Swish Appeal

Atlanta - Shock: Game 1

This has got to be a tough one for the Dream. They certainly had this game but experience does matter. I'm not ruling out Atlanta though. I still think they can win this series.

• Pleasant Dreams - An Atlanta Dream Blog: P1/2009 - Shock 94, Dream 89
  I was shocked by this outcome as well...
• Shock wake up vs. Dream - Daily Tribune: Breaking news coverage for southeastern Oakland County, Michigan
  Oakland County Michigan daily newspaper covering local, regional, and national news including local sports, video and multimedia coverage, and classified advertising.
• Shock rallies from 18 down to take Game 1 | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com
  Down, but not out, in the second half of its playoff opener with Atlanta, the Shock used a 19-0 run after a time-out to turn a 61-48 deficit into a 67-61 advantage with its first basket in the fourth

Sparks - Storm: Game 1

The Storm score 6 points in the opening period and still make a game of it? I am a fan of the moral victory and Seattle certainly scored one of those. If LA could ever gets their act together they should roll this series but for whatever reason they still are not playing anywhere near to their potential.

• Storm | Los Angeles takes Game 1 of series against Storm, 70-63 | Seattle Times Newspaper
• Jackson-less Storm succumb to Sparks
  Was it me, or did LJ look a lot like the Vampire Queen from True Blood on TV last night?
• Sparks Remain Riders on the Storm :: SportsPageMagazine.com
  LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks used an overwhelming first quarter advantage to hold off a determined but decimated Seattle Storm team, 70-63 in the opening game of the WNBA Western Conference semi-finals series.
• Game time still means something to Leslie - The Daily Breeze
• STORM: Photo Gallery - Los Angeles 70, Storm 63 (Game 1)

Mercury - Silver Stars

Check back here later for a game thread / live chat during the action!

• WNBA Playoffs: Silver Stars Vs. Mercury Preview - Pounding The Rock
  A preview for the Western Conference WNBA Semifinal. Watch out, Diana - Becky's onto you.
• Top-seeded Mercury face tough task
  Top-seeded Mercury face tough task, Not only do the Mercury have to start its postseason on the road tonight in the WNBA's unique playoff setup, they have to start it in San Antonio - where this season they are 0-2.
• Silver Stars shoot for title
  Despite an up-and-down season, the Silver Stars’ sights are still on winning the WNBA Championship. - Silver Stars vs. Mercury Playoff Report - Position breakdown for Silver Stars vs. Phoenix Mercury series - More Silver Stars coverage
• Phoenix Mercury aim to copy 2007 run to title | AP Texas Sports | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

• WNBA Playoffs 2009 Player Blogs Fan Voice
  Hear from Sofia directly. Young is one of my favorite non-Mercury players

Mystics - Fever

This has got to be the least interesting of the opening four series. Right?

• The Washington Mystics' Crystal Langhorne Is Having a Stellar Second Pro Season - washingtonpost.com
  Congratulations to the Mystics' Crystal Langhorne
• Playoffs: Day 2 coverage roundup – Indiana at Washington and Phoenix at San Antonio
• Herb Simon takes over sole ownership of Pacers | 2009-09-17
  In the wake of Mel Simon's death, Indiana Pacers' future is in the firm grip of younger brother Herb, who now has sole ownership of the team.

• Catch-ing Playoff Fever in WNBA Blogs in Fan Voice
  Catchings checks in

Other news

Russian women’s team CSKA Moscow in jeopardy of folding
The team folded this morning. Russian players were informed of the decision during practice. "This was a big blow for us," said Anna Petrakova to sports.ru. "The girls could not hold back her tears."

Tulsa World: WNBA group will attend event
Investors seeking to bring a WNBA franchise to Tulsa will participate in the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce's Restaurant After Hours at the BOK Center on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is open to all Chamber members and will include samplings from several Tulsa restaurants. The general public is also invited to attend at a cost of $15 per person. WNBA president Donna Orender is expected to attend the event.