MAVERICKS SIGN CENTER NERLENS NOEL

Nerlens Noel will remain in Dallas for one more year. Photo credit: Scout.com

MAVERICKS SIGN CENTER NERLENS NOEL

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed center Nerlens Noel. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Noel (6-11, 220), who was acquired by the Mavericks from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade-deadline deal on Feb. 23, averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.1 blocks and 21.9 minutes in 22 games (12 starts) with Dallas last year.

For the 2016-17 season, Noel posted averages of 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.3 steals, 1.0 block and 20.5 minutes in 51 games (19 starts) with Philadelphia and Dallas. 

The three-year veteran out of Kentucky holds career averages of 10.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.5 blocks and 27.6 minutes in 193 games (152 starts) with the Sixers and the Mavericks. He has shot 51.1 percent from the floor for his career.

A native of Malden, Mass., Noel was originally selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. His rights were later traded to Philadelphia along with a future first-round pick in exchange for Jrue Holiday and Pierre Jackson.

As a rookie in 2014-15, Noel averaged 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.9 blocks and 30.8 minutes per game in 75 games (71 starts) while garnering NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. 

In his lone season at Kentucky (2012-13), Noel averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.1 steals, 4.4 blocks and 31.9 minutes en route to earning First Team All-SEC, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Rookie of the Year honors. On Jan. 29, 2013, Noel set the UK single-game record with 12 blocked shots in a victory over No. 16 Ole Miss.

Noel suffered a torn ACL in a game against the Florida Gators on Feb. 12, 2013, ending his 2012-13 season. Despite the injury, Noel declared for the 2013 NBA Draft following his freshman year. He missed the entire 2013-14 NBA season recovering from knee surgery.

The 23-year-old was the top-rated player by both ESPNU recruiting and Scout.com coming out of high school and was rated the second-best prospect by Rivals.com

The Mavericks’ 2017-18 training camp roster is now set at 20 players.   

© 2017 Dallas Mavericks

15 2017 Fantasy Football Sleepers

Carson Wentz is one of the fifteen NFL players you should keep your eyes in the late rounds of your fantasy football drat in
2017. Photo credit: CSN Philly

2017 Fantasy Football - 15 Sleepers 

This is a list of my favorite 2017 fantasy football sleepers - underrated players who are going way later than they should. The Average Draft Position (ADP) is found on FantasyFootballCalculator.com. 

The past two years of Fantasy Football Sleepers have been a mixed bag. For 2015, three of my top six sleepers were Dion Lewis, Jordan Reed and Cam Newton. On the flip side, however, I was way wrong on Kendall Wright, Stevie Johnson and Breshad Perriman. As for last season, I nailed Michael Thomas, Spencer Ware, Robert Kelley, Kenneth Dixon. Some whiffs, however, were Tajae Sharpe, DeAndre Washington, Devin Funchess and Devontae Booker. 

1.  Joe Williams, RB, 49ers. ADP: 12.02. 
   Joe Williams was a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, but would've gone earlier had it not been for character concerns. The 49ers love him and think he's a better fit for the offense than Carlos Hyde, so I would definitely target Williams in the middle rounds. 
2.  C.J. Prosise, RB, Seahawks. ADP: 11.02. 
   C.J. Prosise had two explosive performances against the Patriots and Eagles last year before landing on injured reserve. Durability is obviously an issue with Prosise, but he's worth the risk in the 11th round. The Seahawks will definitely give Prosise plenty of touches when he's healthy. 
3.  Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles. ADP: 11.04. 
   Zach Ertz has been Carson Wentz's favorite target throughout the offseason, so he should be drafted much higher than the 11th round. He and Wentz developed a great rapport toward the end of this past season, so that should carry over into 2017. 
4.  Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs. ADP: 8.05. 
   Spencer Ware may begin the year as Kansas City's starting running back, but Kareem Hunt will likely finish the season as the primary runner. Hunt is more talented than Ware, who struggled down the stretch last season after a hot start. Unfortunately, Hunt's ADP has risen from the 11th round to the eighth recently. 
5.  Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks. ADP: 14.01. 
   Tyler Lockett is 29th in my Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings, so I don't know why he's being chosen so late. Lockett showed great potential as a rookie in 2015, but was banged up last year. He should be able to rebound with a strong season. 
   
