Shock stop Fever, 79-74

WNBA Fever Recap With Quotes, Box Score, Etc

Swish Appeal's Recap (Shock View)

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As I said in my preview, "What a world, what a world!"

Instead of making their move up the Eastern Conference bracket, the Indiana Fever slid back from 2-2 respectability to 2-3, losing 79-74 to the Tulsa Shock in Oklahoma.

Neither team's rotations appear to have settled quite yet, as Fever Coach Lin Dunn gave her smaller lineup at try, starting Shay Murphy instead of Ebony Hoffman. Shay Murphy continues to deliver the rebounds, collecting 9 total including 4 offensive. Meanwhile Shock Coach Nolan Richardson had several bench players in the game during crunch time.

Three bench players lead scoring for the Shock. Amber Holt's 4 of 6 from the arc on the way to 16 points in this game was a big factor. Lacy added 15 points on 7 of 11 shooting and another bench player, Plenette Pierson put in 12.

For the Fever, we talked about three things. Katie Douglas' shooting (and the other starters by extension), the emergent role of Shay Murphy and the addition of Shavonte Zellous.


On Offensive Ugliness

However, before we review those factors, turnovers continue to be a huge factor in Fever games, as the Fever committed 19 to the Shock's 18. The Phoenix Mercury lead the league in turnovers at 20 per game, but adjusting for pace, the Indiana Fever's 19.8 turnovers per game is the ugliest in the WNBA. For comparison, The Seattle Storm with WNBA best point guard Sue Bird at the helm, check in at 12.2 turnovers per game. As bad as the Fever's turnover rate is, the one positive is that they can improve this aspect of their game as the season goes on.

On monkey-wrench in that evolution is Briann January's injury. The offense was really depending on January's contributions in the first four games and the team noticeably stalled in the fifth game.

The team started the game shooting less than 30% in the first quarter. As they kept shooting their shots improved, particularly Katie Douglas who struggled early but did make 3 of 7 3-pointers. Hopefully she and the rest of the starters will continue getting their mojo back. Jene Morris came back to earth with a mediocre game (expected and okay). Shavonte Zellous didn't play badly in her 5 minutes on the court, but also didn't make much of an impact.

Summary
The Shock continue to be a thorn in the Fever's side. The best news about the Shock's move from Detroit to Tulsa is that now they are in the Western Conference. Nolan Richardon can sic his "40 minutes of Hell" on the Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm in the post season. How delightful!