And the Last shall be First...At least for 1 night

The Mystics beat the Shock by 1 point. It was the best game of the season so far.


As a fan, when the season of your favorite team has an 0-8 start, it is easy to become a litte discouraged. You support the team but experience as sense of dread as you watch them defeated time and time again. But that is what I love about sports. It only takes one moment (or in this case 51 seconds) to restore your hope and remind you how great it is to me a fan. The Mystics v. Shocks was a game for fans and in many ways a methaphor for the the entire Mystics season.


The first quarter gave us fans a sense of what this team could really do. From the initial Milton-Jones layup followed by 3 solid blocks to the Gillian Goring layup and the Currie Rebound. This was the team that I knew the Mystics could be. But just as my confidence was building it was tested and by the end of the 3rd Qtr the "bad girls" of basketball lead 52-38.


But in sports it's not over til its over. If I were a sports commentator, it would go a little like this.....


With a 1:12 to go, Nikki Blue sinks a jump shot bringing the score to 60-64. The Shock's Deanna Nolan misses a 3 pt jumper that is rebounded by teammate Plenette Pierson, who goes up for the layup that is blocked by D-Nasty herself. With 48 seconds left to go, Currie is sent to the free throw line where she sinks for 2 (Thank GOD, she missed the last two free throws), which brings the score to 62-64. Swin Cash goes for the layup and is shut down by Nakia Sanford but Cash grabs her on rebound but in a bad pass attempt Nikki Blue goes for the steal, races down court passes to AB who lays up for 2 and the score is tied 64-64, 13 seconds to go and AB draws the foul, shoots 1 and the Mystics pull ahead for the first time since the 2nd Qtr. This is the stuff fan dreams are made of, victory is one defensive play away and we all stand to our feet in support. with 1 second left in the game Nolan goes for the jumper but is blocked by Milton-Jones, who seals the Mystics win against the number 1 seeded Shock. This is why America loves sports. Go Mystics!!!!!


On a side note, Tree took my advice (or read the writing on the wall) and replaced TJ with Monique Currie at the 3 position and the Mystics have been winning ever since.


BTW: In case there was any doubt,

Delisha "DNasty" Milton Jones wins my Highlight Award

Both for her solid play with 19 pts, 7 rebounds and 3 block and for her funky dance moves both before the game (Yeah, I peeped you in the tunnel) and after with the Mayheim. You go girl!!! Get your freak on!!!