A quality point guard not only adds a fifth component to a Fever offense, it also makes Catchings and Douglas - both - better. Immediately.

I've been asked often this year, "Why isn't Katie scoring like she used to?" Or, "how can Tamika be so good in the Olympics, but struggle so much when she returns to the Fever?" Very simply, Katie and Tamika are in an absolutely different lineup from which those comparisons come. Katie had a very dynamic point guard when she played at Connecticut (Lindsay Whalen). And in the Olympics, Tamika was not ever the top offensive option, plus many of her points were scored off steals, or in transition, against inferior opponents.

An improvement at point guard improves three positions for Indiana. Beyond that, it even relieves some of the pressure off interior players like Ebony Hoffman or Tammy Sutton-Brown.

How does that improvement take place? One possibility is on our own roster in Sherill Baker, although her bruised wrist this season became such a nagging concern I'm not sure Fever coaches know what to anticipate from her. She was a great addition early in the summer. But then she more or less disappeared with the freak injury. Beyond Baker, I think that the Fever's best options will be to obtain a quality point guard in a trade, the upcoming draft or possibly free agency.

I know that point guard was a primary goal in last year's draft, but by the time we reached the No. 26 pick, the best guards had been nabbed and Indiana chose the best available athlete in Khadijah Whittington. Whittington can be a solid WNBA forward, but we endured a full season without the point guard questions being answered and it was evident.

First, blending strong personalities doesn't happen overnight, and with Catchings nursing her injury and being in and out of the lineup half the season, the chemistry between Katie and Tamika never had a chance to really develop properly. From May through September, between injuries and absences to both, I would venture to guess, honestly, that the pair did not really practice hard together more than a couple dozen times - if that. One of them was constantly absent or on the mend. It would not have been uncommon for that chemistry to develop over a full season under ordinary circumstances.

Second, remember that 2008's WNBA Draft was by far the deepest and most talented ever. Essentially, every team in the WNBA got appreciably better. Every team effectively drafted a new starter, for free, in the form of a rookie contract, and with no loss of other talent. But not Indiana. The cost of the trade, along with Tamika Whitmore, was the No. 9 overall draft pick. While every other team got to "add a starter," Indiana lost that luxury. We made ourselves more healthy for the future, but not necessarily for 2008.

The fruits of the Katie Douglas Trade will be realized to a greater extent in her second and third years with the Fever.

That continuity needs to be regained on the court. This franchise has been a solid, consistent contributor in the WNBA in terms of being innovative, drawing fans and local interest, and in growing the WNBA product. In my six years with the franchise, that continuity has been a steady factor in our franchise's success. In 2008 however, it was continuity on the court, not off, that took a bit of a hit.

Continuity and stability have served this franchise well, helping drive the mission statement of the Indiana Fever: to win championships and serve our community. The Fever has continued to be a valued source of entertainment in our great city, and always has taken pride in providing opportunities and role models for our youth and women and families. The mission of a championship continues, despite a stumble this past summer.

There are many who were disappointed with the summer of '08, which was preceded by three consecutive 21-13 seasons. If 2008 was a temporary setback, the important reality is that the mission remains unchanged. With a 10th Anniversary season ahead for 2009, Fever fans can once again expect every effort toward achieving that championship goal.

For now, I'll return to my role in staffing the WNBA Finals from San Antonio. I'll write more later from here and Detroit ... once again hoping to be writing about the Fever from these Finals in years to come.
KM

Wow. What an epic blowout of a final game that was. Tonight's loss was so bad that the 80-61 final score was semi-respectable compared to the beating that took place in the first half.

Indiana trailed by as many as 31 before taking a 49-19 deficit into intermission. The Shock shot 54 percent to the Fever's 28 percent. The disparity was 67 to 20 percent in the first quarter with Detroit leading 30-7.

A whopping 15 turnovers by halftime didn't help matters.

I'll write more later, but in short, I'll say this -- the 3-game playoff series pretty much summed up the entire Fever season -- you just never knew which team was going to show up.

Fittingly, the Fever entered the playoffs on a two-game win streak, it's longest of the summer. Then it lost one; then won a thriller; then lost in a rout.

More to come after tomorrow morning's 6 a.m. return to Indy.
KM

But what do I know? And so often it's difficult to tell, so maybe that's just my wishful thinking.

The Fever's chances of winning this thing tonight and advancing to the conference finals are infinitely higher than from the time we boarded our play from Indianapolis on Saturday morning. But only the first half of the job is finished. Sunday's win cleared a giant obstacle and did more than just even the series -- it changed the Fever mentality.

In order to win again this evening, Indiana must play exactly as it did two days ago, and that means putting out one of its best performances again.

But while knocking off the Shock on Sunday, confidence is certainly raised, as if to say, "Hey, we can beat these guys!" Of course the Fever knew they could, but in sports, so much is mental. Every game is played with a certain mindset. And for the Fever to possibly question that reality going into Games 2 and 3, it would have been understandable, having lost six straight to the Shock dating to last season -- and often without games being close.

So, with that proverbial monkey off their backs and a win under their belts, the Fever feels a bit more energized. They can play with no less passion and intensity as they did on Sunday. And the keys to the game are the same -- Sutton-Brown and Hoffman must compete in the post; the Fever bench must contribute; and Indiana must find ways to contain Deanna Nolan and Katie Smith.

There also is the consideration that Plenette Pierson won't play this evening. That could alter the Shock's post rotation, but they're so deep that no matter who steps into her minutes, Indiana probably won't play any differently. With or without Pierson in Detroit's lineup, I expect the same knock-down, dragout intensity -- all the way to the finish.

If the Fever performs and meets those keys to the game, Indiana may well advance and host the New York Liberty on Thursday night at Conseco Fieldhouse. If Nolan or Smith catch fire, or if Sutton-Brown and Hoffman don't achieve success again, the Fever's season could end on this floor for the second straight season.

Tune in to 1070 The Fan for Chris Denari and Jane Schott, or catch the action on ESPN2. And after a potential victory, be sure to log on to FeverBasketball.com and get those tickets for Thursday night's game at The Fieldhouse!
KM

The result of a league review today is that Ebony Hoffman's technical foul was upgraded to a type 2 flagrant foul. There are two types, 1 and 2, with 2 being the most severe. The league's flagrant foul system operates as a point system. When you reach a certain point level, suspensions follow. Hoffman has never previously received a flagrant foul through her five years in the WNBA, nor has she ever been a part of any such physical altercations. Fever fans can rest easy in knowing there is no suspension from today's decisions. She will play in Tuesday night's deciding Game 3.

With 4:26 remaining in the fourth quarter on Sunday, I was looking down at my playoff media guide, trying to decipher a possible free throws record in the making. The Fever and Shock were in the midst of 43 consecutive free throws. Neither team had missed. My brilliant statistician's mind told me that there were records falling somewhere, so what I missed was the falling of Plenette Pierson.

I looked up and saw Pierson writhing on the floor, in the middle of the lane, on the far end of the court from me, in front of the Shock bench. Immediately, I switched my stats monitor to the ESPN2 telecast, and shared replays of the prior play with Fever broadcaster Chris Denari. We saw perhaps four different looks at the play -- the same ones that you saw in the comfort of your living rooms. So, let me tell you, you saw the same as I did! Shortly after I returned to watching the floor, double technical fouls were assessed to each player.

OK, the issues are that Pierson was injured and that the altercation moved beyond that of playing basketball. It wasn't a fight, but was certainly a rougher-than-tolerated action and/or a retaliation of some sort. Who initiated the "hooking of elbows" behind the players' backs? I'm uncertain. Who is at fault for what took place? That can be debated forever.

