One great thing about Comets' games... is that you're afforded the opportunity to meet terrific people who share your interests... people you might not meet, otherwise.
I met two people who I now consider a couple of my best friends, by having seats adjacent to them... season after season. And we stay in touch, year round.
So I suited up and headed out to their house in Suburbia, for today's game with Sacramento, since it was "away" Game 2 in the Western Conference Finals (after we blew the game here on Thursday).
The game was awful. We lost 65-74. It was as if we went there, knowing it was not our game to win. And there's nothing more I want to say about it.
Setting that matter aside, however, I had a great time! Good drink, good food and great company always makes for a great time!
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Friday, September 09, 2005
We got robbed last night
As I mentioned, it's my opinion that the Comets were robbed last night.
And there's no doubt that we should have guarded the three point shot during Sacramento's last possession, or fouled Powell immediately.
And there's no doubt that we should have guarded the three point shot during Sacramento's last possession, or fouled Powell immediately.
"It never should have come to that," Snow said. "We should have fouled her the
second she touched the ball. We never should have put her in position."
Had the Comets fouled her immediately, Powell would have gotten two foul
shots. She couldn't have tied the game with two foul shots.
It's what happened after regaining possession with 4 seconds left, that leaves me incensed at the season-long record of extremely poor officiating.
First, Snow took it to the basket and was fouled. Second, Thompson got the rebound and was fouled. Both were obvious fouls, but not a single whistle was blown.
"Chancellor fumed on the sideline, wondering how a foul that would have been called at almost any other point in the game wasn't called.
"I think the referees just feel they're not going to decide the game," Snow said. "Whether it's right or wrong, you're never going to get that call."
Chancellor agreed. He second-guessed himself, but he was really second-guessing the notion a referee should decide the game.
The tie at the end of regulation, called for a 5 minute overtime, but we never recovered. The Comets lost by 4 points.Saturday is another day. If nothing else, Game 1 should have indicated to our collective psyche... that "WE CAN DO IT!!!".
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Sucking in OT, Game One of Conference Finals
I had a great time at the game. There's nothing more fun that cheering and partying with old friends. And I met some new friends tonight. It was a blast!
The Comets had a three point lead with under 10 seconds to play in regulation, but the Monarchs evened the score. Tina was very obviously fouled at the very end of regulation, but it wasn't a shooting foul, and even though they had 7 team fouls, it wasn't called.
Frankly, OT sucked the life out of the party and the Comets Came Up Short... as the game ended with a 73-69 overtime loss.
Check in with me Saturday night, to see if the party has been revived.
The Comets had a three point lead with under 10 seconds to play in regulation, but the Monarchs evened the score. Tina was very obviously fouled at the very end of regulation, but it wasn't a shooting foul, and even though they had 7 team fouls, it wasn't called.
Frankly, OT sucked the life out of the party and the Comets Came Up Short... as the game ended with a 73-69 overtime loss.
Check in with me Saturday night, to see if the party has been revived.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Houston Comets Katrina Relief Drive
My co-workers and I were pooling our money to help out the displaced folks from New Orleans, when, I received an email with information about the Houston Comets & Rockets Hurricane Katrina Relief Drive in combination with KHOU Channel 2, Houston.
So, I set out this afternoon and purchased 48 packages of Ramen noodles, 12 stuffed animals (dogs and elephants), 30 MatchBox cars, 12 packs of 64 crayons, 12 coloring books, 12 packages of soap, 12 bottles of shampoo, 12 bottles of hand sanitizer, 12 toothbrushes and 12 boxes of toothpaste. I also went to Office Depot and bought 80 #2 pencils, 80 ball point pens, 10 packages of looseleaf paper and 10 spiral notebooks.
