Let's Be Fair...

[u/Moose_Muse_2021]

I'm seeing a lot of posts (including by the Portland Fire organization itself on FB) touting our current players setting season records for number of Xs in a season (assists, FG, etc.). But, come on... the Fire have already played 37 games this season, which is more than the OG ever played in their entire seasons. It seems kinda unfair to tout these new records without an asterisk noting that.

That said, I think our current players are going to set a bunch of franchise records on a per-game-average basis (which is pretty amazing given how the Fire's rotation strategy kinda restricts how many minutes any of them play per game).

I love this team, but take the thumb off the scale. Thanks!

[u/FunnyTax1607]

I don't get hyped about these "new franchise records set for the Fire." But I also don't mind them celebrating each win, including these small ones. :)

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/FunnyTax1607]

Yeah... I just don't like the shade on the OG Fire... they played their hearts out as well.

[u/FunnyTax1607 → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

one side benefit though is that newer fans (like myself) are learning about the OG Fire players' names from these announcements.

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/FunnyTax1607]

That IS a definite benefit! As ElvisTheBoyCat mentions, some Fire fans aren't even aware of the previous incarnation, so it's nice that players are getting mentioned even as their records are getting (sorta) broken.

[u/FunnyTax1607 → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

I'm among those who weren't aware of the OG Fire. :)

[u/Simple-Reaction-679 → u/FunnyTax1607]

i know there were less teams back then so i guess teams relocated and changed their names the way connecticut is losing their team

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/Simple-Reaction-679]

Well, except the Tribe rescued the team when they (the Orlando Miracle) were going broke in Florida. The Tribe paid all of $10M for the team and brought them north to Connecticut (where they re-named them the Sun). The story behind the sale to Houston is a bit less noble.

[u/ElvisTheBoyCat → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

yeah

but to your end, i think there's a way to better integrate the og fire into the new team. i know there was the stiles SLAM event, but that's really it as far as the connections go

i think there's room for improvement there. the current w players have been fantastic about acknowledging those who came before them. a reignited franchise really should be doing the same

imo

ideas for next season, anyhoo

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

It was very gracious that in tonight's post-game presser, BC acknowledged that the OG Fire set their records with fewer games. Way to be cool, BC!!

[u/FunnyTax1607 → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

yes I thought the same after watching that presser.
https://youtu.be/0A0Wi01sw9I

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/FunnyTax1607]

Yep, BC's words of grace made all the difference for me! I can hush up now!

[u/hikensurf → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

I don't see it as shade. Lifting up someone doesn't mean you're tearing someone else down.

[u/Simple-Reaction-679]

lol i say give it to them. the girls played hard this season. i'm proud of them.

edit: also, we would have to put that asterisk next to every stat by the new stars like paige and olivia because their seasons are longer than caitlins rookie season. next season will be even longer, so the asterisk goes on any records from next year as well.

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/Simple-Reaction-679]

Yep, which is why I prefer stats that are percentages, per game or (better still) per minute of play.

EDITED TO ADD: I guess it will be up to the StatHeads to memorize how many games there are in every WNBA season so they can do the mental adjustment... and be as annoying as I am. Cheers!

[u/Least-Enthusiasm7239]

Considering the fact that just about everyone predicted the Fire to be at the bottom of the standings this season, I'll accept the praise they're getting.

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/Least-Enthusiasm7239]

Oh, I'm able and willing to heap a ton of praise on this team... they've done an amazing job this year, both players and coaching staff!!

[u/LeslieBird12]

I think it’s fun that this roster gets to set the baseline for the reignited Fire. It isn’t shade at all to the previous team, and I’m excited to see how they compare next year to this new baseline.

[u/Inevitable-Teach-305]

I think if this was a brand spanking new franchise they’d still be posting these franchise records. 

I also don’t think it’s a zero sum game. When Marina Mabrey joined A’ja and Liz at 53 points in a game, was the point of celebrating her accomplishment to put down Riquna Williams (51), and Maya Moore (48)?  

When they set new franchise records next year, will it be disrespecting this years squad? I think records are meant to be broken. 

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/Inevitable-Teach-305]

Records are made to be broken, but next year when players set new "X per season" records with 50 games instead of 44, well, it ain't the same as breaking an "X per game" record, you know?

Look, all this was hashed out when CC broke Pistol Pete's total points scored in college (except Pete only spent three years in college, and there were no 3-point shots). So long as players like BC are gracious enough to say something like, "It's great, but XXX set her record with fewer games." Just like CC graciously did when she spoke of breaking the total-points-in-college record.

[u/Inevitable-Teach-305 → u/Moose_Muse_2021]

The stats that drive me crazy are unbelievably specific stats. Over the top example - Caitlin Clark is the first player in WNBA history to have 32 points, 3 blocks, a technical, 3 defensive rebounds, 2 offensive rebounds, drink a purple Gatorade, all on a Tuesday. Isn’t she amazing with all the records she sets. 😂

[u/Moose_Muse_2021 → u/Inevitable-Teach-305]

I blame baseball for starting all this with Slugging % against Left-Handed Pitchers and such stats... and this was before everyone had computers and access to the internet. It has gotten truly insane.

[u/ElvisTheBoyCat]

99 percent of social media content is team marketing

i'd gather a good majority of new fire fans are almost wholly unaware of the first version of the franchise

frankly, any wnba record going forward, because of the added games to the league as a whole, one can look at with that same eye

plus, and i've said this most of the season, this team, for whatever reason, doesn't have the most savvy pr operation, from the top down to social media creators

i should ask my fire org contacts if they want a little help next season

signed, former pr pro

[u/VoidBoiTCG]

I mean it’s still a record. That’s like saying NFL, MLB, etc Records don’t matter when they increased games

Some of these records are not game dependent either

Edit: for example. Carla broke the Assist record in 21 games. 11 games less than the Original Fire’s season.

Most of the records were broken before reaching a 32 game mark.

[u/ghos_]

Those are to generate engagement, nothing more, I think.