Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi was the first overall pick in 2004 and has become one of the game's most exciting and dominant players in just a few short years. Last season, this Cali girl led the Mercury to its first winning record since her arrival and finished as the league's scoring champion and broke the scoring record. Yet she has still not played in a postseason game. More than anything, though, she wants to bring the same winning formula to the Phoenix Mercury.

So while you've been keeping youself busy, figured I might as well let you know what I've been up to.

I'm back in New York and glad to be home.

Naturally I watched Game 1 and it's been a great match-up so far, but for me it's always hard to watch. Both Detroit and Phoenix have been doing a great job and I expect this series to continue to be an entertaining one.

So Game 1... What is up with the fouls? I know we already talked about this, but the minute that game ended, I was watching with my mom and I told her that you're going to have like 50 in the next game. I just know it. I know your going to bounce back. But you have to watch out for those fouls, dude. They are calling fouls, so why are you sticking your hand in there? Katie Feenstra is like 6-8, you are not going to block her. I could hear Coach Auriemma screaming at the TV all the way from Connecticut.

It was a great game, otherwise. I know you only had 22 minutes, which is tough for one of the best players in the world, but it was still a four point game with under two minutes to go. Penny was a monster, as usual. Cappie played great and I know Phoenix can play a much better game. But you do have to give credit to Detroit. It is because of them that Phoenix struggled a little but offensively at times. And, of course, their inside play. Wow, even without Cheryl Ford they were able to really bring it. Kara Braxton had a great game and Katie Feenstra as well. But Plenette is just so good. You know what you are going to get from Katie Smith and Deanna Nolan and Swin. I just can't wait for to Game 2 tomorrow.

So since the season ended, I did make it to Vegas to visit my dad and then I came back to New York. I have been here since Monday, so I went home to Syosset for those five days, just hanging out, seeing my friends, obviously seeing my mom and just catching up. I really have been doing nothing. I have been enjoying my mom's cooking and just hanging out. I hit up the Greek place, "It's Greek To Me." It's all about the Greek place with the best Gyros. And of course, the best bagel place. I like to pump up my hometown food. I think it is the best and Dee, you can second me on that.

Otherwise, I have just been resting, worked out a couple times and am back in New York City with the U.S. Team.

USA Basketball is going well so far after one practice tonight. We miss all those guys that are playing in the Finals and wish them the best. Also miss a lot of the other regular who aren't here, like Catch. I know how hard she is going to work to get back to full strength and know she'll be better than ever. We wish they were here, though. But it's been good. It was only the first day and we just ran through some things and are starting to put our defense in. We put our offense in, nothing crazy. I am sure it is going to get harder and harder as we go along.

I am looking forward to having you join me on the U.S. Team here. People don't realize how much fun it is to play together and it has been a while since we've played together.

The last thing I'll say is that the young players here on this team are very good. Candace Parker is an exceptional player and you can go down the list from there. Courtney Paris, Sylvia Fowles, Candice Wiggins... It is really cool to hang out and meet those guys and to play with them. I'm telling you, they are great. I don't think there were players around like that when I was in college. They come in here and they have fresh legs and they are wide eyed. It is fun. Although they are starting to make me feel old.

Reminder, my birthday is in a month. Note to Dee: good gift.

And yes, I am excited to go back to Connecticut with the U.S. Team next week. We are playing against a great Australian team, so it will be good to get some practice in against the defending World Champions. I am sure a lot of UConn fans and a bunch of our friends will come out to the game and just want to hang. It will good to see all those people, as well.

So keep on working, good luck in Game 2 and I'll save a seat for you on the bus here.

So you probably thought the blog might stop just because I'm done playing, but you thought wrong. I'm IN at least until we head off to Chile together for USA Basketball and then go to Russia. Doesn't make much sense to write each other when we're roommates. Maybe we just get a webcam for our place there and broadcast live 24-7. Or maybe not...

It has been a few days now since the end of our season (thanks to you) and I have had some time to reflect and think about things. Whether a season ends with a championship or with a loss, there is always this anti-climactic feeling that comes with it all being over. I know you can totally relate to this, but you go from having all of these little things to think about, travel and practices and preparing for the next opponent, what you need to do in the game and what to eat, what time to sleep, small things... to nothing on your mind at all. Nowhere to be, nothing to do. All of my teammates are starting to leave town. This is the roughest time of the year, especially when we finished the season the way we did.