Nevermind reputations and prior history, I do know Ebony Hoffman. I've often called our Fever players "too nice," in fact. There is not a sliver of doubt in my mind that Ebony Hoffman did not initiate any sort of malicious play. But I can also tell you that the Fever's frame of mind in this series is to battle and scrap and not get beaten physically as has often has been the case against the Shock. So, that a skirmish such as this ensued is not that great a surprise.

From that standpoint, then, the league office was called upon as a neutral mediator. The play has been reviewed over and over, and from all available angles. I don't know any of the rationale in the eventual decision, though it makes sense to me that the injury to Pierson could have impacted a final determination. It's unfortunate that these things happen ... but this is the elite level of competion and the athletes are playing for every advantage and every edge they can get, and when the intensity and emotions rise to the level we witnessed on Sunday afternoon, injuries occur. [Suddenly my mind flashes back to this same court, at roughly the same section of hardwood, where Tamika Catchings crumpled in last year's series with the Shock.]

Ebony will play on Tuesday. Pierson's status is doubtful at best - probably out, from what we have heard from the Shock camp today. Detroit will certainly be impacted by her loss if that is the case, but the Shock has the deepest roster of bigs in the WNBA, so they won't be lacking comparable replacements. It just means that Braxton, McWilliams-Franklin, Sanni and Schumacher will have to pick up a little of Pierson's slack. And you can be assured that Bill Laimbeer and his staff will have the Shock steaming with motivation.

Be sure to tune in to ESPN2 at 7 p.m., Tuesday. And if the Fever can pull off another win, be sure to log on to FeverBasketball.com right afterward to get your tickets for the conference finals! [Game 1 of that series would be Thursday already ... but let's not get ahead of ourselves!]
KM

Sunday's game at The Palace was another in a recent series of playoff classics for the Indiana Fever. It was Indiana's fifth overtime session out of eight playoff games the past two seasons, and it was a physical, bruising, hotly-contested battle from start to finish.

The Fever actually trailed just twice in the entire 45 minutes -- 69-68 with 1:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, and 77-75 after the first bucket of overtime. The Fever never led by more than nine points, and fought off six ties, all during the fourth quarter and overtime. The game had brilliant plays and gutsy performances. It had a classic buzzer-beater to send the game to overtime, and it had emotion, intensity and even some controversy. It was just what ESPN had ordered for its Sunday afternoon national TV audience.

Tuesday, there should be more of the same. No doubt, the Shock will be motivated to protect its home floor. And once again, the cards will be stacked against the Fever with Detroit trying to make the most of its homecourt advantage. But perhaps of equal value may be the warrior mentality displayed yesterday by Tamika Catchings. The Fever's "do-everything" All-Star forward and Olympian did her mortal best to assure the Fever would not let go of its lead on Sunday. She finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds, and made 14 of 15 rebounds.

During one 6 1/2 minute stretch in which the Fever failed to score a field goal, it was six straight Catchings free throws that staved off a Shock rally, allowing Detroit within 1, 59-58, before Tully Bevilaqua hit the first of her two 3-point daggers with 5:27 to play in regulation. Her second iced the contest, staking Indiana to a two-possession lead, 85-79, with 53 seconds to go in OT.

It was a team effort for the Fever:

It was a classic contest. But it was but a win -- a big win certainly, but it only counts as one. The Shock and Fever will fight again Tuesday, for the deciding win.
KM

It's Saturday morning and I'm sitting at baggage claim at Wayne County (Detroit) International Airport. [More on that later ...] With a little time on my hands, we need to take a look back at the week that was, before looking at last night's game and the hopeful two that follow.

How 'bout the week of awards for Fever players? Four of the Fever's five starters were showered with league honors this week - beginning with Tammy Sutton-Brown's player of the week honor and including Friday's trio of awards -- Most Improved Player of the Year for Ebony Hoffman, and first team All-Defense for Tully Bevilaqua and Tamika Catchings. Not a bad week for hardware.

Congrats to each of those four, and particularly to Ebony for her year-long assault that culminated in her recognition last night by WNBA President Donna Orender. It was very touching press conference for a young lady that earned every word of praise she has received. You can watch the press conference video here.

More importantly, though, was the game that followed the accolades last night. And what I think Fever fans witnessed was perhaps the best team in the WNBA. I know, it pains me to say it like that, but let's face it, this Shock team is not only talented, but it's deep, experienced, tough, physical --- and seemingly focused and motivated. The Fever did not play its greatest game, no doubt. And of course there were the intermittent struggles on offense, which we've seen time and again, especially against Detroit. But the Fever did not seem to fold or wilt to Detroit's lead or pressure. Indiana did mount numerous runs to cut into the 8-12 point leads, but every run by the Fever was matched by the Shock. To me, regardless of Detroit's talent or experience or swagger, that resiliency and consistency and refusal to allow Indiana back into the game -- that was what impressed me most.

So, while I can look at what Indiana may have failed to do in last night's game; and imagine scenarios in which the Fever can knot the series and advance -- I have to give credit and recognize once again that: (a) we just don't matchup well with the Shock, and (b) the Shock is pretty darn good. (I know, that hurt again.)

I mentioned that I'm sitting here at baggage claim. I've written many blogs from airports before because it seems that's where I often have the most available time to sit and write these really philosophical, mind-wrenching pieces of prose. (Did you just laugh at that, also?) OK, but I've never done this from baggage claim before. Let's face it ... if I'm at baggage claim, I'm picking up luggage, moving on to a bus or a cab, and the laptop usually stays in the bag!

Not today. Not for me, not for trainers Ruth Helland and Holly Heitzman. And not for operations manager Ashley Floyd. Together we sit. And wait. And read or blog or talk on the phone or text. We were dispatched early this morning to fly in advance of the team. When travel arrangements were made on short notice for the playoffs, the team's flight only had so many seats ... so you can tell who drew the short straw!

Our 8 a.m. flight arrived shortly after nine, and we're sitting here patiently at baggage claim awaiting the team's arrival at 11:24 arrival. Then we'll ride a bus for an hour, check in to our hotel, then venture to a local college for a short walk-through and practice. And so while we wait and pass the time, I'm adding a little website content for those loyal Fever fans that just can't get enough!

Obviously, the Fever's task at hand is very ominous. Not insurmountable, certainly, but a tall task, indeed. We'll return to Indy either on Sunday evening, or on Wednesday morning. My preference is going to be Wednesday morning, with a one-day turnaround for a home game in the conference finals the very next day at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Stay tuned, Fever fans ... tipoff tomorrow afternoon is 3 p.m., on ESPN2.
KM

Needless to say, while I haven't blogged in a few days, it is not for a lack of being busy! Quite the contrary --- and that's a good thing, right?

With the close of every regular season, PR departments always are preparing for playoffs just a few short days away. And in those few short days there are playoff media guides to produce while at the same time trying to stir up a little playoff publicity. So ... with a handle on both those items, let's focus on the Fever and the playoffs at hand!

First, congratulations to Tammy Sutton-Brown, named on Monday as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. For TSB, it is her first such honor as she now competes in her eighth WNBA season. It was fitting that a Fever player won the award, as Katie Douglas began the season with the league's honor in Week 1. Ironically, it is the first year that Tamika Catchings hasn't won a player of the week honor. It's also the first time in franchise history that any player besides Tamika has won the award!

As we look to the Shock on Friday, the Fever is feeling pretty good. There is a definite "air" around the team this week that is sparking a little excitement. For the first time ever, Lin Dunn has had her entire team intact and healthy for more than two weeks. And while our mini-win streak (two games) is not leaping off the sports pages, Indiana has quietly put together a nice little run following the Olympic Break. Indiana has won five of its last seven games since falling miserably to Connecticut on Aug. 28, and the Fever closed the regular season with wins in three of its last five.