6.  Taylor Gabriel, WR, Falcons. ADP: 11.02. 
   Prior to the Jeremy Maclin release, I was pretty confused about why Taylor Gabriel and Tyreek Hill were being drafted nine rounds apart. I didn't even have them nine spots apart in my Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings! Gabriel and Hill are effectively the same player, and Gabriel is in the better offense. Hill's role will increase with Maclin gone, but the fact remains that Gabriel still provides much more value. 
7.  Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles. ADP: 12.08. 
   Carson Wentz is my No. 11 quarterback, yet he's the 19th signal-caller off the board. Wentz has a top-five offensive line and an improved receiving corps to work with. Plus, he has worked very hard on his mechanics this offseason. He seems poised for a great sophomore campaign. 
8.  Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars. ADP: 14.08. 
   Allen Hurns was a major disappointment in 2016, but he was never 100 percent because of a problematic knee. Now healthy, Hurns can go back to collecting lots of yardage in garbage time. 
9.  Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks. ADP: 9.12. 
   Here's another Seattle running back who is well worth his ADP than Eddie Lacy. Thomas Rawls has worked out extremely hard this offseason to make amends for his disappointing 2016 campaign. That should pay off, so I like taking a chance on him at the end of the ninth round. 
10.  Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions. ADP: Undrafted. 
    Kenny Golladay has been the star of Lions' training camp. He's only a rookie, but he's a massive receiver who will provide a huge presence in the red zone. He's worth looking into in the final rounds. 
11.  Pierre Garcon, WR, 49ers. ADP: 8.02. 
    I don't understand why Pierre Garcon is the 36th receiver off the board at his 8.02 ADP. Garcon is a great route runner and can thrive in any system. Sure, his quarterback will be Brian Hoyer, but if Cameron Meredith can be productive with Hoyer, Garcon certainly can, too. 
12.  John Brown, WR, Cardinals. ADP: 9.04. 
    I had John Brown listed in the Fantasy Football Busts last year, but I like him to rebound from his dreadful 2016 campaign. Brown dealt with a nasty injury all season, but figures to be healthy now. Carson Palmer's regression is still an issue, but with Michael Floyd gone, Palmer will target Brown more often. 
13.  Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons. ADP: 14.02. 
    Austin Hooper didn't do much as a rookie, but he's had a great offseason and has earned the praise of Matt Ryan. Hooper is a highly athletic tight end with tremendous upside, so he could post TE1-type numbers this year. 
14.  Marlon Mack, RB, Colts. ADP: 12.06. 
    Marlon Mack has been getting some positive press recently. Chuck Pagano said Mack has the potential to be a "special player," citing how Mack has performed well in pass-protection drills. That's key for a young running back, so Mack could get some playing time this year with Frank Gore on the decline. 
    
    
    
15.  C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos. ADP: 5.05. 
    It feels weird to call a fifth-round pick a sleeper, but I think C.J. Anderson provides a ton of value in the early rounds. Anderson is in great shape this year, so he might be able to avoid injury. He's 14th in my Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings, yet he's the 25th player at his position to come off the board, per the ADP. 
16.  Tyrell Williams, WR, Chargers. ADP: 9.05. 
    The Chargers spent the seventh-overall pick on Mike Williams, but he could miss most of the season with a back injury. Tyrell Williams, as a result, provides quality value at his ninth-round ADP. Williams' ADP has risen recently in the wake of the Williams news, but I liked him beforehand. 
17.  J.J. Nelson, WR, Cardinals. ADP: 14.11. 
    I don't think spending a final non-defense, non-kicker pick on J.J. Nelson is the worst idea. Nelson is Arizona's No. 3 receiver, and he could easily become the second option, given John Brown's injury history. There have been positive reports about Carson Palmer this offseason, so that could help Nelson's fantasy outlook.

Preview: Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears

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WNBA Dallas Wings Fall to Chicago Sky 92 - 85

The Wings come up short again at home

by Willie Pointer

The Dallas Wings are coming off a tough loss Friday night against the Phoenix Mercury 98-72 were they just didn’t have any energy from the start. Tonight they face the Chicago Sky and the Wings look to get back on a winning track. Dallas currently sits in the 11th spot in the WNBA and look to make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season.

Plenette Pierson got the scoring started for the Dallas Wings Sunday evening here in Arlington as they look to snap their current losing streak, but the Chicago Sky jumps out early to a 10-5 lead midway through the fist quarter led by Courtney Vandersloot with 5 quick points.