Bottom line is you guys are a very good team. I know we got swept and I don't think we played our best basketball in those two games, but when a team plays as well as the Mercury did and are as good as you are, you have to come to terms with it. There's a reason why you were the number one seed and we were fourth. You played like it. We definitely gave you a run there in the second game but just came up short. Not just this season but the past three really, we have been good enough to make the playoffs but not advance past the first round. The culmination of these three years is really getting to me now (though we did win a championship in Russia and I do count that).

Of course, there were highlights in the series as well as the season overall, but for the most part, everyone is disappointed with how it ended. I just hope that we'll be able to be back in Seattle next year. We'll find out soon. Now that the season is over, I definitely have been thinking about it a lot more. I think it's only natural to reflect at times like this, but we always think about how we'll get 'em next year. And we don't know if there is going to be a next year. There are also a lot of players whose contract situations are not yet determined, myself included, and Janel Burse, Betty Lennox, Wendy Palmer. We don't have that many players signed and the uncertainty of where we're going to be plays a role in their decisions.

It is a weird feeling, and more so because I live in Seattle. My whole life could be totally different in a year, but hopefully that's not the case. We really have a good thing going with this franchise. And you are certainly someone who knows this as well. Whenever you come to play here, you always talk about how loud and great the fans are. The support they give us is truly amazing and I would put them against any franchise's fans around the league as the very best. So a lot of emotions going on, but for the most part, just going to think about things I can control.

USA Basketball training starts September 7 as we get ready for Olympic qualifying. I have about a week to take care of things and I will be busy. On Friday, I have a photoshoot with Kevin Durant to be on the cover of American Way, the magazine for American Airlines. That'll be cool since a lot of people fly and a lot of people read those magazines. So they'll see my ugly face and Kevin Durant. After that, I'm heading to Las Vegas to visit my dad. Vegas, baby. Vegas. I haven't ever been there to visit him and he's been there for a long time. I have to go check him out, but he has a pool so this will be my weekend getaway. Then I head back to New York on Monday, spend a few days there with family and friends and get ready for training camp all over again.

Hopefully you will not be there for that. You always have to cheer for the team that knocked you out. You never want to lose to a team that loses in the next round. So I am now officially a Phoenix Mercury fan. Though if you play against Detroit, I'll be rooting for Swin, too. I will say that, as a spectator, these playoffs have been amazing. I don't always get to watch games because I'm so busy, but I have really enjoyed watching these games. Whether overtime game, thrilling endings or great players playing great... look at the New York-Detroit series. The defending champions are stacked with talent taking on a team that no one thought would do anything this year. But here they are going down to the final moment of Game 3 on Detroit's court. Even though we got swept, that series is proof that 1 vs. 4 seeds mean nothing and anyone can beat anyone on any given night. But the Indiana-Connecticut series was, by far, the best. I was pulling my hair out watching Game 3 in that one. At least in my career, this playoffs has been the best to watch.

As far as the final four that remain, I think it's going to be... Phoenix against... I want to say Detroit. But the Shock cannot play the way they did in the first round and think they are going to advance. Bill Laimbeer is probably all over them for it, but I think Indy will be ready for them. I think a Detroit-Phoenix Finals will be tough and go four or five games. I see the Mercury pulling it out, too. I know Detroit beat you guys in the regular season, but that doesn't matter now. The way you are playing right now, it's hard to stop offensively. The only thing to do is keep up and score, but even that is a tall order for any other team right now. It's easy to tell you really enjoy playing with each other and the city is behind you.

I think this is your year.

By the way, this week's sign that the apocalypse is upon us... Donnie Wahlberg talking sports on ESPN2's morning show.

Good luck and I'll catch up with you later,

Isn't that a great picture of us on WNBA.com? It looks like we're playing Battleship.

Anyway, I just got back from the grocery store and picked up some essentials, milk and orange juice. I know we're heading on the road this weekend, but I ran out.

I read your Blog from yesterday and, yeah, this series really will be all about who shows up. You can talk about who's more talented and who has the better team on paper all day, but it's about who comes to play as a team. It's going to be an interesting series. I do think this is the first time we've met when it mattered. Regular season is one thing but the Playoffs are a whole different ballgame.