As the No. 4 seed, expectations are admittedly low. Especially when you consider the Fever was swept by its first-round opponent, Detroit, during the regular season. So ... [drum roll, please] ... here are two reasons why the Fever will win this series:

1. The Fever faced a first-round opponent in last year's playoffs that had also swept Indiana during the regular season. Indiana faced Connecticut after losing four times, but won an epic series with four overtime sessions and the biggest comeback in WNBA Playoffs history.

2. Only once has a No. 4 seed ever advanced to the WNBA Finals, that being the 2001 Charlotte Sting which defeated Cleveland and New York on the way to meeting the L.A. Sparks for the title. So, what's that got to do with Indiana? The Fever's Allison Feaster and the aforementioned Sutton-Brown both were players on that team. It's in the cards, folks, I can feel it.

Game 1 of the best-of-three series is Friday night. Wear your red and let's light up the Fieldhouse. No, I don't expect 103 points again, like the Fever scored against Phoenix last Sunday. In fact, it will probably be a relatively low-scoring game, given that we're playing the rough-and-tumble Shock. Just like last year in the conference finals ... if Indiana can get the first one, the Fever needs only to steal 1 of 2 at the Palace to advance.

Get your game face on, Fever fans ... the Fever is ready ... are you?
KM

There was alot of activity surrounding Thursday night's game and perhaps the biggest plus for the Fever, besides of course its 16th victory, was the welcome extended to Indianapolis Metro Police Officer Jason Fishburn. Wounded in a July 10 shooting, Fishburn had spent the bulk of the last two months in an Indianapolis rehabilitation hospital. This morning, he was released for the first time. He wanted to go home.

On September 11th, seven years after terrorism struck the heart of our great nation, it was a fitting tribute for the Fever to be able to honor one of our local law enforcement heroes. Fishburn was relesed this morning and tonight was his first public appearance. My lasting memory of tonight's game was at halftime, when Fishburn's parents accepted an award in his name, on the court, with Jason standing in a lower level suite and steadied by his wife Tanya -- with the crowd rising to its feet in unison. From the moment the crowd discovered where in the arena he was located, a steady and prolonged applause echoed from the over 7,000 hearts of fans in attendance, to the 29-year old officer -- standing and soaking in the atmosphere.

Fishburn still is slowed in his ability to process information and react to outside stimulus. He has difficulty moving his right arm, and he is guided through virtually all activity with the care of fellow officers, his wife, and his parents, Dennis and Mary. But he lives and breathes and has retained his will and his mind. And with the prayers surrounding him and his recovery, he has advanced enough through two months to venture back out into the outside world.

Tonight, there was a Fever victory, and a very welcomed one. The night at Conseco Fieldhouse, though, will be remembered for the Fever's 9/11 tribute and for bringing a smile and an evening of enjoyment and happiness to a local hero.

Congratulations to Jason Fishburn, your time is now.
KM

There are your excuses. Here is Lin Dunn's appropriate postgame response, following an 86-76 defeat in which Minnesota led 21-9 after the first quarter, and by as many as 19 points:

"I'm very disapointed in our effort. We looked like we played the night before - and we did - but we took the night off. We didn't play tough. It's inexcusable. The lack of a player [Katie Douglas] does not affect effort."

The time is still "now" for the Fever, as I noted in my pregame blog. But time continues dwindling - especially with Detroit having overtaken Connecticut for the East's top seed tonight and making a Fever-Shock opening series a very real possibility.

Turning attention away from basketball a moment, I think that Thursday's events surrounding the game with the Liberty are very worthwhile.

First, the Fever will conduct its annual promotional night in which fans can come to the arena and actually adopt a dog or cat. Pet Rescue and Adoption Night presented by Pet Supplies Plus gives fans the opportunity to check out the dogs and cats and even leave Conseco Fieldhouse with a new pet for their home. It's a neat idea that was fostered originally by former Fever coach Nell Fortner. The cause was championed for the first time in 2003, and it has become a very successful annual event. Dogs and cats from Indianapolis Animal Care and Control will be on the Main Concourse from the time doors open Thursday night at 6 p.m.

Second, in what is really a very timely event for a game taking place on 9/11 against the New York Liberty, the Fever will honor a local hero - Indianapolis Metro Police Officer Jason Fishburn. Fishburn, 29, was wounded in a July shooting in the line of duty, and has been in rehabilitation ever since. He has rarely appeared in public, if at all, since the time of the shooting. Thursday night, he will be honored at halftime, and a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Jason Fishburn Fund.

Sunday, of course if the team's annual Fan Appreciation Game when the Fever hosts defending champ Phoenix at 12:30 p.m.

There are a lot of exciting things happening around the Fever franchise right now. And if our team can regain a little bit of consistency, we still have a chance for an exciting playoff run like in 2005 and 2007 when Indiana reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Here is a final thought, looking ahead to next week's playoffs and a possible matchup with the Shock --- Remember last year's run to the conference finals? It began with the most exciting series in Fever and maybe even WNBA Playoff history. Two Fever wins over Connecticut came with four overtime periods and the biggest comeback win in league playoff history. Indiana won the series after having been swept by the Sun during the regular season.

Do you see the theme here? Yes, just because the Shock has swept the Fever in the 2008 regular season, let's not forget that the slate is clear when the playoffs begin!
KM

OK, that's why I'm writing this ... to clarify that last comment. The truth is, yes, both have injuries to report and Douglas will not play against the Lynx tonight, but let me assure you -- neither are serious and Douglas' absence tonight is purely precautionary.

Catchings will play tonight with a torn tendon in her left ring finger. She jammed the finger late during last night's game in Atlanta. If you heard the radio broadcast, you would have heard Chris Denari talking about Tamika leaving the free throw lane at one point during the fourth quarter, frantically looking for Fever trainers to tape her fingers together. After the game, doctors determined that a tiny tendon had been torn. She will wear a splint on that finger for the rest of the season. Fortunately, it is not her shooting hand and there is no reason that it will keep her from playing.

Katie's injury dates to the Fever's July 27 win at Phoenix. Late in that game, she hurt her right knee, but due to the Olympic Break and time away from team and trainers, the injury was not realized until the first week of August. Throughout the Olympic Break, she practiced with the club, all the while being treated and kept from consecutive days of strenuous work. The Fever has maintained a similar caution as play as resumed following the Olympics, but the first time we have played on consecutive days is Monday and Tuesday of this week. Officially, the injury is diagnosed as patella femoral syndrome. Essentially, she experiences pain beneath her kneecap and is being rested tonight.

So there's your injury recap from Target Center tonight. We're in playoff mode now ... the regular season is counting down and all that the Fever is awaiting is to learn its first-round opponent, and on which day its first playoff series will begin. The final three games - tonight, Thursday and Sunday - are hardly throwaways, though. They are, in fact, the perfect opportunity for the Fever to engage, improve, gel and become playoff-ready.
KM

But last night's win, while a good one and while needed, never gave the feeling of security. In fact, from start to finish, Indiana could never shake the pesky Dream which was hoping for a win in its final home game. In fact, there were numerous times when it appeared that the Indiana lead might be lost, never again to be regained. It was just a hunch and I'll take the win instead -- but the point is that the Fever never really had any secure control over the league's worst team.

In fact, Chris Denari and I spoke of mismatch difficulties with the Dream a little bit like those with Detroit. The Dream's last win -- July 16 prior to Atlanta's 10 straight losses -- was at Conseco Fieldhouse. And twice since that July afternoon, the Dream has threatened the Fever down to the final possession. So, perhaps there is something to be said for the possible matchup with Atlanta -- but perhaps, also, there is something else to be said.