Coach Williams was forced to call a time out with 4:29 left in the first period as the Sky goes up by double digits leading 18-8. After the time out the wings get a huge three point basket from Aerial Powers to trim the lead to seven points.

Elena Delle Donne has torched the wings in the first period scoring 6pts, the sky lead after the first quarter 32-16.

The wings offensive struggles continue in the second quarter of play as they find themselves down 18pts with 8:22 left in the period. Meanwhile the Chicago Sky continues to pound the ball inside and getting easy buckets from Erika de Souza.

Dallas finally get their first points in the second quarter with 5:45 seconds to go from a short jumper from Skylar Diggins, Coach Williams has used multiple line ups in the game so far non of them have been consistent on the offensive end.

It took almost 2 1/2 quarters for the Wings to start playing consistent basketball as they close the gap with the Chicago Sky 50-37 going into halftime.

Odyssey Sims comes out in the third period and knocks down a deep corner three to pull the Wings to within 10 pts early in the third, Courtney Paris got into the action with back to back baskets and the wings force the Sky to call a time out with 7:34 left in the third quarter.

Elena Della Donne quiets the crowd with a short jumper from the top of the key top put the Chicago Sky back up 66-54 with 4:10 left to play in the third quarter. At the end of three the Chicago Sky still holds a commanding lead of 76-62. 

Chicago has come out and pushed their lead to 17pts behind All star Elena Delle Donne and Cappie Pondexter, the wings look just a step slow at the start of the final period. The Wings chipped away at the Sky’s lead and cut it to six points 88-82 with 24.4 seconds in the fourth quarter.

Down the stretch the Sky proved to be just too much for the Dallas Wings as they drop another game at home  92-85.

LIVE: Da Red Brick Brigade Show with Willie P Episode 02

Host Willie P breaks down all sports for the week on Da Red Brick Brigade Show

Training Camp Report: Claiborne and Carr Battle It Out (Video)

Dallas Cowboys defensive backs Brandon Carr and Maurice Claiborne battle for the starting position.

Training Camp Report: Dak Prescott and Jamill Showers Get Reps (Video)

Training Camp Report: Cowboys Considering Manziel for Backup?

At the end of the first week of Dallas Cowboys training camp, things seem to have started where they left off at the quarterback position. Tony Romo is not on the field. The projected backup quarterback, Kellen Moore, is out for most of the season. And an untested rookie QB, Dak Prescott, is taking reps with the first team. The uncertainty under center remains a constant.

Plan A was to acquire Nick Foles, but he shunned "offensive guru" Jason Garrett to play under the coach that drafted him, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. For a player that forced his way out of the LA Rams because he wants to be a long-term starter, backing up the injury prone Romo would seem to be the better option. But playing in cold KC behind a younger Alex Smith appeared better.

Plan B? Sources within the organization have told us that they are "considering many options." When asked directly if those options including a Dallas resident, former Heisman winner quarterback with a fondness for the dramatic named Johnny Manziel, the reply was "we are considering it."

Truth be told, the Cowboys will need to wait until the NFL finally deals out the expected suspension to Manziel for his off the field criminal behavior. Once that is handed down, do not be surprised to see Johnny Football throwing the ball with the second team.

New Updates:

Stephen Jones has denied that Johnny Manziel will be an option for the Cowboys.

Manziel has been spotting in Los Angeles this week. A few miles south of training camp in Oxnard, California.

We are also being told that the $2 million fine from the NFL for the Cowboys having three current players suspended may deter them from pursuing Manziel.


Stay tuned...

Game Time: High School Football Preview Show - Sunday 5PM CST

Join our NTXGame high school football experts Willie P, Coach Rob, and Casey Jackson as they break down the start of the North Texas High School Football season.

SWAC 2016 Football Media Day Recap

Courtesy Sidney Jackson / Alabama A&M

Courtesy: Sidney Jackson / Alabama A&M View Photo

2016 Football Media Day Recap

Courtesy SWAC.org

Fri, July 15, 2016

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southwestern Athletic Conference officially opened the 2016 football season with its annual SWAC Football Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama at the Birmingham Marriott.

