Chicago Sky Talk: Admiral's Photo Blog: 6/22 @ Sacramento

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   Admiral’s SAC vs CHI Blog, 6/22 

Pre-Game Hilarity

Fortunately, the SAC/CHI game was on a Sunday, so I was actually able to arrive to the arena in time for shootaround. It was quite a nice treat, as I was able to see all the Sky players yuck it up. They were in a surprisingly good mood considering the overtime loss to PHO, and they were very chatty. Some of my favorite scenes were:

- Chasity Melvin posting up Harvey Alter's son and then shooting over him as he tried to block her shot; 

- Candice Dupree practicing her high-post spin move and drive against Melvin. After Candice blew by her and got an easy layup, Candice jokingly said "Man, play some defense Chas..." 

Candice Yucks it Up
Candace Looking Good Going Casual

During the game, Harvey Alter and son sat right next to me. I sit 1st row courtside on the visitor's side under the basket by the tunnel. During the shootaround, Coach Stephen Key walked right by my courtside seat and I didn't even notice it was him, because I've never seen him not wearing a suit. He walked by wearing shorts, sneakers and a Sky blue polo, and my first reaction was to laugh and thought to myself: "Man, Steven is really going casual today... Is he wearing that to the game?" 

Coach Key Chats with Newton

Game Analysis

Speaking of the game, it went about as I predicted. SAC was coming off of two blowout losses at home and were ready to show CHI the other end of one on Sunday. The White Line Defense held up very well, even though Dupree and Melvin were still able to score in the paint. Jia Perkins, as usual, had a good game vs SAC. What made the game a big Monarchs win was that the defense was good...... and so was the offense. The last game vs CON, SAC did well to effectively marginalize the Big 3, but SAC couldn't score on the other end, producing a loss. This time, SAC got offensive production from everybody. Thank you Houston for waiving Crystal Kelly... 

As for CHI, they certainly did well to score in the paint, even though the White Line Defense always makes it difficult to do so. Dupree had ridiculous numbers, as usual, the aforementioned Perkins did well, Canty did well, Melvin did well... The thing that got 'em was the FTs and the frequently harped upon perimeter shooting. Sure nobody can coax Stacey Dales out of retirement?? 

Anyways, here are some shots I took: 

Brunson Says: The Price is Blocked
SAC White Line Defense Interrupts Dupree's Drive
Armintie Stuffed
Stuffed but Fouled
Stephanie White Exercises Her Right to Bear Arms
Armintie Jumps So High She Jumps Out of the Frame!
Dupree Scores Regardless

Laura Harper Meets The Admiral
Key and White Not Happy with the Calls
Sky Not Happy
Armintie Flies Past Harper
KB Has Her Foot Examined 

Post-Game Festivities

Kayte Christensen also came by to see all her friends from the Sky team, and also stopped to chat with Jim Kozimor and then Tauja. 

Kayte Makes a Grab
Kayte and Tauja

Finally, at the end of the game, it was Nicole Powell's birthday, so Ticha Penicheiro led everybody in the arena to sing Happy Birthday to Nicole. 

Nicole Powell Hugs Her Mother
Ticha Discusses Her Singing Skills  

Well hope you all enjoyed this post! I never did get to tell Candice that I liked her ESPN Blog... maybe you can all pass on the information.. 

Edited by Admiral_Needa - 24Jun2008 at 6:41am

2008 Season
Chicago Sky Talk : Sky Team Talk : 2008 Season