1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1

That sequence is the Fever's sequence of winning streaks and losing streaks. Through 31 games, Indiana has never won or lost more than three straight games. And in most cases, Fever wins and losses have alternated almost game-to-game since May.

The Fever has certainly had its share of ups and downs during the 2008 campaign, and I've talked about many of them. This isn't another rehash of injuries and absences and blending lineups. Yes, all of those things have existed, but all teams encounter some of those obstacles. Despite those realities, the Fever still has been inconsistent.

Rather than making a statement of what that inconsistency might mean, I'll say this: the time is "now" for the Indiana Fever. Three regular season games this week, followed by at least two playoff games next week. A continued sequence such as the one above will not allow the Fever playoff run to last longer than an opening 3-game series against another quality team.
KM

At least there will be no need for do-or-die victories during the final week.

Currently, it's halftime of the Dream and Fever with Indiana holding a 7-point advantage. Indiana has been the more dominant team so far, but the Dream have not given the Fever any opportunities to extend its lead. The Fever has led by as many as seven, but never taken full control.

In that sense, it has been much like the bulk of the Fever season ... big steps forward, than always a few steps back. The Fever has never won more than two straight games, and only once has lost more than two in-a-row, and that was only three.

The Fever has just not handled prosperity well whenever it has gotten any momentum, and for much of the season Indiana has struggled with injuries, absences and constant inconsistency.

At this point, the best recipe for the Fever might be to win at least 3 of 4 to close the regular season this week -- and then be ready for probably Connecticut or Detroit in the conference semifinals.

Stay tuned to FeverBasketball.com ... there's lots of ball to be played in a very short time. Get ready for the sprint to the finish!
KM

With an extra day of travel built in between games at Detroit and Atlanta, the Fever did not practice on Saturday -- a rare opportunity to sleep in before a 1:30 flight. A few players including Tammy Sutton-Brown underwent some morning treatments with trainer Ruth Helland, and after a 4 p.m. arrival in Hot-lanta, there was about an hour of light weights and some cardio, mostly for conditioning and maintenance. Players went their own directions on Saturday evening, with some coaches and staff, including myself and Chris Denari, attending the Atlanta Braves baseball game. Khadijah Whittington was the only player to join the baseball contingent.

[Oh, and by the way, for those who follow the NFL, it's perhaps interesting to note that the Fever is sharing its hotel this weekend with the Detroit Lions, who are in Atlanta to open the pro football regular season against the Falcons tomorrow afternoon.]

The team will resume practice on Sunday afternoon to prepare for the Dream on Monday night. Elsewhere in the WNBA today, though, the Detroit at Washington game had significance for Indiana. The Shock, playing back-to-back after last night's win over Indiana, beat the Mystics to officially knock Washington from playoff contention. Detroit, 19-12, also guaranteed itself to finish above the Fever, which at best could only tie the Shock and lose a head-to-head tiebreaker.

Therefore, Indiana can now finish, at best, with the No. 3 seed in the East and therefore will host its first home playoff game on either Sept. 18 or 19. That we now know for sure, as Indiana cannot pass either Detroit or Connecticut in the East standings. Sunday, Chicago plays at New York at 1 p.m., and by mid-afternoon, with a Chicago loss, the Fever could officially clinch its own playoff berth. Any Sky loss or any Fever win will secure the Fever's fourth straight playoff appearance. Be on the lookout for playoff tickets on sale on FeverBasketball.com as soon as that playoff spot is confirmed.

OK, getting caught up on my "lost blogs of August," it's time to turn back the clock a couple of weeks to the Olympics in Beijing. Congratulations, of course, are due to both Tamika Catchings and to Tully Bevilaqua. The United States team was clearly the class of the Olympics Tournament. Australia was a noble contender and a worthy silver medalist, but the two countries' rosters really weren't that comparable. It's actually a credit to the Australians, in my opinion, that they were so dominant throughout the two weeks, except against the Americans.

The United States roster was comprised of 12 WNBA All-Stars. The Australians had their share of WNBA stars, too, eight of them. But most of the Opals' eight weren't All-Stars. Like Bevilaqua and teammates Belinda Snell, Laura Summerton, Erin Phillips and Kristie Harrower, the bulk of the Australians with WNBA experience were not considered as All-Stars. The Australians boast perhaps the world's greatest talent in Lauren Jackson, and another All-Star in Penny Taylor, but by and large, the USA vs. Australia matchup pitted the WNBA's best All-Stars against what might be termed the second tier of WNBA stars. No offense to the Australians, but the American talent was just too great.

And overall, even though the stage and stakes are greater, the Olympic competition was truly inferior to the night-in, night-out competion in the WNBA. It just was. American games against Russia and Australia were worthy of true competion. But games against Mali, China and Czech Republic -- and even blowouts over secondary competitors Brazil and Spain -- weren't competitive at all. The month of August was a world showcase and a celebration of sport and sportsmanship. For Tamika and Tully, it was an absolute honor to compete and participate -- without question. And we're proud of them, and happy for them. But for the WNBA, from a competitive and strategic standpoint, it was a time of wait. Perhaps even waste, albeit necessary.

Enough philosophy. I'm just glad that we're back playing again, and the final weeks of the season become a true sprint to the finish. Virtually every day, every game has meaning and playoff implications.

It is also at this time of year that we begin weighing candidates for MVP, All-WNBA, All-Defense, Defensive Player of the Year and All-Rookie Teams. This season, Indiana's best award candidate for a single, prominent, "best player" award is Ebony Hoffman as the WNBA's Most Improved Player. I could go on and on about her becoming the Fever's most consistent player throughout the 2008 season. And I could ramble on about her breakout season, evidenced in so many different ways.

But I've talked about Ebony frequently during this summer of blogging and my opinions are obvious. The statistics and noteworthy achievements are more important at this point, and FeverBasketball.com has developed a micro-site devoted to Ebony's candidacy. I conducted a short video interview with Ebony that leads off the opening page of the Hoffman for MIP micro-site, and contained with in are all of her stats and notable achievements, plus an opportunity for fans to sign a petition proclaiming their support for Ebony to win the award.

I'll close with offering the link to the Hoffman for MIP micro-site, and I'll encourage any Fever fans reading this blog to show Ebony your support, personally, when she and the Fever close the regular season at Conseco Fieldhouse next Thursday and Sunday. Besides the Fever needing to close the regular season with momentum, Ebony Hoffman deserves your support and thanks and acknowledgement for a great season ... which, hopefully, is only beginning to turn into a productive playoff season.
KM

Huh?

Yes, despite the loss in Detroit, Indiana now is just one win -- or one Chicago loss -- from clinching that playoff berth. Thanks are in order for the Connecticut Sun tonight after handing the Sky its second straight defeat. The Fever could clinch a playoff spot with another Chicago loss on Sunday at New York; or by winning upcoming games at Atlanta or Minnesota. It is a pretty simple equation at this point -- any Indiana win or any Chicago loss will result in Indiana securing its fifth playoff appearance in the last seven years.

Looking back on tonight's game, it's pretty evident that Indiana just does not matchup well with the Detroit Shock. The Shock is bigger, stronger, more physical and much deeper in the post. And when their guards -- namely Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith and rookie Alexis Hornbuckle -- shoot the ball well, their perimeter play is as athletic and talented as any. Coupled with tonight's second-half absence of Tammy Sutton-Brown, the Fever was largely outmatched. The Shock shot over 60 percent, Indiana shot 30 percent. That pretty much tells the story.