The event featured several workings including the All-SWAC Preseason Team announcement with a live video and radio broadcast stream.  A series of special guest included LT. COL Keith Bland of the Air Force Reserve, ESPN’s  John Grant, Executive Director of the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, Mark Wright from The Undefeated, Jay Walker ESPN College Football Analyst and Shack Harris from the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Head coaches from all 10 schools accompanied with two players each were in attendance.  Over 130 media members were credentialed for this year’s gathering.
The SWAC released a pair of public service initiatives to highlight the conference member institutions, promote the upcoming 2016 Toyota SWAC Football Championship in Houston, Texas on December 3.
The SWAC released its 2016 SWAC Preseason Teams with Southern running back Lenard Tillery and Alabama State linebacker Kourtney Berry being tabbed for individual honors.
Two-time defending champion Alcorn State totaled 44 votes points as it was named the preseason favorite out of the East Division. Alabama State followed with 35 points, Jackson State received 28 points, followed by Alabama A&M (16) and Mississippi Valley State (12).

Out in the West Division, Prairie View A&M was chosen as the division favorite after amassing 41 points in the voting. Grambling State followed with 35 points, and Southern received 32 points. Texas Southern (16) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (11) rounded out the order of predicted finish.

Wings Fall Short To Lynx 98-97

The Wings fall short to Lynx

by Willie Pointer

The Dallas Wings went into last night contest riding a 3 game losing streak but coach Williams and his troops look very impressive early as they battle a strong Minnesota Lynx squad that has all the tools to win it all once again in the WNBA. 

Dallas' Glory Johnson was out for the contest due to a broken toe that will keep her out for at least another month, this injury hurst the Wings as a team but coach Williams has made some adjustments that will keep his team afloat until Glory returns.

Lynx' Rebekkah Brunson had an impressive first quarter for Minnesota scoring 9pts, Dallas Karima Christmas had herself a first quarter pumping in 10pts for the wings and leading 29-27 after the first quarter.

Maya Moore came out the start of the second quarter scoring the Lynx first 6pts pushing their lead out to opts 34-29 with 8:25 left ion the period. Plenette Pierson and the wings put together a 6-0 run to cut the Lynx lead 50-46 with two minutes reamaing in the first half.

Maya Moore lead all scores in the first half with 14pts as the Lynx went into halftime leading the Wings 55-50. Both teams shot over 55% from the field in the first half.

Wings' Odyssey Sims goes down from a incidental elbow from Lynx Sylvia Fowles early in the third quarter, Skylar Diggins pick up the scoring load scoring the Wings next 6 points as sims recovered from her injury.

The combination of Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore of the Lynx gave the Wings fitz throughout the third quarter. With only a little over two minutes left in the third the Lynx regain control of the game going on a 8-0 run to push their lead to 72-61 over the Wings.

Courtney Paris of the Wings put back a a 5ft shot to close out the third quarter with the Wings trailing 76-63. The Wings were totally outplayed by the Lynx through three quarters.

Rookie Aerial Powers has had her moments this season for the Wings and along with her teammate Odyssey Sims both will be on team USA for the Olympics.

Powers and Sims sparked the late 4th quarter run for the Wings combining for 10pts to pull the wings to within four points  86-82  with 2:32 left in the game.

Plenette Pierson three point basket tied the game at 86-86 with 1:50 to play, but Seimone Augustus knocked down a corner three to put the Lynx back up by three with 34.7 left in the contest.

Sims gets fouled on three point shot by Lindsay Whalen of the Lynx with 6.0 second left to play, Sims knock down all three free throws to force overtime.

In overtime it was Karima Christmas huge three point basket with 1:21 in overtime that put the Wings ahead 97-94, Christmas finished with 20pts in the contest.

Lindsay Whalen pulled the Lynx to within 1point with two free throws, only 50:1 remaining in overtime, Sims committed a huge turnover with 24.7, Seimone Augustus capitalized on the wings turnover by connecting on a 15ft jumper to put the Lynx back ontop 98-97 with 15.3 left in overtime.

Rookie Aerial Powers could not get off a good look late in overtime as the Lynx prevail 98-97 lead by Allstar Maya Moore 20pts

Dallas Wings Survive Stars In OT

Dallas Wings player Odyssey Sims and San Antonio Stars player Moriah Jefferson. Photo credit MySanAntonio 

Wings survive the Stars in OT

by Willie Pointer


Plenette Pierson came out on fire for the Dallas Wings going 3-3 from the field against the San Antonio Stars Thursday night , but Kayla McBride has matched Peirsons effort making two quick three pointers to put the stars up 16-8 midway through the first quarter.

