Tag: LGBTQIA

QotC Recap

Hullo!

We’ve been off the radar for a while because we moved from NYC to Broomfield Colorado! While we are still getting settled in we have not forgotten about the Queens of the Court.  The season is over! The playoffs are upon us and we can’t wait to watch these matchups and see what happens.  The final standings for the season are as follows:

  1. Washington Mystics
  2. Connecticut Sun
  3. Los Angeles Sparks
  4. Las Vegas Aces
  5. Chicago Sky
  6. Seattle Storm
  7. Minnesota Lynx
  8. Phoenix Mercury
  9. Indiana Fever
  10. Dallas Wings
  11. New York Liberty
  12. Atlanta Dream

Big Matchups this week:

9/11 – 8pm EST – Phoenix Mercury @ Chicago Sky

9/11 – 10pm EST Minneosta Lynx @ Seattle Storm

9/15 – 3pm EST Winner Storm/Lynx @ Los Angeles Sparks

9/15 – 5pm EST Winner Mercury/Sky @ Las Vegas Aces

Make sure to tune in and listen to this week’s QotC episode for our analysis and picks through the first two rounds and make sure to check back next week for our Semi-finals preview show!

2019 WNBA Week 11: Big Drama

Jon and Paul recount an exciting week in the WNBA highlighted by a 6 ejection fight and a vulnerable look at one of the league’s most beloved players.  Spotlight Queens is taken over by a pair of reserves who have made the most of their opportunities.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 11: Big Drama
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QotC Week 10 Power Rankings

Jon’s first power rankings.

So Paul has been our power ranking guru but it’s time to switch it up for this week while on vacation and give Paul the week off. Here is my week 10 power rankings!

Connecticut Sun (16-6) – BURN IT DOWN!!! The Sun are back and in a big way. This streaky team has gone on another huge winning steak.  After starting the season 9-1 and having a bad stretch they are back on top of our power ranking and holding down the number one seed for the playoffs. This team plays great D and shares the basketball so well.  They play to exploit match ups and almost any one of their starters can go off on any given night.  I have a feeling this team is going to stay as the number 1 team all year because when they are hot they are basically unbeatable.  Hopefully they can continue this into the playoffs.

Washington Mystics (15-7)– Washington has taken sole possession of the 2 seed as they knocked off the Aces in the earthquake make up game.  They have been playing amazing basketball lately and look as good if not better then last year.  The MVP race looks all but locked up as Elena Delle Donne has been going off and took down another player of the week scoring 26 and 8 and has been the reason this team is where they are.  They are my favorite to win the whole thing this year but as this year has shown anything can happen.

Las Vegas Aces (15-8) – Las Vegas is our number 3 team as they keep playing great basketball.  They are clearly one of, if not the deepest team in the league as they are able to be next one up with Dearica Hambey with A’ja Wilson going down.  They are 2-2 out of the break with one of those losses being the resumed game from the earthquake last month.  They score in bunches, they exploit any match ups they need to, and they aren’t as selfish as you would think a team with this much star power can be.  They need to fix their turnover problem as they average 14 a game so if they bring that down they will be fighting for one of the top two seeds for the whole second half of the season.

Los Angeles Sparks (13-8)– CP3 is back (Candace Parker!!!!) and in her first week back she won player of the week with the Sparks going 2-0.  She is the GOAT! Averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in her first week back.  She has looked electric and has made this team better in every way.  Last week we were saying this could be the what if season for the Sparks and Candace has quickly changed everything.  The team just looks scary as they have the depth and skill to be the best in the league. Watch out here they come!!!!!

Phoenix Mercury (11-10) – The Currently injury plagued Mercury are still playing great basketball.  They have moved up to 5th on this list and they can beat anyone on any given night. A real contender to go to the finals this year.  Brittney Griner is playing at an MVP level this season and has had two monster games coming out of the all-star break 28-26 points in both of those games.  They are 1-2 out of the break but that doesn’t mean they haven’t played good basketball and with the amount of injuries they have been battling I am happy to put them in the 5th spot.

Chicago Sky (12-9) – The Chicago Sky are the biggest surprise to me this season as they keep on BALLING! Diamond DeShields is proving why she is an Allstar night in and night out and Steph Dolson is proving she is one of the most underrated bigs in the league.  They are sitting at 6th on the power ranking but are actually in 5th place and I can see them staying up around this level all season because they play as a family.  I love this team and hope they can continue to get better. They could be a dark horse come play off time as they have the shooters to win any game.