The Fever continues to struggle in its half-court offense against anyone, and against the Shock, with its size and physical play (even its guards), it is all the more evident. It is no shock, pun intended, that Detroit swept the season series 3-0. With playoffs looming and seeding up for grabs during the final week of the regular season, it might actually be to Indiana's advantage to hold the No. 4 seed. That is, if Detroit is going to finish No. 2 or 3.

Tomorrow, we'll take a step back to revisit the Olympic Break. I teased Tamika's appearance with Oprah Winfrey in my pregame blog this evening - in short, Oprah taped a Team USA show in Chicago on Wednesday. Tamika was able to take part with approximately 200 other U.S. Olympians back from Beijing. The show will air on Monday, Sept. 8.

Putting the computer away for the night ... tomorrow I'll briefly review the Olympic Break and examine the Fever's top postseason award candidate - Ebony Hoffman.
KM

[Before we get into tonight's game, let me tell you, too, that our flight I wrote about two days ago? It didn't happen. Shortly after I closed my blog, it was brought to our attention that our flight was canceled. We re-collected all our bags, moved to a different terminal and got tickets on a different airline. We made it back safely, albeit a few hours delayed. Welcome to the life of commercial travel in the WNBA!]

OK, on to tonight. First, let's point out that our "magic number" for clinching our fourth consecutive playoff berth is now confirmed at just 2. That means that any combination of two Indiana wins or Chicago losses will result in Indiana's fifth playoff appearance in its 9-year history. That means that if the Fever wins at Detroit tonight, AND if Chicago also loses at Connecticut, that playoff berth will be clinched.

Good news, also -- Ebony Hoffman is back. She is expected to start tonight against the Shock, even though she still has indicated a little weakness. She's back and healthy.

Tomorrow, with the day off while traveling to Atlanta, I'll touch a bit on the recent Olympics ... and let you in on Tamika's recent appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Stay tuned for details.

As for tonight, it's a little odd being here in Detroit -- the Fever has not seen the Shock since May 31! The Shock upended Indiana twice during the season's opening two weeks and, with the Olympic Break, it's been over three months since we've seen our rivals to the north. Since that time, Cheryl Ford has seen her season come to a crumbling close after an ACL injury during a brawl with the Sparks, and Taj McWilliams-Franklin has been acquired to fill her absence. Otherwise, the Shock are very much the same - Katie Smith, Deanna Nolan, Plenette Pierson, Kara Braxton and Elaine Powell. Same cast of characters that we faced in last year's conference finals.

Oh, and two other familiar faces on the Shock roster this year - former Fever stars Sheri Sam and Kelly Schumacher.

Whether it is tonight - or Sunday or Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday - be on the lookout for playoff ticket information. Tickets are expected to go on sale on FeverBasketball.com the morning after the Fever clinch that elusive playoff berth. Signing off for now ... I'll discuss the game later this evening.
KM

With many topics to address, I'll briefly touch on last night's game before touching on the following in the very near future:

Back to the topic at hand - last night's game in Washington.

As we sit at Reagan National Airport (Gate 3 of the Northwest Terminal, if anyone cares for specifics), the morale is good. Last night's 11-point win was a big one for a few reasons.

First, as we near the culmination of the regular season - all wins are big wins. Second, it came against one of our nearest challengers. Third, the Fever earned the win while overcoming a little adversity.

Ebony Hoffman was absent with flu symptoms. From what I hear, she barely left her bed all day. I did not see her from the time we arrived in Washington, until this morning's bus ride to the airport. I think she is feeling better, and so that's good that she was able to rest yesterday.

Her absence was felt in the game, though, as Indiana was outrebounded 20-10 in the first half, and allowed 13 second-chance points prior to intermission. But a 25-10 third quarter was the turning point for the Fever as increased defensive intensity slowed the Mystics' fast break and Indiana regained a lead. The ability to come from behind, plus the ability to win without Ebony, are key factors in regaining the confidence this team should have.

With five games remaining, Indiana leads Chicago by 2 1/2 games for the East's final playoff spot. The Sky is probably the hottest team in the "W" right now, but with an unofficial magic number of just three (combined Fever wins or Sky losses), the odds are strongly in favor of Indiana qualifying for its fourth straight playoff berth. More on clinching scenarios later.

I hear Hoffman's voice three rows over. That is another good sign that she is returning - trust me, it is rare for Ms. Hoffman not to be heard above the crowd. It is near time to board our flight, so I'll close for now.
KM

Able to move in transition and spread its offense due to good shooting and Phoenix’ style of play, Indiana outscored the high-octane Mercury 88-84 on the road Sunday night, snapping a three-game losing skid and sending Fever players into the month-long break with a renewed confidence.

Poise and confidence, in fact, were both on the Fever’s side late in the contest last night.

Indiana led most of the game, in fact. The lead changed hands occasionally, but the Fever maintained a slight lead throughout. In a decisive fourth quarter, with Indiana clinging to its narrow margin and a must-win situation hanging by a thread, Lin Dunn moved Katie Douglas to the point. Tan White was productive in managing the offense all night, but in crunch time, the veteran Douglas gave the Fever a calmness they sorely needed. It worked.

The game was littered with big performances for the Fever, but that late-game move may have defined the win.

Tamika Catchings had a season-high 25 points and was 5-for-5 from 3-point range. Not since she established the WNBA record for 3s without a miss (6-for-6 vs. Orlando in 2002), was she more proficient shooting. She was 7-for-11 overall and even finished with six assists.

[Catchings’ assists also are an important figure for the Fever. It indicates her ability to penetrate and dish – an attribute Indiana has been lacking while struggling offensively.]

She led five players in double-figures, including Tan White who also contributed three assists and, most importantly, had just one turnover, to go with 17 points.

Tammy Sutton-Brown played with a fire and a passion that I had not seen of late, and finished with 17 points and six boards.

Douglas finished with 10 points and four assists. Her two second-half 3-pointers both were crucial in matching the Mercury score-for-score down the stretch.

And once again, this time despite receiving treatments for an apparent lower back injury, Ebony Hoffman was big when the Fever needed her. She finished with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting. She had seven rebounds and she hit a pair of 3-pointers – one during the nip-and-tuck second half that narrowly beat the shot clock.

Allison Feaster hit a 3-pointer and Khadijah Whittington played some valuable, high-energy minutes off the bench. It was a team win, a sorely-needed win, and hopefully a memorable win that can enable the Fever to start strong after the break, with eight games to play.

Signing off from Denver for four days to begin the break!
KM

Tonight, though, by human necessity and that WNBA obstacle called the Olympic Break, the Fever players, coaches and staff have no choice but to plan and look ahead ... to next week's idle time and, for most people, some sort of vacation. If the team were winning right now, this wouldn't be an issue. But at a time that the team is obviously struggling, it's tough. It poses a natural conflict.

When I suggest that players are looking past tonight's game, I don't quite mean that. But what is reality is that many players will depart from Phoenix to spend time with family and friends; or perhaps a few days of vacation somewhere. Many players and staff (myself included, to visit family in Denver, Colo.) will leave Phoenix tonight or tomorrow and not see their teammates or co-workers for about a week.

The positive is that this team might need the short break from one another ... times have been tense lately, and a period to breathe can't be a bad thing.

The negative is that personal travel arrangements get pushed a little closer to the front of everyone's minds during the back end of this trip, and you have to hope they don't conflict with the task at hand - playing the Mercury tonight. For a coach, it's obviously a difficult dance. But there is nothing that can be done about it when you end the schedule on the road like this.