Karima Christmas gets into the scoring action scoring 5 quick points late in the first to pull the Wings to within 2pts of the stars, Christmas had an outstanding floor game Tuesday night against the Phoenix Mercury scoring 9pts and pulling down 5 rebounds but it was her defense on all-star Diana was a big key for the Wings.

Glory Johnson came off the bench and gave the wings some good minutes connecting on 2 of 3 shots to put the wings ahead at the end of the 1st period 22-19.

Theresa Plaisance has played well since returning from her lower leg injury, she gives the Wings another energy player off the bench and she also can stretch the floor with her 3point shooting.

Jordan Hooper has been on a tear for the wings as she went 4-for-4 in her last game and tonight she has come in midway through the second and pick up were she left off drilling her first shot from 3point land and putting the wings up 32-21 over the Stars.

Mcbride has kept the stars close nailing yet another sweet three pointer giving her 9pts early in the first half of the contest. The Stars come into the game with a 2-10 record on the season, they have really played hard but find themselves down way to much early in games in which they tend to lose.

The Wings go on a 6-0 run to close out the first half leading the Stars 50-34 behind a big first half from Plenette Pierson.

Dallas came out flat in the first four minutes of the second half and the Stars Dearica Hammy took full advantage of it cutting the Wings lead to single digits forcing coach Williams to call a time out. Odyssey Sims convert on a 15ft jumper to push the Wings lead back to double digit in the third quarter.

San Antonio has not look like a 2-10 team tonight as they have fought very hard in the contest, Coach Williams and the Wings have yet to match the energy of the Stars in the second half as they cut the Wings lead to 7pts with two minutes left in the third.

At the end of three quarters the Stars had cut the Wings lead down to 5pts and had all the momentum as they looked to keep the pressure up on the Wings. Mariah Jefferson and Sydney Colson gave the Stars an advantage in the backcourt in the second half with their speed and ball handling.

Kayla Alexander gave the Stars their first lead of the night 67-66 as she split two free throws  with 8min left in the 4th. The Wings leaned on all-star Skylar Diggins and she answered scoring a quick 5points to put the wings up by two points 71-69 at the 7:30 mark.

Plenette Pierson had a chance to end it in regulation but her attempt fell short as the Stars push it to overtime. 

Sims and the Wings went on a 6-0 run to start overtime and the stars couldn’t keep up as they fall 97-90

Wings Cool The Mercury 100-90, Push Win Streak To 3

Wings Outduel The Mercury For The 3rd Consecutive Win

by Willie Pointer


The wings got on the board first with a sweet put back by Plenette Pierson and she followed that up with a three pointer from the top of the key, Wings jump out to a quick 7-0 lead with 7:22 left in the first quarter, Sonja Petrovic gets the mercury on the board with a deep three from the corner.

Skylar Diggins knocks down a 15ft jumper in the lane for her first points in the contest, she is coming off a 24pt outing in her last game against the Phoenix Mercury. Griner connects on another turnaround jumper to extend the Mercury lead to 5pts with seconds remaining in the first. Erin Phillis gets into the action knocking down 2 free throws to end the quarter with the wings trailing by opts.

Jordan Hooper gets the second quarter scoring started with a Patten three-pointer from the top of the key, Jordan has really shot the ball extremely well in her last 2 games. Midway through the second Diggins picks up her second foul and she had to sit the for the remaining of the period.

Hooper has made the last 4 field goals for the wings including three straight three-pointers, Sims has chimed in on the action going coast to coast for her second made basket of the game, Wings push their lead to 6pts leading 40-34 with 2:45 left in the first half action.

Taurus of the Mercury cruises in for another easy layup to cut the Wings lead down to 4pts, Griner and Taurasi have managed to keep their team in striking distance as the quarter closes with the wings up 48-44 at the half.

The Mercury got off to a hot start in the second half scoring the first 4pts to tie the game but Skylar Diggins had an answer with 6pts of her own including a 4point play for the Wings, Glory Johnson has made her presence felt as she has covered her last 3 field goals in the paint to push the wings lead to 8 pts with 2minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Karima Christmas had a huge block of Brittany Griner that was called a foul, Griner split the free throws, late in the third quarter Diggins nails a three to put the wings up by 11 with :45seconds left. Rookie Aerial Powers fouls DeWanna Bonner on a three point shot were she makes 2 of 3 for the Mercury to end the quarter.