I touched upon this a bit the last time I wrote, but I don't think much changed when we knew for sure that you and the Mercury were the opponent in the first round. It doesn't really matter who you play or when you play them because, as you said, in order to win, you have to go through the best teams at some point. Right now, you guys are the best in the West so it'll be a good series. Regardless of what happened in the regular season, I don't think about it at all. I don't think anyone should at this point. The WNBA is too good and all of the teams are too good to base it on previous performances.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The media today was asking us about playing you guys... number one in the West, three All-Stars, but the one thing they said you didn't have is playoff experience. But you know what? I think you've played in enough big games, Penny led Australia to a gold medal at the World Championships last year and Cappie played in a lot of big games in college as well. I understand that it wasn't necessarily the WNBA Playoffs, but I told them that everyone on your team has been in enough big games. So I don't necessarily see experience as our advantage. Hopefully it will be, though. Only one way to find out.

The three-game format for the first two rounds doesn't necessarily let the higher seed establish home court advantage. In Russia, we play three-game series as ome-away-home formats. That is a home court advantage. But when you play away-home-home as the better seed, the travel makes tougher for that team. Phoenix has to travel to Seattle for Game One, which is tough, then turn right back around and fly back again. We've been home for more than a week. That's where you lose your advantage. I understand that the next two games are back at home, but you end up traveling more, which makes it a disadvantage. Think about it.

Now... I'm not saying we can tire you our because I think you may be in the best shape of any team in the league. At least from what I've heard about your practices. You run a lot. So tiring you out will not be our game plan. The reason why I think we've matched up well with you well is because we like to run and score as well. But teams playing against the Mercury really need to pick and choose when to run and when not to. We don't want to get caught up in your game or style because that's how you beat teams. By outscoring them. I just know it's not going to be easy.

Matching Up

The last couple of times our teams have played, you've played a zone... then when Lauren got hot, we saw a box-and-one. You were that one lucky lady who got to guard Lauren, following her everywhere. It's an interesting match-up, whoever guards Lauren, because she gets double- and triple-teamed so frequently. I wonder if you'll still stay on her in that box-and-one. I do think that you guys are a very tough team to match up with on defense. We don't have a very big backcourt. Izi is probably 5-11, I'm 5-9 and Betty is probably like 5-7. It's you, Kelly Miller and Cappie. Cappie may not be tall, but she's strong, which makes up for it.

We're in a situation where that first game is really important for us. We're at home. Of course, I'll tell you how we have to win that first game, but I know we won the first game in each of the past two years and ended up losing the series both times. So what do I know? Of course, winning that first game helps. It's the one game we have on our home court and we really play much better at home than we do on the road. I think that's true for every team.

So it will be important to get our crowd into it early and get this thing going. Then we'll head back to Phoenix and see what happens. I think the regular season does a good job of preparing for the quick turnaround of games. At this point, everyone is used to traveling and playing a lot of games in a short period of time. The stakes are just higher. I hope it's a good series. Two good teams, though we've kind of underachieved a bit this season. Hopefully we can put it together at the right time.

Talking About Talking

I do remember you trying to talk to me last game. I don't even know what it was, but I did not pay attention, you're right. It was something stupid. I remember what it was. You were asking me about Russia and I told you I'd talk to you later about it. And yeah, you're not the kind of person who will be like "You can't guard me." I try to explain to people that you actually try and have conversations when we're out there. You think you're the number one conversationalist in the world and will talk to anyone. But that's just who you are. Loud and out there. I wouldn't go far as misunderstood, but it's fun.

The thing about you when you play, you're always having a good time. One of the most competitive people ever, but always have fun and that's why you can play your best. It's when you're not having fun, that's when we see the arguing and the other antics. No other players can make you made, but it's just the way the game is going or sometimes the refs. There are a few people in this world, and I think Lauren also falls into this category, where the madder they get, the better the play and the more focused you get. And I think you're one of them, too. Not many people can play well when the emotions are running high, but I definitely see that in you and Lauren. I'm not like that. I try and control it, but when I get mad, I'm not as focused and am thinking about other things.

But enough about basketball, because everyone else is going to be talking about this for the next couple of days... I just sat down with my turkey and cheese sandwich and juice, freshly bought from Safeway, and turn the television on, and what's on HBO? The best movie ever, Prime, with Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep. Remember I made you watch this movie like 100 times? I think it may be the greatest movie ever. It's a chick flic, but we are chicks. I know you hate it. Ironic, don't you think?