Hopefully, just like our back-to-back games with Seattle and New York last week which produced a win in the Outdoor Game at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the quick turnaround between games will result in a strong rebound effort. And hopefully, of course, a much-needed win to exit toward that break.

The defending champion Mercury (12-14) has struggled a bit itself, but they nonetheless play a very a reckless, breakneck style that is difficult to defend -- especially for a team playing two games in less than 24 hours, with a two-hour flight in between. Adding insult to injury (no pun intended), the latest team development could be a minor back injury for Ebony Hoffman. She visibly struggled to walk and run late in last night's game in Sacramento, and was treated by local doctors in the training room after the game. She should play tonight, but could be limited. It's not often that Ebony succumbs to much pain or discomfort. A short night and the cramped flight won't help her. I expect her to gut it out ... but again, tonight's running style of play shouldn't help her cope any better.
KM

She has been re-invented this season with a confidence and consistency and precision that has, in my opinion, made her the Indiana Fever's most valuable player to this point. I know, I know, there will be those that will argue in favor for Katie Douglas for that label, and there's a two-person race. For sake of argument I'm taking Hoffman in this one, for now, through 24 games. Katie has averaged more points certainly, but the "Big Dog" from USC leads the club in rebounding and owns the team lead in all three shooting percentage categories. When the Fever has needed buckets, it has gone to either Douglas or Hoffman, and Ebony has been the single, most consistent player in our lineup all season.

OK, the numbers ... to which I referred in my last entry.

Ebony Hoffman has been nothing short of sensational for the Indiana Fever, compared to her first four seasons. To call her fifth pro campaign a breakout year is an understatement. She has become one of the Fever's top go-to players and she has neither shyed from the added responsibility, nor wilted under any new attention. She is the same 'ol Ebony that Fever fans have come to enjoy, with the same hilarious personality and emotion.

A first-round pick in 2004, she has blossomed into everything a franchise can wish from a first-round selection.
KM

I've never said I was an X's and O's guy. In fact, if anyone ever mistakes me for a coach - that's an insult to that profession. But what I do know well is numbers. After tonight's loss, there were a few huge disparities that I thought were critical to the outcome against the Lynx.

1. Rebounds. Minnesota outrebounded the Fever 40-35. OK, not a huge number, but among those, the Lynx turned 13 offensive rebounds into 17 second-chance points. Indiana had nine second-chance points.

2. Free Throws. No, this is not a complaint on any officiating - I'll let any onlookers make their own judgements and observations. My point, though, is that the Fever is not getting to the line on a very consistent basis. In tonight's home game, Indiana shot 16 free throws, compared to 36 for visiting Minnesota. That's huge. In a game that went overtime, Minnesota outscored the Fever by 20 points at the line (31-11). That's unacceptable.

Overall, the Fever is playing good defense, and for the most part getting stops, usually. But even when playing solid "D" and watching the clock wind to single digits, fouls are killers, contributing to that free throw deficit. Offensively, we don't get to the line. Defensively, even while playing above average, we still give up those offensive boards or foul.

And when Indiana doesn't do one of those of things, turnovers continue to remain a vice. That's not a good combination, folks.

And on top of all that, the Fever has still had leads. Often. In nearly every game. In its three recent home losses to Atlanta, Seattle and tonight against the Lynx, Indiana has given up substantial leads on its home floor. Not good.

It's on to Sacramento and to Phoenix for a pair of very tough road games - back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. I'll write more from the West Coast where I'll talk more numbers, discussing the Fever's always-animated, always-entertaining, fifth-year power forward from Los Angeles -- Most Improved Player Award candidate Ebony Hoffman.
KM

All are prominent names in tonight's game. Here's a look at how each might impact tonight's game against the Sky, set to tip within the next 30 minutes.

There's my amateur two-cents' worth again ... if you're reading this prior to tip, don't forget to tune into my friends Chris Denari and Jane Schott, broadcasting on 1070 The Fan, and sitting right beside me tonight. I'll be listening with you!
KM

By the time the skies had finally gone dark and the sunshine and pregame fireworks were a distant memory, the Indiana Fever had won the basketball game. Indeed, the Fever had, in a sense, spoiled the Liberty's party, arriving in The Big Apple early Saturday morning and leaving 12 hours later with a 71-55 win on the court.

But without question, the New York Liberty organization pulled off a great victory for its own franchise, it's wonderful city, the WNBA and the sport of basketball. The event was a great spectacle, and one of which I am proud to have been a part. From President & General Manager Carol Blazejowski and everyone at MSG Sports, all the way down to the team's ticketing, marketing and public relations staffs, equipment and facilities personnel, and of course the folks at the U.S. National Tennis Center --- job well done!

Most of us in this business - from PR personnel to players and coaches and other management officials - have attended and managed big events during the course of our careers. Certainly, some have drawn larger audiences and obviously, some have had greater impact on a national scale. But perhaps none might have been as unique and distinctive as last night's Liberty Outdoor Classic.

The weather was perfect. Had there been more wind, it might not have been as comfortable and it could have impacted the game. It didn't. It was breezy throughout the evening, and just about perfect. It even felt good. It was mildly humid and noticeable whenever walking to and from the locker rooms, but from a playing standpoint, I'm told the players didn't notice it too much. The sun wasn't any impact whatsoever. Conditions were ideal. It was pro basketball on an outdoor stage. It really was just another game -- without a roof.

I found myself throughout the night looking up to the sky, thinking, "geez, this is so cool." I wondered if it should feel more different. Oddly, most of the night, it was a game just like any other game. It almost felt natural - but for the occasional breeze that might kick a piece of paper from atop the scorer's table.

I know the Liberty didn't earn a win in the standings last night. And for me and the Fever, selfishly, I'm glad of course to return to Indianapolis this afternoon with the win in the standings.

But don't for a minute think that the Liberty didn't get a win of their own. Perhaps it is only slight consolation for the basketball Liberty who had been streaking and who hold a slim standings lead over the Fever -- but it was a win for the franchise.

Thank you to the Liberty for inviting the Fever to be a part of last night's historic event. I'm personally grateful for an experience I'll not soon forget. It was truly memorable and, for the Fever, a very perfect evening in a wonderful, remarkable setting.
KM

The Fever arrived in New York this morning, touching down at LaGuardia International Airport at roughly 9:12 a.m. After collecting bags, the Fever's charter bus rolled past Arthur Ashe Stadium and Shea Stadium, two Big Apple landmarks sharing the Queens landscape with their airport neighbor.

Past the stadium and into downtown Manhattan, the Fever arrived at its team hotel shortly past 10 a.m., providing opportunity for players and coaches to get a bite to eat - and rest. Most were able to nap during the bulk of their day, as most got only a few short hours of rest following last night's home loss to Seattle.

So here is where we'll breakdown tonight's game. The Fever needs a win to keep from falling two games below .500 for the first time since 2004. Here are 10 reasons why the Fever will not be considered a favorite in tonight's game:

1. The Fever's outdoor practice last week was good, and nice, but didn't properly simulate tonight's conditions.
2. Along the same lines, the Liberty staged an outdoor practice in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.
3. The Fever will play twice in 24 hours, whereas the Liberty had a day of rest -- back-to-back games always favor the team with rest.
4. The Fever had early wake-up calls this morning. Meanwhile, the Liberty is well-rested and conducted a second practice in the stadium this morning.
5. The Liberty will play before a large, enthusiastic home crowd attending this historic outdoor event.
6. Dehydration is always a concern for athletes flying on game day, and the 90-degree heat and accompanying humidity won't help.
7. Tamika Catchings is still not 100 percent and Tully Bevilaqua is playing her final Fever game prior to the Olympics -- the Fever lineup remains out-of-sync.
8. The Liberty have added confidence against the Fever, ending Indiana's recent series dominance with a triple-overtime win at The Garden last month.
9. The Liberty and Fever both are streaking - in opposite directions.
10. Ebony Hoffman forgot her eye black in Indianapolis.