I think we can all agree, it's more than a worthy cause. And here's a detailed breakdown of the Comets & Rockets events:
Tuesday, Sept. 6 (7AM-9PM)—Toyota Center to serve as a collection donation station. Houston residents will have the opportunity to drop off donation items all day beginning from 7-:00a.m.-9:00p.m. Rockets players and staff will be on hand to assist with donation collection, greet Houston residents dropping off donation supplies (preferred donation items list included on following page) and will help man a telephone bank to secure financial pledges.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 (7AM-9PM) and Thursday, Sept. 8 (7AM-3PM)—Representatives from the Houston Rockets, Comets, local human services agencies including The United Way and Red Cross, as well as other local assistance groups will be on hand to assist with job skills training, job placement, housing assistance, medical services and the distribution of the donated goods.
LIST OR RECOMMENDED DONATION ITEMS:
Baby Formula
Diapers
Sanitary Wipes
Peanut Butter
Bread
Canned Vegetables
Soups
Raman Noodles
Can Openers
Hot Plates
Bottled Water
Pillows
Bedding
Stuffed Animals
Toys
School Supplies
Clothes
Footwear
Contribute what you can! And remember... it might be US next time!
So, I set out this afternoon and purchased 48 packages of Ramen noodles, 12 stuffed animals (dogs and elephants), 30 MatchBox cars, 12 packs of 64 crayons, 12 coloring books, 12 packages of soap, 12 bottles of shampoo, 12 bottles of hand sanitizer, 12 toothbrushes and 12 boxes of toothpaste. I also went to Office Depot and bought 80 #2 pencils, 80 ball point pens, 10 packages of looseleaf paper and 10 spiral notebooks.
I think we can all agree, it's more than a worthy cause. And here's a detailed breakdown of the Comets & Rockets events:
Tuesday, Sept. 6 (7AM-9PM)—Toyota Center to serve as a collection donation station. Houston residents will have the opportunity to drop off donation items all day beginning from 7-:00a.m.-9:00p.m. Rockets players and staff will be on hand to assist with donation collection, greet Houston residents dropping off donation supplies (preferred donation items list included on following page) and will help man a telephone bank to secure financial pledges.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 (7AM-9PM) and Thursday, Sept. 8 (7AM-3PM)—Representatives from the Houston Rockets, Comets, local human services agencies including The United Way and Red Cross, as well as other local assistance groups will be on hand to assist with job skills training, job placement, housing assistance, medical services and the distribution of the donated goods.
LIST OR RECOMMENDED DONATION ITEMS:
Baby Formula
Diapers
Sanitary Wipes
Peanut Butter
Bread
Canned Vegetables
Soups
Raman Noodles
Can Openers
Hot Plates
Bottled Water
Pillows
Bedding
Stuffed Animals
Toys
School Supplies
Clothes
Footwear
Contribute what you can! And remember... it might be US next time!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
The Games Starts Now... Comets v. Storm
I've opted to stay home to watch the game. Long story for later. Tune in to NBA-TV NOW!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Storm Game Blows
The Comets blew tonight. We lost, 67 - 75 in the first game of the playoffs, to the Seattle Storm that blew through Houston tonight.
The price of the ticket blew. The cost of concessions blew. And the game started late, so I'll be late for work tomorrow...
And that blows, because I'll have to stay late! Grrrrrrrrrr...
The price of the ticket blew. The cost of concessions blew. And the game started late, so I'll be late for work tomorrow...
And that blows, because I'll have to stay late! Grrrrrrrrrr...
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Happy Houston Comets Final, 77-51
The Comets clinched third seed in the Western Conference with a 77-51 win tonight over our arch-rivals, the LA Sparks.
We had 100% shooting with 6 minutes into the first half, and our bench played much of the game. Sheryl wasn't feeling well, and she sat out altogether.
To top it off, my section won the Party Zone celebration!!! We had balloon hats and tons and tons of signs and crape paper. It was a blast!
O... tonight was fan appreciation night, and the first folks through the door got Cynthia Cooper bobbleheads... a nice addition to the collection!