The only thing I will say that even resembles trash talking is that, as usual, the loser has to buy dinner. The same rule stands. The dinner's won't change, I know they won't...

Of course... I'm sure I'll talk to you between now and the game.

It's Friday morning here in Seattle. Our last regular season game is tonight at home against the Sparks. It's an interesting day for everybody.

From a basketball standpoint, it's going to be a relaxed and fun game, but a game that we want to win. We really just want to play well. Even though there are no playoff implications on the line for either team, it will still be a competitive game. For us, much like you guys in your remaining games, we want to end on a good note with some momentum, feeling good about how we're playing. The Playoffs will mark a new season for us. It is a time in which anything can happen. We can let go of what has happened in the regular season because, to some degree, we have underachieved. But the Playoffs can tell the story for the year. People will forget about our disappointing regular season.

On the other side of things, a lot of media around here is asking us about how it feels that this may be our last regular season game at KeyArena, or in Seattle? You know, not until this last home game did I even think about it or even mention it. Even when we've talked, you and I, or some other friends, it isn't anything that really came up. So this is the first time I've thought about it. I'm sure a lot of fans are feeling uncertain as well. It would be sad if that was the situation, this being our last game, but you never know what's going to happen in the future, so we'll see.

Would I Rather...?

At this point, we just have to do it. Hopefully when the lights are on and it's a big game, everybody will show up and we will be on the same page. I don't think there are any words that can be said or drills we can do in practice. It's just one of those times now where we have to play and play well. We have to show up. A lot of people are asking me who I'd rather play in the first round... you guys in Phoenix or San Antonio. To be honest, I don't have a preference. The top seed is still being decided and I wish you the best of luck. It really would be a huge accomplishment if you were to get first in the West. I know it's just the regular season, but it still says something.

We've had better luck against the Mercury this season, while losing all four games we've played against the Silver Stars. But you can look at it either way. If I said we wanted to play Phoenix because we've already beaten you two out of three games, that doesn't mean anything in the Playoffs. Or I could say we'd rather play San Antonio because the law of averages says we're due. Does that really matter? Whoever we get, we get. It's actually nice to have been locked into a seed for the past week. We've been at home relaxing, knowing we're hosting the first game on our court. As for who we're playing, I guess we'll find out in a few days. Regardless, we're looking at one of the two best teams in the West and we'll have to go through one or both of you to get to the Finals. Doesn't matter who is first.

I won't do any trash talking now... that will commence once we know who we're playing.

LJ FOR MVP

My M.V.P, vote would definitely go for Lauren and making her case is not that hard. I know people will think I'm biased, but it's not about that. It will likely come down to Becky and Lauren, don't you agree? I have so much repsect for Becky's game as a point guard. Generall speaking, point guard's numbers aren't something that stick out. But Becky has both the leadership thing going as well as the numbers. She's top three in scoring and has led the league in assists pretty much all season. She's had a great year, taking over team that didn't do as well last year. I know they've added another pieces, but Becky is what makes them go.

But... come on. Look at what Lauren has done this year. She leads the league in scoring, rebounding, blocks, double-doubles, has a 47-point game. She'll probably get Defensive Player of the Year. As great as any other player is in the WNBA, if I were starting a team, Lauren is my top pick. You'd be up there, Tamika, Becky, all these great players. But here's what separates her. No one else sees double- and triple-teams every single night and continue to average 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, etc. That has always been my point and case for her. I'm sure Lisa Leslie faced the same thing, but that's what makes an M.V.P. Seriously, just to drive this home, the one night this season Lauren did not get doubled, she got 47 points.

And any time we don't have Lauren, it's a struggle for our team.

Coming Together As a Team

Last night was a fun night for us as a team. We've been home for awhile and tonight's our last game. With Wendy Palmer's parents in town, they wanted to cook for us. Her mom is actually an amazing, amazing cook. Some of the apartments that my teammates live in are kind of small, not that mine is much bigger (you've seen it), but she asked if I could host everyone and I was like, sure. I was the host, Wendy's mom was the chef and we had pretty much everyone over. A couple of people couldn't make it but it was fun. We had the New York-Washington game on NBA TV and everyone was eating their "soul food." We had mac-and-cheese, pork chops, ribs, chicken casserole, pound cake for dessert and some banana pudding. We tore it up.

