High Post Hoops
Fansided

High Post Hoops WNBA Playoff Preview Chat Extravaganza!

By High Post Hoops Staff

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Elizabeth Cambage #8 of the Dallas Wings reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 17, 2018 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Elizabeth Cambage #8 of the Dallas Wings reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 17, 2018 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next

Howard: Let’s turn to the Mystics, Lindsay!

Beyond Elena being Elena, and Kristi Toliver’s great stretch run, what is it that makes this team so good since July?

Lindsay: Elena and Kristi were both on this team last year, playing similarly. What sets this year’s squad apart is the play of Natasha Cloud and LaToya Sanders, who better both receive votes for Most Improved Player. Cloud has always one of the fastest and most athletic guards in the league, but FINALLY her fitness and shot-making has improved, drastically. She is so comfortable running this offense, and when she missed a few games before the All-Star break with a concussion, this team was LOST. There’s nobody else on the roster who fills her roll. Toliver is much more comfortable at the no. 2 these days.

And if anyone in the league says they saw Sanders averaging 10 points per game this season, I guarantee they’re lying. She’s been the biggest surprise to me. She missed all of last season and most of 2016, and suddenly is in the top half of centers in the league, despite only being 6’3″ and so skinny. She’s not as powerful, but she’s so agile, quick, and aggressive, that she can beat so many players to the boards. Plus she’s shooting over 60 percent!!

With those four, plus rookie Ariel Atkins, who has been the steal of the draft at No. 7, this starting lineup can compete with absolutely any team in the league. Atkins is just a disruptive force out there.

Howard: Look at where she ranks in PER, courtesy of Basketball Reference:

Lindsay: That alone should get her the MIP award, in my opinion.

Like, that’s ridiculous. Look at her stats compared to other years:

Home/News