So forget the excuses and let's play ball! The Liberty will play beneath the same heat and conditions as Indiana in a few short hours, and so often in sports, it's just these types of odds that can provide the perfect backdrop for an upset.

Catchings should play tonight, and if her performance even remotely resembles her efforts on Wednesday in Atlanta, the Fever will battle to the finish. And perhaps Tully's last game will provide a little incentive for her, as well.

My amateur keys to the game:

It's nearly time to depart for the stadium. The Fever is currently engaged in its pregame walkthrough, in a hotel ballroom. It's time to go outdoors! [Hope I packed my sunglasses!]
KM

First, to address the Catchings situation once again, she didn't play tonight for a couple of reasons. First, as has been the case throughout her rehabilitation, she has not ever practiced or played when she was sore, or when there were signs of swelling or fatigue. Second, she typically has not endured full practices on days following games. Therefore, with the trauma she underwent Wednesday against Atlanta, and with back-to-back games tonight and tomorrow, it just made sense not to play her tonight. She was medically cleared, though it was probably not medically wise to have played her against the Storm.

On to those random thoughts ...

OK, so it's time to depart Conseco Fieldhouse for a few hours of rest. A 4:30 wakeup call and 7:30 flight to New York will come early. Tomorrow morning or afternoon, I'll examine the anticipated weather report in Queens, and take a closer look at the Liberty Outdoor Classic which, 24 hours from now, will already be history!
KM

Indiana needed some good news, and just knowing that she is healthy is good news enough. Whether she will play on Friday evening, or not, remains a valid question - and will depend solely on how she is feeling tomorrow night.

Indiana could use her on the floor, though a matchup with the Lauren Jackson-less Storm could provide interesting. Typically, Catchings draws Jackson on the defensive end of the floor because she is the Fever's best post defender. She gives up size to Jackson, but still is best at defending her. Lauren has returned to Australia, however, to prepare for the Olympics, so without Jackson on the floor it will be interesting to see the matchups.

And with Catchings remaining a game-time decision, we might have U.S. Olympic Coach Anne Donovan present for Inspiring Women Night, yet only two of the four Olympians on these teams actually taking part. Sue Bird and Tully Bevilaqua certainly will play. Hopefully Catchings will be joining them.

Not bad timing having Anne Donovan here just two weeks before the Olympic Break takes place. Many Fever fans will remember Donovan as the inaugural coach of the Indiana franchise in 2000. Most will remember her for leading the Storm from 2003-07 and winning the '04 WNBA title. No matter how you remember her, one thing is certain - Anne Donovan has been at the forefront of American women's basketball efforts for over 30 years. She was America's most dominant player during her playing days in the late '70s and early '80s. Now, she is the coach of the United States Olympic women's basketball team, and the first person ever to play and later be named head coach of the U.S. women's team.

Welcome back, Tamika. And good luck to Tamika, Anne Donovan and the rest of the American athletes in Beijing.

In the meantime, with Tamika's return, we've got back-to-back games this weekend to begin a 6-game, 10-day schedule prior to the break.
KM

OK, first things first, before I dive into the game. Regarding Tamika Catchings, she left the game with 6:46 left in the fourth period after being kicked in the right heel - in the same location as her Achilles' injury last fall. That doesn't mean there was any damage done, that is what is yet unknown. She experienced significant pain, and obviously did not return. Fever trainers were with her immediately. She saw doctors when they got her off the floor, and she will see more doctors on Thursday. The official report is this: "She got kicked and will undergo further examination for a possible strain of the right Achilles' tendon."

Catchings will be listed as day-to-day until such time as she is determined healthy to go again. This is yet another reminder that while she's back and playing again, this still is a continuation of a very long journey -- she is still rehabilitating.

So, you may ask the question, "when does the rehab end?"

I'm no doctor, so I can't answer that definitively. However, I've been led to expect it will end at some point this season after she's gradually raised her game and gotten to the point where there is no pain, swelling or soreness after she plays and practices. And judging by the way she played in this afternoon's game, the rehab may well be close to concluded. Hopefully. Let's cross our fingers. Let's hope that today was not much more than a scare, rather than a setback.

She filled the boxscore again, just like days of old - 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block. Not a bad day's effort.

Initially, when she left, the Fever actually got a little lift and bonded together to regain the lead against the Dream. But during the final minute, unfortunately, her loss may have been felt heaviest when the team could not outshoot and outrebound and outdefend at crunch time.

I am at a loss to come up with the answers to our struggling Fever. What I do know is that we just don't score in a half-court offense. Frankly, this has been a symptom of Fever teams over the past 3 to 4 seasons. Indiana really has never had a knock-down shooter to bust open a zone. It's not Catchings, it's not Bevilaqua, and it's not even Douglas or Tan White. Catchings and Douglas are scorers, more than pure shooters. And Tan, while a capable shooter, is streaky. And while we don't possess that reliable perimeter shooter, we also are in need of a penetrating point guard to exploit the gaps in a zone. That's not Tully. It could be LaToya Bond, and it could be Sherill Baker. But we haven't seen it consistently from Bond, and Baker is currently on the shelf with a bone bruise in her right wrist.

The Fever struggles to score. And today, when defense mattered most, we didn't adequately defend. Three straight treys by Betty Lennox proved the Fever's undoing this afternoon, despite the defense called in the huddle to switch on screens, to defend against just that shot.

Is it a failure to score? A failure to defend? A failure to communicate? A lack of heart, even? The jury's out. And as I've said only a week ago -- yes, there is absolutely still time to right the ship. No question and I'm sticking by that thought. It's not near any time to panic. But when I'd used caution in previous blogs, it was to quell fans' concerns while we were in the midst of long road trips. This is the week to get better, and slap a little momentum on our back for the six games in 10 days that begin on Friday.

Practice on Thursday morning. Time to get back to the drawing board ... a Friday win would be big, and even bigger if it helps propel Indiana to an outdoor win on Saturday in The Big Apple. How would that sound - the only team in pro basketball history ever to win a regular season game played outdoors?
KM

This week's three straight home games against Chicago (7/12), Atlanta (7/16) and Seattle (7/18) represent the longest homestand left this season. And it leads into a 12-day stretch in which Indiana will play seven games in five cities prior to the Olympic Break. It really is just about essential that the Fever put together some wins this week for two reasons:

The Fever has not had back-to-back games yet this season, though it will face two such instances within the next two weeks. Following Friday's (7/18) home game against the Storm, the Fever flies immediately to New York for its much-anticipated Outdoor Game, the following night. A week later, Indiana plays a Saturday-Sunday back-to-back affair with road games at Sacramento and Phoenix.

It's also time to get Sherill Baker back into the lineup soon. First, she and LaToya Bond have been very beneficial this season in providing a more versatile offensive attack against different matchups. Even though she has played only 10 minutes per game this season, Baker's penetration has been missed in recent games. And, as the Olympic Break approaches, Indiana will lose the services of Tully Bevilaqua for a couple of games before the Break, as she returns late in July to train with her Aussie teammates. Indiana's depth at guard has been heralded this season -- it will play a significant role in the eight games that remain before August.
KM

What an afternoon yesterday. What a beautiful, sun-shiny day, a great-looking hardwood floor layed out in front of a gorgeous backdrop of Conseco Fieldhouse and the Indianapolis skyline. The weather was fantastic, hence the sunburn atop my forehead. There were a couple hundred fans on hand to support the Fever, and the Fever got media coverage out of the day's events, also.