And then, of course, we finished off the night with a little Guitar Hero. Some of the older crowd left, but I have to admit, Izi was killing it. For her first time, the Brazilian has some moves on the guitar. It was fun to just hang out and we have a team that really likes each other and gets along so it was good to come together...

Now I'm off to shootaround, so we'll talk next week. We might have some interesting things to discuss... Good luck this weekend.

Sorry it's been so long since I've really written, but I was so busy with rehab that I had nothing left to give. Then I just saw you last week in Phoenix and we said everything we needed to say in person. But now it's time for an update. I'm stuck on a bus driving from New York to Washington and have nothing else to do...

We've actually never done this bus trip before. I'm glad we did it because the weather in the northeast is bad. Delays everywhere on all flights. It's about four hours long and we're just over two and half into it. I slept the first two and the only reason I woke up is because we stopped for bathroom break and food. Everyone else is eating and watching a movie, Perfect Stranger.

Did you watch Beckham's first game in L.A. this weekend? I was totally tuned-in and highly entertained. I watched the hour-long special beforehand. His house is ridiculous, like the ones from Laguna Beach with the pool overlooking the cliff. It's unbelieveable. He puts L.C.'s house to shame. And I feel bad for him, too. If it wasn't his first game, he probably wouldn't have played at all. Everyone was expecting all of these crazy things out of him but he only played for like 12 minutes. The amount of cameras following him was good and good for soccer. To see all of the famous people there was funny. But afterwards on ESPN's bottom ticker, they showed the score and said "David Beckham entered the game in the 75th minute (Did not score)." I was like, wow. That's rough. What were people expecting in 15 minutes? Sometimes people expect too much from these star athletes. Especially in soccer, you're not going to score every game.

Back In The Saddle

So the first time I practiced was last Monday, the 16th and I really didn't know what to expect. I went to practice and the trainer originally said no contact. We talked about it and I suggested going with it and seeing how I felt step-by-step. When drills first started, I did a couple and sat out a couple. As practice went on, I felt better and better and when it came time to do full-court five-on-five, I stayed in for that. Must have been beginner's luck because I was hitting every shot, passing well, playing defense and felt really comfortable. So when we played your guys the next day, I joked that if it had been Game Five of the WNBA Finals, I would have suited up. But, the doctors said two weeks and I had to stick to that timeline and waited.

This is actually the first time I've come missed time due to a procedure performed on the lower part of my body. I've never missed games for anything other than my broken nose and the difference with the nose is that you're wearing a mask and then not thinking about it. The knee is something you have to think about and be conscious of and do a mind-over-matter kind of approach. There were definitely times in the last two games back when I thought about it, but I just kept playing. If you're going to be tentative and think about it constantly, you're not going to enjoy yourself.

The hardest thing, really, is my conditioning and getting back into that comfort zone. I was doing pool work-outs, bike work-outs, pre-core work-outs and treadmill work-outs, but nothing can simulate a real, live game. And aside from my shooting woes, I feel pretty good. Hopefully I'll be ready to go the next time we play you guys. It was good being able to be there for the game last week and definitely for the event at Majerle's. You guys did a great job of setting up the event and anytime you can see Thunder Dan, it's a good thing. Just another excuse to have a good time with friends with all of the proceeds going to a good cause. Nice work on the attempted bartending, too. I think you and Lauren made like two drinks and then that was it. You guys should have waitressed. I don't think I'd be a very good waitress, though.

I Was Told There Would Be No Math

That reminds me, did I ever tell you about the time I worked in the food services industry? I've blogged about our house in Saratoga (Upstate New York) near the racetrack when I was younger, but I don't think I mentioned that I worked there, too. My dad's friend managed to the concession stands that sold all different things... the hot dogs, burgers, sodas, etc. They also had little carts scattered around the track and I spent one summer working a cart that sold chipwiches. I was maybe 14 years old. I got up every morning, set up the cart and sold chipwiches for the entire day (there were some other things like ice cream and sorbet bars), but the hardest thing about the job was the dry ice. If you spend all day reaching into the cart, you get burned. I had burns all over my arms. It was the worst. But it taught me some valuable lessons that I've taken with me through my life... like avoid dry ice at all costs.