Seattle Storm (12 –11) – The Seattle Storm magic might be wearing off a bit.  They have been able to battle through it all this season but they are currently on a 3 game losing streak coming out of the all star break with losses vs the Mystics and Sparks and have fallen to 7th on our power rankings.  They will always be a threat but as for competing for a championship this year after winning last year it doesn’t seem to be in the cards for them. 

Minnesota Lynx (10 – 11) – The Lynx are one of the teams in the playoff picture to be worried about.  They are on a 4 game losing streak and have lost 5 of 6 but all close games with the worse loss coming by 11 points to the Fever.  They’re looking to snap the streak tonight against the dream but if they lose again tonight the road doesn’t get much easier as they play the top two teams Friday (CT) and Sunday (DC).  The streak could easily get to 7 by the end of the week if they don’t win tonight. On a high note, Napheesa Collier was just named Rookie of the month. But she only averages 11 points per game tand he Rookie of the year has gone to the highest scoring rookie 12 of 15 seasons and Arike Ogunbowale is averaging 15 per game.

Indiana Fever (8– 15) – The Allstar break did wonders for the Fever.  They have come out of the break 2-0 with a 2 point win over the Dream, with a game winning shot from Allstar game MVP Erica Wheeler. Then a 20 point come back against the Lynx to win by 11.  The team is playing better basketball and could continue to fight for the final playoff spot. 

New York Liberty (8 – 13) – After sending Kia Nurse and Tina Charles to the all star gaming and getting their long list of Euro basketball players back I expected the Liberty to keep playing exciting basketball.  Since coming back from the break that has not been the case as the Liberty are 0-2 losing by 15 to the Sun and 23 to the Wings.  With Asia Durr back into the starting lineup I expect to see some more exciting basketball as she was playing great before her injury.  Hopefully we can see them get back to playing tough competitive basketball.

Dallas Wings (6-16) – Dallas out of the break have been looking like they have all season, young and inexperienced.  They have had flashes of good basketball with Arike Ogunbowale taking over as the top rookie this year and reacquired Megan Gustafson showing why she deserves to play in this league, having scored 11 points with 8 boards in back to back games. The team is 2 years younger in average age than any team in the league. The future with Diggins-Smith, Jefferson, and Stevens all coming back could be huge factors next year and AS I was writing this Dallas traded Theresa Plaisance for Kristine Anigwe good move for both sides.

Atlanta Dream (5 – 17) – Atlanta’s abysmal season continues. It’s getting bad at this point as they are on a 7 game losing streak after winning 3 outta 4 before that. After coming one game shy of the WNBA finals last year it’s sad to see where this team is at. The Dream are missing McCoughtry bad and there hasn’t been many updates lately on her return.  It’s looking more like she might take this whole season to rehab with the team as far back as they are.

2019 WNBA Week 7: Mystery, Intrigue, and All Stars

Jon and Paul explore mysterious injuries and player absences in the WNBA and question whether fans are getting the whole story.  Also, a closer look at the full list of All Stars after the reserves were announced earlier today.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 7: Mystery, Intrigue, and All Stars
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2019 WNBA Week 6: Earthquakes, Power Couples, et al

Jon and Paul discuss the hot topics in the WNBA this week including a game cancelled by Earthquake, a mysterious face injury, an all star voting update, America’s power couple, and more.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 6: Earthquakes, Power Couples, et al
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2019 WNBA Week 5: Rise of the Rookies

Jon and Paul delve into the top stories form the WNBA this week and ask, “how you would you beat the Mystics?” We take a closer look at some of the top performing rookies on the season and speculate what it will take for the Sun to keep one of the top 2 spots come playoff time.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 5: Rise of the Rookies
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2019 WNBA Week 4: Departures, Delays, and Returns

Jon and Paul break down where we are after 1 month of the WNBA season discussing departures for the European Championships, continued travel woes for the W, and player returns we’ve been waiting for.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 4: Departures, Delays, and Returns
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QotC Week 4 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power rankings for Week 4 Monday, June 24:

  1. Connecticut Sun (9 – 2) – Despite a road loss on Sunday to the streaking Chicago Sky, the Sun continue to separate themselves as the elite team in the WNBA this season.  As the rest of the league says goodbye to some of their players to the European Championships, the Sun remain intact and strong.  Expect them to continue their run of dominance as the team chemistry spreads to a deep bench.  Burn it down indeed.
  2. Washington Mystics (7 – 3) – Two of the Mystics three losses on the season have come at the hands of the Sun, but the rest of the league should be on notice after Elena Delle Donne had a killer week looking very much in midseason MVP form.  They lose Meeseman to the Euros but have more than enough depth to continue winning until she returns.  Look for the Mystics to return to the WNBA finals this year.
  3. Seattle Storm (7 – 4) – Dan Hughes’ return to action breathes new life into his defending champs and the Storm remain undefeated at home after a tight win against Indiana.  Natasha Howard and Jewell Loyd look like the second coming of Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird so the future is bright for a Storm team that has a knack for winning even without their injured stars.
  4. Chicago Sky (6 – 3) – If you’re like me, you’ve been hesitant to buy into the Chicago Sky this season as the frontrunners they’ve appeared to be, but after an 18 point win against the Sun, they’re turning some heads.  Diamond DeShields looks deadly in transition and the pace of game is propelling the sky to some high scoring games that they’re winning.  They have a tough week ahead with games against the Mystics, Storm, and Sparks but if they can take 2 out of 3, expect them to rise even further in these rankings.
  5. Las Vegas Aces (5 – 4) – The Aces split their games this week to stay ahead of the curve on the season but they’ll need more consistency if they’re going to make a deep playoff run.  The bench has been a strength for Las Vegas but they’ll need more from their number 1 picks (Jackie Young, A’ja Wilson, and Kelsey Plum) to challenge the league leaders.  Mark your calendar for Tuesday night at 10pm EST when the Storm visit the Aces live on twitter.
  6. Minnesota Lynx (5 – 5) – The Lynx remain in the fold challenging the top teams but look like they simply don’t have enough firepower to win consistently.  This year will be a monumental success if they reach the playoffs, win a game or two, and look forward to the return of Maya Moore next year and how scary they will be when Moore, Collier, and Fowles develop their chemistry.  The new era in Minnesota looks promising and Cheryl Reeve’s history of success will undoubtedly continue.
  7. Los Angeles Sparks (4 – 6) – The Sparks have lost 3 in a row since Candace Parker’s return and fans are starting to wonder what seems to be the problem.  On paper the Sparks appear to be among the most talented teams in the league, but something isn’t clicking.  First year coach Derek Fisher will likely be looked at if they don’t turn this season around.  With all the stars off the court this season, many thought the Sparks would be a shoo-in for the finals.  The picture is less clear now.
  8. Indiana Fever (5 – 6) – The Fever are winning games by committee getting contributions from whoever is hot that night whether it’s off the bench or in the starting five.  They’re routinely winning the battle on the boards but lead the league in fouls.  If they can clean up the foul trouble, maybe they can win a few more of the close ones.  Hard not to root for the Fever to make it back to the postseason for the first time since Catchings retired.
  9. Phoenix Mercury (3 – 5) – The Mercury teased a Taurasi return before reneging this past Sunday.  They emerged victorious against the struggling Sparks nonetheless and with Taurasi’s return on the horizon, expect the Mercury to rack up a few wins in short order and work their way back into the playoff picture.  Easy to forget the Mercury stretched the defending champion Storm the furthest in last years finals with a team that looks very much like the one on the court when Taurasi returns.
  10. New York Liberty (3 – 7) – The Liberty played two tight games this week but lost both.  Rookie sensation Asia Durr is beginning to find her confidence and Kia Nurse has developed into scoring threat from anywhere on the court when you need a bucket.  Brittany Boyd has been effective as the team’s primary point guard, but expect New York to look for another solid option at PG in next year’s draft.  I hear the Oregon Ducks have a decent point guard the Liberty could be targeting…
  11. Dallas Wings (2 – 6) – The Dallas Wings are searching for answers in the front court and everyone is getting a chance to step up.  Guard play will be this teams strength bolstered when Skyler Diggins-Smith returns, but rookie Arike Ogunbowale picks up right where she left off at Notre Dame putting up big scoring numbers, but requiring a lot of shots to do it.  Efficiency will be the key if Dallas is going to develop into a contender this year or beyond.
  12. Atlanta Dream (2 – 7) – The Dream have had arguably one of the most difficult schedules thus far in 2019 but will have a chance to reevaluate and regroup with 6 days off this week before a Sunday clash with the New York Liberty.  Reports that the dream wanted to trade all star Angel McCoughtry in the offseason support the hypothesis that they are tanking the season and in the midst of a rebuild.  Surprising news on the heels of a second place finish in 2018.  Time to look to the future.