The wings took a double digit lead into the 4th were they look to build on and keep the momentum going. Powers made a big bucket in the paint to stop the Mercury run and push the lead back out to 10 pts early in the 4th.

Bonner has single handed kept the Mercury in the game knocking down consecutive three pointers to cut the wings lead to opts with 46.4 seconds left but it was too much Glory Johnson down the stretch as she powers the wings past the mercury for a 100-90 win.

One For The 'Land

Lebron James makes good on his promise to Northeast Ohio and delivers an NBA Championship to Cleveland. The Cavaliers come back from 3-1 to win Game 7 on the road. James is named MVP.

82 Points: Watch Kyrie Irving and Lebron James Make History

In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Lebron James and Kyrie Irving make history by becoming the first duo to both score 40+ points in the same Finals game. They both went for 41 each to take the series back to Cleveland 3-2.

L.A Sparks Torch Wings To Improve To 9-0

Nneke Ogqumike scored 32 points as the Dallas Wings fall to the LA Sparks 97-73. Candace Parker and the Sparks
remain undefeated this season. Photo credit: LA Times 

L.A Sparks torch the Wings to improve to 9-0

by Willie Pointer
L A Sparks jumps out with a 6-0 led by Candice Parker and Nneka Ogwumike, Courtney Paris get the wings on the board with a driving layup, but Parker knocks down a deep corner two to put the sparks up by nine points with 7:36 remaining.

Skylar Diggins comes in and hits a big three from the left corner to cut into the Sparks lead, but it’s has been to much of #30 for the wings as she continues her dominance inside the paint.

Aerial Powers wrestles the ball away from an Sparks defender and scores, #42 hit a 10ft jumper as the sparks end the quarter up 26-11. Skylar gave the wings some very good minutes in the first quarter in her first game back in action since the home opener.

Powers has given life to the Wings as she has scored the last six points and cut the Sparks lead to 15pts with 7min to go in the second quarter. Kristin Toliver nails a corner three to put the sparks up by 18pts in the contest.

Glory Johnson gets a huge block against Alana Beard of the sparks and the wings get a run out basket by Sims to cut LA lead to 14pts with 2min remaining in the half. Powers has yet again come off the bench and has been the spark the wings have needed scoring 10pts in the second.

Nneka Ogwumike has been too much inside  scoring 15 pts in the first half for the Sparks as she bangs in another three point play. LA heads into the locker room up 50-32.

Sims got the Wings third quarter scoring started as she drove the basket for a layup and cut the sparks lead to 14, Parker knocks down a couple of free throws to put the sparks back up by double digits, the wings have come out the second half with alot of energy as they go on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 12pts with 6:19 in the third

Glory Johnson splits a pair of free throws to draw the wings within 14 with  5 min left in the third quarter, Skylar Diggins gets a layup assisted by Karma Christmas to pull the wings to within 12pts after a Sparks turnover, Kristin Toliver gets a driving layup with the foul against wings Odyssey sims she misses the free throw.

Diggins has made her last 4 free throws to daw the wings to within 12pts with 1 min remainng in the third, Erin Phillips makes a deep corner 2 for the wings, but the Sparks take a double digit lead into the 4th quarter.

Sparks Toliver has answered the bell for her team as she knocks down another dagger three for LA, Sims turnover leads to another layup by Ogwumike for the sparks. Jantel Lavender hits a short jumper in the lane to put the Sparks up by 23pts midway through the 4th quarter.

Chelsea Gray makes a driving layup as the Sparks have blown the game wide open and lead by 28pts late in the quarter, the wings will yet again fall short as the lose to the Sparks 97-73. The win improves the Sparks to 9-0 on the season and the Wings fall to 3-6 on the season.

NBA Finals: Game 4 Adjustments

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a hill to climb to even the series with the Golden State Warriors.

by Rodney Fisher

Golden State Warriors

Matching Intensity

The Warriors allowed the Cavaliers to feed off their home crowd in the first quarter of Game 3. It is not that they were caught off guard, they know to expect the Cavs to come out swinging in their first home game of the series, but they normally match the intensity with a deadly three-pointer or block at the rim. In Game 4, the Golden Boys need to bring their own fight early.