From all angles, the Fever and Pacers Sports & Entertainment hit a home run yesterday. Pardon the baseball term, but we were outdoors and there wasn't any dunking!

If you didn't attend yesterday, or missed the photo on the front page of The Indianapolis Star sports page this morning, be sure to check out the FeverBasketball.com story and photo galleries. Each of the city's four TV stations had great coverage of the event, and The Star's Robert Scheer compiled a nice video, as well. It was a great achievement for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and a wonderful showcase for the Indiana Fever.
KM

Tamika will appear before local media today between 3 and 4 p.m., yet it will only be the beginning to her day, as the Fever prepares for its first-ever outdoor practice - one block south of Conseco Fieldhouse at the corner of South & Delaware Streets.

Preparations are nearly complete with the hardwood floor and basketball goals having been moved across the street. It's a beautiful day to conduct this practice, though the heat could prove cumbersome at practice time. It's a great sight having the floor out there ... from one corner of the floor, the broad view of the floor has Conseco Fieldhouse and a nice landscape of the city behind it. And in the foreground, immediately in front of The Fieldhouse, is the Fever's 2008 promotional billboard. Nice touch. Good view.

Some of the preliminary concerns with finding a flat surface were not as significant as first thought - though there is definitely a small downward slope to one corner of the floor. Certainly that won't be the case for the Liberty Outdoor Classic next Saturday in New York, but for a local effort like this in an adjacent parking lot ... it's not bad. The bigger factors this afternoon will be the heat and varying levels of direct sunlight during the early evening practice.

It is such a nice day, in fact, that organizers also expressed a concern with the heat and direct sunlight's impact on the hardwood floor. As the floor was nearing completion, elevated tarps were being placed over the surface to protect from the midday direct sun.

It's an interesting day in Fever-land. For any fans that wish to view the outdoor court, practice is open tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
KM

OK, so yes, Tuesday's night's loss was unfortunate, unanticipated and certainly unwelcomed. But just how costly was it?

I think that in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't have to be that costly. I think what is more important is how the Fever reacts to it, and responds and moves forward. There is still ample time left in this season. We're not only in the playoff hunt, but still looking to a conference title. We can't keep having this discussion and still be in the hunt for a conference championship, but there is absolutely time to get the job done.

Speaking of getting the job done! Wow, what a day in store ... as I sit at my desk this morning, Lin Dunn is currently on-air live on WIBC 93.1 FM, co-hosting this morning's show with Terri Stacey and I've already done a brief promo with WISH-TV, talking about tonight's big outdoor practice event. The bulk of the work, though, is being done as we speak -- the Facilities staff of Pacers Sports & Entertainment is beginning to move our playing floor and goals to the corner of South & Delaware Streets. The biggest challenge is going to be finding the part of the parking lot that is flattest, in order to properly place the floor. It will be a long day for those guys. And before anybody forgets ... it's absolutely imperative that the Fever and its fans realize how fortunate we all are to share the resources of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. I've been in the sports business for over 25 years now (wow, I'm getting old!) and the staff and professionalism of this company really is second to none. It's a great thing that they're doing for the Fever today and we all must be thankful for their efforts.

Later today, too -- as if there wasn't enough going on today -- we'll host a USA Basketball Teleconference and Media Availability here at Conseco Fieldhouse. It was reported by the Associated Press last night, and was in the Indianapolis Star this morning, that Tamika Catchings will be named later today as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team. I suppose the news must be true! Congrats to Tamika. More on that later today, too ...

Tamika won't have long to celebrate her announcement, though. Soon after the Olympic Teleconference, she and her teammates will be moving outdoors. 1070 The Fan with Bob Kravitz and Eddie White will be broadcasting live from 5 to 6 p.m., from the outdoor practice site, also. Fun day all around.

For any fans that wish to join the fun, the practice is open to the public. Viewing space is limited, without the aid of any bleachers. Bring a lawn chair and a bottle of water, have some fun, relax and join the Fever from 6 to 7:30! See you there!
KM

How bad was it? I'll just let a few postgame quotes spell it out for you:

Ebony Hoffman on what happened in the second half: "They made us turn the ball over. They got on the boards - Taj [McWilliams-Franklin], [Monique] Curry, [Alana] Beard - they all went to the boards. That was the difference. Every game in this league is importand and this was a game we should have won."

Katie Douglas: "We played well in the first half and had things going our way. In the second half, they came out with alot of energy and got us on our heels. At times, we were playing not to lose. I think we should feel extremely sick about what just happened."

Lin Dunn: "I'm really disappointed in this loss. We had control of the game and I thought we relaxed in the second half. I thought their offensive rebounds (13) and second-chance points (14) were key factors. Those stats are going to keep me awake all night."

Enough said.
KM

I've been asked a few questions about Thursday's outdoor practice. Certainly, in the event of rain, no outdoor practice will be conducted. Thursday's date was selected, in fact, because it's not the day before a game and also because there is no rain in the forecast! Should rain be a threat, Pacers Sports & Entertainment officials won't be taking the floor outdoors! There won't be any tarps or rain delays - we're talking cancelation at even a threat of the wet stuff!

Should there be a threat of rain on Thursday, the Fever will move back indoors, likely to Finish Line Court, since the main floor likely won't be back in place yet.

The same question has been asked about the Liberty Outdoor Classic in New York on July 19. The Fever plays back-to-back that weekend, with a home date against Seattle on Friday evening, July 18. Indiana will arrive in New York City on Saturday morning, and if there's a threat of rain that day, it's likely that the outdoor game would be canceled. I'm not sure exactly when any decisions would be made.

If the outdoor game is canceled, the Fever would remain in New York for an extra day, playing the Liberty at Madison Square Garden at 4 p.m., on Sunday, July 20. As the schedule exists now, the Fever would be returning to Indianapolis on Sunday the 20th, and travel to Chicago the following day for a game on the 22nd. If the outdoor game gets canceled, the Fever would play the Liberty on the 20th, then travel straight to Chicago on the 21st.

Got all that? Shootaround continues ... I'll be back after tonight's game.
KM

But the big news of the day is the announcement that the Fever will be practicing with Mother Nature on Thursday evening. That's right, the Fever will conduct a practice outdoors, in anticipation of its outdoor game in New York, July 19.

Though viewing space will be limited, the practice is open to the public and fans are welcome to come and watch, from the corner of South and Delaware Streets, about a block south of Conseco Fieldhouse. As much as normal can be normal in this atmosphere, it will be an ordinary, everyday practice -- with birds and planes flying overhead. And the summer heat and humidity. And those nasty wind currents that can threaten a shot hanging in the air. Oh, and of course, don't forget rush-hour traffic driving past.

As much as possible, the Fever wanted any opportunity it could find, to try and replicate some of what will take place in New York in two weeks. I can see too distinct differences. One, is the rush-hour traffic, which we won't encounter in the middle of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The second is the direct sunlight. The Liberty Outdoor Classic will be played under the lights, with tip at 7:30 p.m. About the only way to have duplicated that scenario would have been to transport the Fever floor and hardware to the infield at Victory Field. I'm not sure the Fever floor would have fit into the IUPUI tennis stadium to take advantage of that lighting.

And so the closest way to replicate the July 19 atmosphere was to find a nearby parking lot.

There won't be any concessions or bleachers for the fans, either, so don't come to practice expecting the standard amenities that you find at Conseco Fieldhouse! But it should be fun. It will definitely be something new. Hopefully, it will give the Fever a little taste of what's ahead in two weeks. Practice will begin at 6 - see you there!
KM