Packing up to leave Phoenix while feeling empathy pain for how Penny Taylor’s mouth must be hurting this morning. Talk about taking one for the team …
Well, after a week in the Valley of the Sun, I’m heading back for a quick stop in Kansas before going to Indianapolis. I’m sure Mercury fans wouldn’t agree, but Indiana winning Game 2 was the best thing that could have happened for the series. We saw a sweep last year, and it was rather boring.
This way, we know we’ll get at least four games, and in a season where there was so much great play that is welcome. Plus, it guarantees a large and enthusiastic crowd at Conseco Fieldhouse on Sunday, despite the Colts being in town. The football game will be over, or very close to it, before Game 3 of the WNBA finals begins.
I did a column for ESPN.com the other day comparing the “race” between the Mercury and the Fever to the song Beep, Beep (The Little Nash Rambler). Not so much because the analogy fits, because in a lot of ways it doesn’t, but because the song popped into my head while trying to think of something that conveyed increasing speed.
Anyway, the Mercury is not like the Little Nash Rambler in that Phoenix is a far, far sleeker machine, albeit one that Thursday night was misfiring a lot. But the point is, the Mercury – no matter what happens – is not going to slow down.
Besides, I hoped at least a couple of people remembered the song, which apparently they did. If you’ve never heard it, though, just click here. And then blame me if it’s stuck in your head the rest of the day.
Now, it’s time to head east, although I’m not going to be surprised if I’m back here a week from now.
P.S. To young Phoenix fan Brenna, who had to miss last night’s game … get well soon! The Mercury may need you back in the stands next Friday.
Safe travels.
I think the Fever will close it out at home.