Howard: Have the Sparks closed ground?
Ben Dull: I feel those two teams are in the same stratosphere for sure. Odyssey Sims has really found a nice groove to contribute on both ends in a big way. Both these teams have reason to be confident in themselves, and LA will get to see the Lynx at home still at the end of August heading into the playoffs.
Howard: Is there a particular aspect of play you’ll be looking for when you evaluate the relative strength of these two teams on August 11?
Ben: I’ll be watching the guard play closely. Augustus is so hard to guard, and Renee Montgomery really swung that first game. Chelsea Gray creates just as many problems, and I’d expect Riquna Williams and Sims to give the Sparks more of a lift
Howard: Cannot wait. Okay, final thoughts? My two biggest things out of this week: seeing the new-look Dream, and that New York trip to Los Angeles, a good indicator how real this recent renaissance is (notice Kiah Stokes grabbed 16 boards in the Chicago win). What about the rest of you?
Arielle: I’m interested to see if New York finally has it together
or is getting it together. It’s been so rough
Lindsay: I’m surprised Chicago has lost three straight after the All-Star break, they were looking so good right before. What happens now after the trade? I’ll be on the lookout.
Arielle: and I’m glad Kiah is finally getting in so she can do Kiah things
Ben: Seattle-Dallas on Friday is a big head-to-head for those final playoff spots
Mike: The Lynx enter their busiest month of the season. 13 games between now and Labor Day weekend. For anyone wondering if age will affect this team, how they get through this month will be telling
Arielle: I’m interested to see that
Erica: New York has eeked out some road wins, overcoming some apparent fatigue. Production off the bench for the Liberty (and not just from Rodgers) seems to be moving in the right direction. Will look to see if NY will keep turnovers low and move the ball offensively.
Howard: Well, very interesting all around, thank you, Summitt Summit!