Howard: So what are we most excited about in the week ahead? I think my biggest two games are both Wednesday night. How do the Gary Kloppenburg Storm approach playing the Lynx, and whether the Mystics can figure out how to beat the Sparks, with that one reflecting on both teams, frankly. What about you guys?
Arielle: I’m eager to see the Storm’s execution under new direction
And also, in less playoff focused mindset, I want to see how/if the Atlanta Dream snap their losing streak
Howard: Seriously. Atlanta needs to turn it around this week, or risk losing that playoff spot
And they traded a potential lottery pick to get it
Erica: Yes, tough road for ATL with Ct, then Dallas
Arielle: Right! Seven-game losing streak
Erica: Yikes!
Lindsay: Yeah — Mystics have Sparks and Phoenix both this week, at home. Griner will be back for Phoenix. Need to at the very least split those games to keep the momentum going. The Sparks will be a big test, have lost both games in LA this season.
What is happening with Atlanta?
Ben Dull: The playoff format makes just about every game relevant for positioning. MIN probably won’t get caught at this point for #1, but there’s serious competition for every other slot
Mike: And the team that supposedly was rebuilding for next year, Chicago, holds the tiebreaker for that 8th slot
Lindsay: Sports!
Mike: Which reminds me…I don’t think Vandersloot has come up in this conversation, and she’s been phenomenal as of late
Arielle: Atlanta can’t deliver all four quarters, simply put. They wait until the fourth quarter to try to dig themselves out of the hole @lindsay
Lindsay: Not ideal.
Erica: Glory Johnson and Allisha Gray were such fun to see this past weekend. Dallas is another team right there, but with a few questions that need to be answered. Like, team defense (weak side help please) and finishing strong.
Howard: Glad you mentioned her, Mike. Do we think, despite her time away, she has a shot at WNBA second team honors? I do!
Yes, so true, Erica. That 12th in defensive efficiency is what is keeping them from consistency.
Lindsay: I’m still yelling at Dallas to TAKE A SHOT on that last possesion against Phoenix
Howard: Oh man, what a game that was though, Lindsay.
Lindsay: (my voice is getting hoarse)
Erica: An excellent game!
Mike: 9 double-doubles in the last 12 games for Vandersloot (points/assists). I’d be surprised if she didn’t get consideration. She leads the league in assists.
Lindsay: I really like the Wings — Diggins-Smith has just been phenomenal, and Glory Johnson is not getting nearly enough credit. I hope they make it to the playoffs, they’re dangerous.
Erica: Agreed! Gray has some work to do, but Dallas is giving her the minutes to work it out.
Howard: Glory is clearly a top-ten player in the league this year, agree
Erica: Also, want to see what the Liberty will look like against the Sun and Lynx this weekend. Offensive consistency, especially ball movement, has hurt NY this season.
Howard: Well, it will all be fascinating. Cannot wait to watch, and discuss it with all of you. I hereby gavel the Summitt Summit! And to all reading, I urge you to read everybody here, and download our app!