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And the winners are...
Playoff races are taking the stage in the WNBA right now as the regular season winds to a close. Along with the playoff races come the individual accolades, and here is a look at those who warrant some recognition of their own.
Most Valuable PlayerThe race for MVP could be a moot point because of the year Sheryl Swoopes is having. She leads the league in points (21.3) and steals (2.76) and ranks in the top 10 in six of the leader categories. Others who deserve some votes are Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie, Sacramento's Yolanda Griffith and Utah's Natalie Williams. Leslie is having a solid year, and is the best on a very good Sparks team that looks like it could finally send Houston home early. Griffith, the 1999 MVP, is still ranked throughout the league leaders, although her numbers are down from a year ago. However, she had such a fantastic season last year, it's hard to fault her for not living up to her own standards. Williams is hurt by her team's poor record, but it certainly isn't her fault. Leading the league in rebounding from the start, Williams is the only player averaging a double double. She is the Starzz's most consistent player on both ends of the court, and is the one they go to when they need a clutch basket. Williams ranks in five of the league's top-10 leader categories, and has helped the team out in areas that don't show up in the stats, such as bringing the ball up the court when veteran Jennifer Azzi was out with her hand injury.
Defensive Player of the YearThis is a tough call between Swoopes and Griffith. Swoopes has speed and quick hands while Griffith, the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year last season, seems to cover the entire court with those long arms of hers. She is currently second in steals (2.64) and fourth in blocks (2.04).
Rookie of the YearMinnesota's Betty Lennox has been a leader for the young Lynx team, and is the overwhelming favorite for this award. She is listed in six of the league's top-20 leader categories, including points (15.2).
Most Improved PlayerTwo players are in the hunt for this one, Phoenix's Brandy Reed and New York's Tari Phillips. Once seen as more trouble than she was worth, Reed has been on her best behavior since she was traded from Minnesota back to Phoenix. She also is having her best year ever, improving in every category. Reed made her biggest jumps in points, from 16 to 19 points per game; field-goal percentage, from 45.9 to 51.5 percent; and free-throw percentage, from 75.7 to 90.5 percent. Most importantly, she has kept the Mercury in the playoff hunt, despite numerous injuries to her teammates. Phillips went from riding the bench in Orlando in 1999, to Portland in the expansion draft to New York in a trade for Carolyn Jones to the WNBA All-Star game. She has been the Liberty's breakout player, ranking 15th in points (14.1), fourth in rebounds (8.0) and 16th in field-goal percentage (47.9).
Coach of the YearMichael Cooper, the fourth coach in Los Angeles' history, gets the nod here, taking the Sparks to the top of the Western Conference race.
Who is in the hot seat nowCoaching turnovers have been quieter than ever this season, but don't be surprised if it picks up as the season draws to a close. Washington's Nancy Darsch was the first to lose her position this season, stepping down on July 14 after several clashes with star Chamique Holdsclaw. Others who could be in danger of losing their jobs are Charlotte's T.R. Dunn, Utah's Fred Williams, and, believe it or not, Sacramento's Sonny Allen. Charlotte has struggled all year, and it's actually a bit of a surprise that the Sting haven't made a move yet. Utah got off to a slow start in part because point guard Azzi broke her hand and didn't play until July 7. But even with her absence, the Starzz didn't do as well as many thought they should, and haven't improved drastically since her return. The Starzz, still trying to make the playoffs, suffered an inexcusable loss at Miami, and Williams is losing the support of many players. Sacramento is in a similar position as the Starzz, but without the excuse of an injury to a star player. The Monarchs were expected to contend for the Western Conference title, but are instead struggling to make the playoffs. Griffith has said the team doesn't like Allen's play-calling, which could spell more trouble for Allen than Griffith.
More talk of retirementNow that Houston's Cynthia Cooper has said the "R," word, other players are starting to follow suit. Both Washington's Nikki McCray and Phoenix's Michele Timms have hinted their future in the WNBA may not be long. The possibility of Timms' stepping down isn't a surprise. She struggled last year and was hampered this season by the knee injury which eventually ended her season. Timms, 35, likely will have more surgery after the Olympics are over. McCray's musings of retirement would be more disappointing, considering the 28-year-old has plenty of game left. McCray is ranked 13th in points (15.9), 18th in 3-point percentage (35.8) and 15th in minutes (33.0). However, she is said to be unhappy in Washington, partially because she doesn't have a lot of backing from team members. Don't be surprised if she ends up somewhere else next year.
Second half familiar for LynxThere is something about the second half of the season that just doesn't agree with the Minnesota Lynx. Last year, the Lynx opened up on a 10-6 mark, then disintegrated in the second half to finish 15-17. Part of the 5-11 slide can be blamed on the distractions surrounding Reed, who was benched for the final six games after clashing with the coaching staff. Minnesota started the 2000 season on another 10-6 run, but one of those losses was the beginning of an eight-game losing streak for the Lynx. They finally ended it with a win over Portland, the team it beat before the losing streak began. The reasons for the recent losses are harder to find, although the season-ending injury to Andrea Lloyd-Curry may have something to do with it. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament on June 30. The Lynx finish with a fairly difficult schedule, and probably will miss the playoffs again.
Around the leagueSeattle's Edna Campbell, in her second game back since missing 10 with an ankle injury, was ejected from Seattle's win over Minnesota after questioning a referee's call with 10.4 seconds left in the game...Detroit lost three straight after the All-Star break...Phoenix guard Michelle Cleary has been sidelined with a knee injury...Houston coach Van Chancellor was none too happy with his team's play in its loss at New York, stating the team has reached a "crossroads."...Orlando, trying to get back to the top of the Eastern Conference, will have to do it on the road as the Miracle are on a 12-day road trip.
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