamed on the sidelines throughout the game. You've gotta keep the ball in the middle. I remember Calvin constantly talking about this doing the Rockets season.

I'm sure this was just a case of the Comets playing 4 games in one week. Just a little fatigue. Give Mercury credit for great defense, but I guarantee you we won't see them play this way for quite awhile.

[comets979899]

i agree,...4 games in 6 days that was only Phoienix's 2 game. the loss will wake them up that they can't take any games lathargicly just because we've beat handedly in the past. they know what to do. it's a good loss. i'll take it and move on. i'm not worried. http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/smile.gif

------------------

[CometsFan]

I agree that at least <em>part of the problem</em> is that the team was likely a bit tired after 4 games in 6 days to open the season.

However, I think another (bigger?) part of the problem is that teams are getting a little better at defending Coop. They are coming much quicker with the double-/tripple-team.

I think, like Calvin often said during the Rockets season, that they need to be more aware of their spacing. I think that if they will spread the court more, it will be more difficult for the double team to come to Coop. As it stands, it is very easy for a player to zone an area and cover 2 or 3 players (& their passing lanes) at once. If the Comets will spread the floor, defenders will have to either commit to the double team, stick with their own man, or sit some where in the middle.

Each of these situations has its advantages. If they commit to the double team, Coop (or who ever else is being double teamed), can either pass out quickly or make a move to the basket. If they stick with their own defensive assignment, then there are very few people who can stay with Coop and her <em>incredible</em> first step. And finally, if they sit somewhere in the middle, then the Comet <em>without the ball</em> can make a move to create more space (to shoot, etc.).

That's my thoughts. I also agree with Van that they need to tighten up on defense. But I think those 16 turnovers wouldn't have happened if they would work on exploiting the double team (which could be done through better spacing, IMHO).

Any comments?

------------------