QotC Week 3 Power Rankings

Our Week 3 WNBA Power Rankings (Monday, June 17):

  1. Connecticut Sun (8 – 1) – Burn It Down! At this point its the Connecticut Sun and then everybody else.  They’ve been extremely dominant this year and having witnessed them live in action I can say that they are efficient, imposing, and absolutely deserving of their record and the top spot in our power rankings as well as the WNBA standings.
  2. Seattle Storm (5 – 4) – Seattle earns our 2nd spot in the rankings this week due to a tough schedule, and extreme resilience in the face of a team-wide injury bug.  Latest to go down is back up point guard Jordin Canada.  With Sue Bird still recovering from injury this leaves the Storm without a true point guard but they still manage to put up a good effort and kept the Sun close through three quarters.
  3. Las Angeles Sparks (4 – 3) – Los Angeles has been inconsistent this year with some big wins and surprising losses, but they get Candace Parker back this week and there’s every reason to believe that will lift them to a new level.  I expect the Sparks to go on a run at some point soon and really find their rhythm.
  4. Washington Mystics (4 – 3) – The mystics drop down in our rankings this week after 2 losses to other top teams.  They lose Emma Meeseman to the European championships for a month and this will undoubtedly hurt.  But there should be enough talent on the floor still to challenge the top teams.  Look out for matchups this week against the Sparks and Aces to show their quality.
  5. Chicago Sky (4 – 2) – Chicago leapfrogs up in our rankings this week after a strong showing with two well earned victories.  Diamond DeShields is showing why she’s been considered a top prospect in every phase of her career and the Jantel Lavender pick up from LA is paying dividends.  Backcourt duo Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot continue to impress from long range and as play makers.  A couple more wins this week and I’ll be a true believer.
  6. Las Vegas Aces (4 – 3) – The inconsistent Aces continue to show flashes of brilliance and then at times appear pedestrian.  The pieces are there and with more time together there’s every reason to believe the chemistry will develop and they’ll become every bit the title contenders fans expected at the beginning of the year.  Lookout for a potential statement win this week when they play at home against the Mystics.
  7. Minnesota Lynx (4 – 5) – The lynx have just completed a very tough stretch of schedule in which they lost 4 games in a row by 6 points or less each game.  Many expected this to be a rebuilding year so it comes as no surprise that they’ve cooled off after a hot start to the season.  Napheesa Collier continues to impress and sits comfortably atop the rookie candidates for rookie of the year.
  8. Indiana Fever (4 – 4) – Indiana has an opportunity this week to score three wins with games against the Dream, Sky, and Storm.  They’re going to need more efficiency from their guards and hastened development for 3rd overall draft pick Teaira McCowan if they’re going to stay in the playoff picture this whole season.
  9. New York Liberty (3 – 5) – The Liberty have looked great recently posting a 3 – 1 record after opening the season 0 – 4.  A career night for Amanda Zahui B against the LA Sparks, and more production from Kia Nurse and Asia Durr have them in position to make a push for a playoff spot.  Depth is perhaps New York’s biggest problem at the moment as they have rarely gotten impactful performances off the bench.
  10. Phoenix Mercury (2 – 4) – The Mercury look like they’re missing the game closing skills of Diana Taurasi as they fall to 2 – 4 on the season this week.  Luckily, there is talk that Taurasi could be ready to return as early as this Sunday, providing some much needed scoring and playmaking at the guard position.  it may take a game or two for this team to get back to form, but expect them to climb out of the basement before too long.
  11. Dallas Wings (1 – 5) – Dallas recorded their first win of the season this week with a 71 – 61 victory over the Atlanta Dream in which rookie Arike Ogunbowale led the team in scoring with 17.  I expect more from a Dallas Wings team that boasts some of the top talent from the NCAA over the past few years.  But look for them to struggle until team leader and face of the franchise Skyler Diggins-Smith returns later this season.
  12. Atlanta Dream (1 – 5) – Head coach Nikki Collen has to be losing sleep wondering how this group went from 2nd in the 2018 WNBA standings to last in the 2019 season.  No doubt they miss Angel McCoughtry and will be a better team with her on the floor.  But the current starting 5 and bench depth was largely responsible for their continued success after McCoughtry went down last year.  Where is the spark that gets the Dream back on track?

2019 WNBA Week 3: Happy Pride Month!

Jon and Paul break down the highlights from the week and keep fans up to date on their favorite social media follows.  Spotlights on Amanda Zahui B, Elena Delle Donne, Courtney Williams, and Candace Parker’s return to action.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 3: Happy Pride Month!
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