Playoff Game A v. Seattle is here on Tuesday night at 8:30pm. GO COMETS GO!!!
We had 100% shooting with 6 minutes into the first half, and our bench played much of the game. Sheryl wasn't feeling well, and she sat out altogether.
To top it off, my section won the Party Zone celebration!!! We had balloon hats and tons and tons of signs and crape paper. It was a blast!
O... tonight was fan appreciation night, and the first folks through the door got Cynthia Cooper bobbleheads... a nice addition to the collection!
Playoff Game A v. Seattle is here on Tuesday night at 8:30pm. GO COMETS GO!!!
Comets v. sparks Tonight
In thinking about the comments I made last night, about the game tonight, there are some things I should have said.
Although the Sparks' season hasn't gone as well as the last few have for them. The Comets have an 0-3 record against them this year. For some reason, we just can't pull it together against them. And on their behalf, they have have outplayed us. In the game played here in Houston, it seemed like they just didn't miss a shot!
So, tonight is going to be a showdown. I hope we have a happy final, as they say on SportsRadio 610!
Although the Sparks' season hasn't gone as well as the last few have for them. The Comets have an 0-3 record against them this year. For some reason, we just can't pull it together against them. And on their behalf, they have have outplayed us. In the game played here in Houston, it seemed like they just didn't miss a shot!
So, tonight is going to be a showdown. I hope we have a happy final, as they say on SportsRadio 610!
Friday, August 26, 2005
MVP: Split Opinion
It's a tough call, but I think you all know how I'm leaning... but here's what the "experts" have to say:
NANCY LIEBERMAN, ESPN Analyst:
Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
She might be at the tail end of her career, but Swoopes definitely has not lost a step over the years. She has been very consistent this season, coming up big in so many big games. The Comets wouldn't be in the playoff hunt without her, especially since Tina Thompson missed half the season.
MECHELLE VOEPEL, Columnist:
Lauren Jackson, Seattle
It's a tough year to pick just one person as MVP, but Jackson is that one -- by an eyelash over Houston's Sheryl Swoopes. Jackson has been as productive as ever, no matter how much she has been keyed on by opponents' defenses. She carries a huge load on both ends every game.
NANCY LIEBERMAN, ESPN Analyst:
Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
She might be at the tail end of her career, but Swoopes definitely has not lost a step over the years. She has been very consistent this season, coming up big in so many big games. The Comets wouldn't be in the playoff hunt without her, especially since Tina Thompson missed half the season.
MECHELLE VOEPEL, Columnist:
Lauren Jackson, Seattle
It's a tough year to pick just one person as MVP, but Jackson is that one -- by an eyelash over Houston's Sheryl Swoopes. Jackson has been as productive as ever, no matter how much she has been keyed on by opponents' defenses. She carries a huge load on both ends every game.
Gearing Up: Tomorrow Night v. l.a.
Alas, the last game of the Comets regular season is tomorrow night.
The girls were really fun to watch this year. (I wish I could say the same for the single game attendees that have parked their obnoxious behinds in my section this year... but that's a post for another day).
We play l.a. tomorrow night. The Comets-sparks rivalry goes way back. Some of my most memorable games from the early days are end of season and playoff games against la. I think all of the founding season ticketholders will never forget the game on the day Kim Perrot passed away. For that reason, alone, I cannot support the sparks. Talk about pitiful sportsmanship... The next game that we played them at home, during the playoffs, made up for it, though. Smirk.
And and another thing about the game tomorrow... their new coach, you know... Kobe's daddy, Joe Bryant... had better not try THIS again!!! I'm sorry, but the sparks are among the dirtiest in the league. If you're playing them, you've gotta step your aggression up a dozen notches, to stay in the game!
Fortunately, we secured a playoff berth Thursday night. l.a. will be fighting hard, because their post-season play depends on the game tomorrow night. It will be a nail biter, for sure!