Lineup Change

This is simple...If Kevin Love starts, so does Andrew Bogut. If Coach Lue keeps Richard Jefferson in the the starting five, then you make the move to start last year's NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.

Make Free Throws

We all know the Warriors need to shoot better, but 17-26 from the charity stripe needs to improve. Free throw shooting on the road is all about nerves. It is one of the best indicators to see the mindset of the road team in the playoffs. Klay Thompson was 1-3 from the free throw line. Draymond Green was 2-4.

Make the Cavs Run Half-court Sets

This has been cryptonite for the Cavs offense. When they have to run plays the settle for jumpshots, and in Game 3 they made them. That is risk you are willing to take with you have a more superior shooting team overall. The Cavs looked their best on the break in Game 3, but Lebron could not finish at the rim in with the half-court offense.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Don't Get Cute Lue

Coach does not need to make the rookie mistake of thinking that not having Kevin Love in the starting lineup is the right move. If Love is cleared to play, you have to let him start regardless of what fans, media, or Lebron has to say. If you lose Game 4 and don't start Love even though he is ready to play, the decision may cost you more than a trophy. Richard Jefferson is available to come in at anytime, he does not have to start.

Run, Run, Run

Play like your hair is on fire! Start Game 4 just like Game 3 without slowing down in the second quarter. Running will get the Cavs easy points in the paint or free throw attempts. The Cavs outscored the Warriors 15-8 on fast break points.

Lebron Needs 40

James does not need to let his foot off the gas now that Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith have decided to show up to The Finals for only one game. He has way more at stake in this series than any other player on the team. He has to play like a man possessed. Yes Lebron, you have to channel the legends of the game like Jordan, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Olajuwon, Jabar, and others to take over.

The Wings Run Out Of Gas Against The Mystic; Lose 4 Straight

Dallas Wings' Gloria Johnson positions for the rebound as her team falls to the Mystic 87-79. Photo credit: W3LiveNews 

The Wings Run Out Of Gas Against The Mystic

by Willie Pointer

Erin Phillips got the wings scoring started with a deep corner three with 7:50 seconds left in the first quarter. The Mystics jump out really on the wings to lead by 5pts, Courtney Paris was tagged with 2 quick fouls and she had to sit the rest of the quarter.

Glory Johnson entered the game with 5:45 remaining and she made an immediate impact scoring on driving layup, Mystics center Stefanie Dolson makes the wings pay as she connects on a short jumper in the paint.

Jordan hooper drops a corner three assisted by sims sweet pass from the top of the key,  Bria Hartley puts the Mystics back up 19-17 with 2min remain in the first quarter. Glory Johnson scores and pull the wings to within one point to end the quarter with the mystic leading 22-21

Ivory Latta makes a three point basket to extend the Mystic lead to opts with 9minutes remaining, Ruth Hamblin makes a turnaround jumper for the wings, Mystics Kia Vaughn hit a driving layup for her only opts in the half.

The Wings have their outside game working as Jordan Hooper and Karima Christmas both have knock down huge three’s in the 2nd Quarter to pull the wings within one point with 3min remaining. Glory Johnson was hit with a flagrant 1 foul with :10 left in the half. Washington took the lead into halftime 40-37
 

Sims got the second half scoring started for the wings with a short jumper from the wing to cut the lead 40-39 but the mystics pushed back and have since went on a quick 7-0 spurt to lead 47-39 with 5:48 left in the frame.

Washington leads by 10, 51-41 with 4:22 seconds left in the 3rd. Aerial Powers makes a couple of free throws to cut into the mystics lead, but Ivory Latta makes the wings pay with a deep three from the corner.

Coach Williams gets tossed after a horrible call from the referee, it puts the mystic up by 11 with 3min to go in the quarter. Aerial powers has scored back to back baskets to cut into the mystics lead, at the end of three the mystics lead 68-53.

Karima Christmas hits a big three to cut the lead down to 12 with 9min to play, the bigs for the wings haven’t played well at all tonight as the wings find themselves down 17pts with 6min left in the game.

With 4:45 left in the contest the wings make a push to cut the lead down to 10 behind some key free throws from Glory Johnson, Courtney Paris commits her 5th foul as the wings are down by 11 with 2:36 remaining

The Wings drop another game as the fall to the Washington Mystic tonight 87-79, next home game is saturday 7:30 against the LA Sparks.