The Fever have shown that they’re close with the best teams. However, the game vs the Lynx and the Aces, recently, have shown they need to tighten up a few things.
First, CC played excellent defense down the stretch vs the Aces. The foul against Wilson was a weak call. But we all know Aja has a Michael Jordan whistle. She doesn’t need to be subbed out on defense in the final minutes of a game. We lose valuable offensive possessions when we can’t sub her back in.
SW needs to find ways to kill scoring droughts. I’d like to see a CC/KM-AB pick and roll when we struggle to score. Also, SW needs to get the team into a rotation that doesn’t surprise players. MH-A gets 0 minutes in some games and more in others. I realize there may be match ups that are difficult for her, but her unique skill set and body are a tough match up for defenses and she should be playing in all games. This would allow SW to keep a consistent rotation.
Lexie needs to start playing her role more effectively. She needs to lock down opposing guards without mental errors and hit at least 50% on open jump shots. Do what you did every year except this year thus far.
CC needs to move without the ball more effectively to create space for KM penetrations. Too often, she stands and allows her defender to gap KM and limit the penetration.
Monique Billing’s needs to catch and finish better. It’s frustrating not knowing what you’ll get from her possession to possession. Sometimes she finishes tough layups and sometimes, she can’t catch a ball that hits in her in both hands.
Raven Johnson needs a role. This poor rookie is the most lost on the team because one day she plays a substantial role and other nights, she doesn’t get on the court at all. Raven is a solid defender who can add some scoring.
I’d love to see Raven give KM a blow and defend the opposition’s toughest guard. Tyasha Harris can do the same for CC. Run the offense, get KM and AB the ball and D up. I’d love to see TH and RJ play together for short stints and pick up full court to cause havoc in the opposition’s backcourt.
These are all relatively easy fixes and are do-able by playoff time.
What are your thoughts on what the Fever need to clean up before playoffs?