The girls were really fun to watch this year. (I wish I could say the same for the single game attendees that have parked their obnoxious behinds in my section this year... but that's a post for another day).
We play l.a. tomorrow night. The Comets-sparks rivalry goes way back. Some of my most memorable games from the early days are end of season and playoff games against la. I think all of the founding season ticketholders will never forget the game on the day Kim Perrot passed away. For that reason, alone, I cannot support the sparks. Talk about pitiful sportsmanship... The next game that we played them at home, during the playoffs, made up for it, though. Smirk.
And and another thing about the game tomorrow... their new coach, you know... Kobe's daddy, Joe Bryant... had better not try THIS again!!! I'm sorry, but the sparks are among the dirtiest in the league. If you're playing them, you've gotta step your aggression up a dozen notches, to stay in the game!
Fortunately, we secured a playoff berth Thursday night. l.a. will be fighting hard, because their post-season play depends on the game tomorrow night. It will be a nail biter, for sure!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Comets Swap For Dawn!
I've been saying all season... how happy I am that, for the first time, we have the ability to play a floor full of big girls.So, it's with sadness that I learn that we've traded forwards Kristen Rasmussen and Adrienne Goodson. I will particularly miss Rasmussen's drive... and heart.
There are so many reasons to be excited about acquiring Dawn Staley! Here's an excerpt from her resume:
- Ranks among WNBA leaders in total assists, assists per game, assists per turnover, minutes, minutes per game, free throw percentage, three-point field goals made, steals and points.
Recorded the 1,000th assist of her WNBA career on September 1, 2004 vs. Connecticut. - Finished the 2004 season ranked third in the league in assists (5.0 apg).
- Named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 2003, 2002 and 2001.
- Has played in and started EVERY game of her WNBA career.
- Scored the 2,000th point of her U.S. pro career (ABL and WNBA) on July 14, 2001.
- Set a Sting record and finished third in the WNBA with 190 assists (5.9 per game) in 2000.
- Handed out a franchise-record 13 assists vs. Washington in 2000.
- Posted a career-high 23 points on two occasions, the most recent in 1999.
- Three-time Olympic Gold Medallist for the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team (1996, 2000, 2004).
- Named USA Basketball Female Player of the Year in 1994, and national player of the year at the college level in 1991 and 1992.
I always tend to worry about late-season trades. It's not easy for a guard to step into a Comets uniform (for a lot of reasons). I think Dawn can hold her own. And I hope that she's given the opportunity and support to really play her game. At the same time, I hope she blends well with our other players. I don't know if I can handle another change in chemistry!
UPDATE: Dawn Staley's first night in a Comets jersey was pretty successful. She scored five points, coming off the bench, and helped the team snap a three game home losing streak.
Last night's Stats:
15 minutes
2-2 Field goals, made-attempted
1-1 Three Point shots, made-attempted
1 Defensive Rebound
1 Assist
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Friday, August 20, 2004
Spain was Somewhat of a Pain!
USA Women defeat Spain...
Jane (or Joe) Citizen, watching the morning, evening and nightly news, as well as listening to sports radio would be completely oblivious to the fact that the USA Women even have a team, much less whether they've actually participated in these Summer Games.
What's up with that??? (and by the way, that's a rhetorical question... don't think for a minute that I don't already know the answer... for one thing, they're not playing in swimsuits / bikinis). Although the local and national news is FILLED with Olympic coverage, they don't mention the results of Women's basketball. I think they're probably broadcasting the games, but I'm beginning to think I'll never figure out WHEN!
You've even gotta delve pretty deep in the net to find out who and how much. Or... you can stay tuned here!
Jane (or Joe) Citizen, watching the morning, evening and nightly news, as well as listening to sports radio would be completely oblivious to the fact that the USA Women even have a team, much less whether they've actually participated in these Summer Games.