I also had trouble making change, especially when I had to add up a few different things that cost like $2.25, $4.75 and $3.50 and someone gives you a $20 bill. I had to be quick on my feet and math was not my strong subject. I think you're like 10 times better at math than I am, at least with the easy stuff like addition and subtraction. Long division, I'm not so sure about. Still better than me. I need a calculator for everything.

I certainly don't keep track of my shooting percentages. It was easy when I was 0-for-6 yesterday, but I made the big shot when it counted in New York. The play was actually off of a jump ball, so it's not like it was called for me. Izi played great last night. She always does against New York. So we had a play set, Janell Burse set a back screen for Izi on a flare as the ball went up and Lauren tipped it to Izi. It was designed perfectly as I was sitting there watching it unfold. I was waiting for her to shoot it, chilling at the top of the key and she took a dribble, made a good read and found me. I had missed the shot before, so after I hit the final shot, I was telling people back down the floor that there was no way I was missing that shot twice. I'm glad it worked out for us.

Back to life on the road... Lauren is sitting behind me and wants to make a guest blog entry for you while I eat my food. Hold on...

Lauren's Cameo
(Posted by Lauren Jackson on Monday, July 23, 2007, 1:12 p.m. ET )

Hey. How's it going? I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be talking about here but since this is to Dee, it really doesn't matter. I guess it's good that Sue is writing this blog and not me. It's good that she gets all of the attention, too. It's great. I'm not really an outgoing person. I'm a bit shy, really, so I think the fact that you two get all of the attention is brilliant. It's all in good fun, though.

Someone recently asked me if I had to choose one of you to play with for the rest of my career and only one of you, who would I choose. It was a horrible thing to ask and I answered it diplomatically. I couldn't say either but would say both. In addition to the All-Star Games, people may not know that I got to play with both of them in Russia together this past year. We have so much fun together. When we're overseas, it's just fun. We live together and play together. We're going to be doing it again for another six months. There is always a smile on our faces. No drama. Easy-going. I've never had a little group like this, people who I rely on for everything so it's nice.

Diana makes everyone laugh, Sue is the planner who gets us out and I'm the one who wants to stay at home. Then Sue tells me we're going out and Diana's like We're going out. So I say okay and go along with it. Don't leave me behind. So I just didn't want to feel left out. Here's Sue again. Thanks. Bye.

Last Thing

It's me again... Still eating but wanted to say one more thing. Lately, all that fans want to know is how come you didn't rock the ponytail like you waid you would? Where is the ponytail? I've been giving you the benefit of the doubt... maybe she'll pull it out later in the season, she still has time, etc. So now don't make both of us look bad now.

About to go to rehab. Wish I was in D.C. right now...

So where in the world am I... I am actually in New York for the night, believe it or not. It has been a crazy week.

My knee had been a bit of a mystery for a few weeks, just to start at the beginning and give an update. I didn't even know what was going to happen until last week when the doctors spoke to me again about it. I just knew that my knee was really bothering me and that no one could figure out what the problem was. The MRI wasn't showing much. So having the surgery was a tough decision but when you know that something isn't right, you have to listen to your body. So that's what I did, with my doctor's help.

I flew back to Connecticut last Wednesday night, a redeye, so I got there Thursday morning. I saw the doctor who had done my two previous operations. Dee, I think you're familiar with him, Dr. Joyce in Connecticut. I just felt comfortable with him. I know he knows my knee and I've been there before. So they went in, it was a 45 minute procedure. My mom came up and hung out with me when I went into surgery on Friday morning.

Afterwards, when I woke up, the doctor came in and said everything went great. Luckily, I don't really have any adverse reactions to anesthesia. I was knocked out, though, but was back up and at 'em. I remember what happened the last time you had ankle surgery... first time you tried to stand up you threw up all over the place. So unlike you, I don't really have these problems. But the doctor told me that they cleaned out some stuff, though I don't know all of the technical terms, but some extra loose particles that were floating around in there. He also discovered that I had a torn meniscus. And in some weird, bizarro way, I'm really happy. I knew something was wrong and to have people doubt my decision to have surgery was really tough for me. I knew there was something wrong. He just clipped off a little piece that was torn and I don't expect it will have any impact on my return or length of rehab.