What's up with that??? (and by the way, that's a rhetorical question... don't think for a minute that I don't already know the answer... for one thing, they're not playing in swimsuits / bikinis). Although the local and national news is FILLED with Olympic coverage, they don't mention the results of Women's basketball. I think they're probably broadcasting the games, but I'm beginning to think I'll never figure out WHEN!
You've even gotta delve pretty deep in the net to find out who and how much. Or... you can stay tuned here!
Friday, July 16, 2004
Coop's Jersey Retired!
The Houston Comets, all referees, league conspiracies and predetermined outcomes put aside for an evening, soundly defeated the 2003 World Champion Detroit Shock last night by a score of 97 to 61.
It’s not been a season for a betting girl, as it has been IMPOSSIBLE to predict which Comets team might show up to play. Last night, however, Coop was in the house (as she often is), and the team on the floor (sans Swoopes, who was out with an injury) was ALL business, and quite reminiscent of franchise years one through four! Tina Thompson had a great evening with 33 points, and Sheila Lambert (she’s made this team fun to watch) ended the game with a career high 19 points!
It was great to see former University of Houston star (putting it mildly) and WNBA rookie, Chandi Jones, back on the floor in Houston and starting for the Shock. It’s pretty safe to say that there were many UH fans in the stands (solely) to see her return!
Emotions ran high through half time, as Houston Mayor Bill White, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed yesterday (and night)... Cynthia Cooper Day in Houston. (Had I only known, I would have insisted on holiday pay!). Coop, surrounded by family, friends and the Comets team (who cut half time short), was visibly moved to tears as they unveiled the Number 14 jersey, hanging in the rafters. I think it’s safe to say that there wasn’t a dry eye in Toyota Center as they played the highlight reel, ending with a shot of Coop and Kim.
So... Coop’s jersey now hangs, very appropriately between Kim Perrot’s and the four world championship banners. And that makes me smile.
I felt sadness, though, yesterday... as I thought of the permanence of jersey retirement... an era passed... and the excitement Cynthia always brought to our game. I think, now, I’ve come to terms with it... preferring now to cling to the dream of Coop yanking that jersey down for one more show! You all know, if anyone were ever capable of doing it, it would be Coop... on heart alone!
Coop is truly a class act. She’s done so much for her friends and family... and for the City of Houston. Fortunately, we won’t have to miss her off the court!
It’s not been a season for a betting girl, as it has been IMPOSSIBLE to predict which Comets team might show up to play. Last night, however, Coop was in the house (as she often is), and the team on the floor (sans Swoopes, who was out with an injury) was ALL business, and quite reminiscent of franchise years one through four! Tina Thompson had a great evening with 33 points, and Sheila Lambert (she’s made this team fun to watch) ended the game with a career high 19 points!
It was great to see former University of Houston star (putting it mildly) and WNBA rookie, Chandi Jones, back on the floor in Houston and starting for the Shock. It’s pretty safe to say that there were many UH fans in the stands (solely) to see her return!
Emotions ran high through half time, as Houston Mayor Bill White, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed yesterday (and night)... Cynthia Cooper Day in Houston. (Had I only known, I would have insisted on holiday pay!). Coop, surrounded by family, friends and the Comets team (who cut half time short), was visibly moved to tears as they unveiled the Number 14 jersey, hanging in the rafters. I think it’s safe to say that there wasn’t a dry eye in Toyota Center as they played the highlight reel, ending with a shot of Coop and Kim.
So... Coop’s jersey now hangs, very appropriately between Kim Perrot’s and the four world championship banners. And that makes me smile.
I felt sadness, though, yesterday... as I thought of the permanence of jersey retirement... an era passed... and the excitement Cynthia always brought to our game. I think, now, I’ve come to terms with it... preferring now to cling to the dream of Coop yanking that jersey down for one more show! You all know, if anyone were ever capable of doing it, it would be Coop... on heart alone!
Coop is truly a class act. She’s done so much for her friends and family... and for the City of Houston. Fortunately, we won’t have to miss her off the court!
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