I walked out of the hospital without crutches and my first day of rehab I was already in the pool. I've been doing pool workouts since as well as biking and squats and a lot of other stuff to get the muscles strong. That's what I'm doing. I actually drove past the Gaylord Rehab Center, remember that? It's still standing. So yeah, this was not a decision that was made overnight. It took a lot of thought. I wanted my doctors in Seattle to talk with the doctors in Connecticut, and that can be tough to get busy doctors on the phone with each other. Kind of like you and me. The only way I can explain this is that I knew I was hurting. I was limping, I had trouble sleeping and it wasn't right. If I could have gutted this out, I would have, believe me. It just wasn't an option.

What I'll Be Missing

My doctors have said two weeks. He was very confident with how the surgery went, so while that doesn't mean I'll be back sooner, I feel like I'm progressing well even two days post-op. I'm running in the pool already! I just take it day by day. With any surgery, the more time the better. But we are in a season here and I don't want to miss that many games. I'll definitely miss the games this week and then we'll see what happens after the All-Star Break.

I hate that I'm missing All-Star. I won't be able to come at all, which was a tough decision. The rehab is so important and I don't want to miss any more games than I have to. It's four hours a day and it's tough, time consuming, tedious, but necessary. All of the flying wouldn't be good for me because I have to monitor the swelling. Everyone came to the decision that the best course of action is to go back to Seattle this week and focus on my rehab there.

I am pissed that I'll miss the Game, the parties and all of the events. To be voted number one by the fans was such an honor. (Thanks to everyone who voted. I am so sorry that I won't be there to represent you. I'll be there in spirit and will be watching on tv). I do not actively campaign and I don't really know why it is the way it is. Reporters ask me what it's like to be the top vote-getter and I say it will never get old and it's nice to know that people are supportive, like and respect your game and you as a person. It's fun. I guess you are a little bit more controversial than I am (I thought about the nicest way to say that) so maybe there are more people who love and hate you. I have no idea. I know that sometimes I love you and sometimes I hate you.

But congrats to you and Lauren and I am sad that I won't get to play with Becky and Yolanda as well (and the East starters and whoever gets in as reserves). And don't have too much fun partying. I know you're not the party planner and that's where I usually step up. You'll probably just be sitting in your hotel room the entire time anyways. When you get there, you're the life of the party... but someone has to get you there.

In the meantime, I'll be working on my ping pong game. You're just salty that I won the poll for who's a better bowler. I will always give you ping pong, though, it is because you have your own house rules. You do have an illegal serve, though, and Natasha (a girl on our team last year from Serbia) is right. You have to show the ball before you hit it on a serve. You violate international rules. That said, I will always be a better card player and I kick your butt every time we play gin rummy. And just because your family is from Argentina does not make you a better soccer player. I know you do love your roots. You just wish you were as good as Brianna Scurry. And you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Welcome Back

I will say it was nice to see you back on the court. Because I was in Connecticut, I was able to watch that thrilling double-OT thriller. As a friend, I was happy to see you Asjha and Nykesha play so well. As a competitor, I wanted the Sun to win, but it was a great game. And then you go and get blown out by Detroit tonight... When you're playing a team on a three-game losing streak who is now back at home, you have to be careful .I don't know about you, but the first thing I look at when preparing for an opponent is to see what kind of win or loss streak they are on.

So far since I have been away, I have been IMing, texting, calling and emailing my teammates and coaches as much as I can. I am so used to being a part of a team, and then to not be there, I have FOMS. Fear of missing something. It's a serious case. I want to be a part of everything. Tanisha Wright has been doing a great job of recapping everything. Unfortunately we haven't been on NBA TV so I had to listen on the internet via radio webcast (which is awesome, by the way). Thanks to Adia Barnes and Alan Horton. It's interesting to listen and be a fan. I'm living and dying on every possession. I'm just glad I can follow it. It's like what you had to do during your time off... of course, neither of these times have been our choice.

We have one more game in L.A. that I will be able to watch and then I'll be at the game against Connecticut before the All-Star break. I'm excited to get back to Seattle, obviously. But I will miss you guys in D.C. Please write and keep me in the loop about what's going on and what I'm missing. Have fun!

Hey friend, hope you're having a good week. Just like when you first got ejected a few weeks ago, this two-game suspension is obviously a hot topic around the league. I've only heard about what happened and we don't need to go into it that much. I know you're bummed, I know you're going to learn from it and as the leader of your team, I know how hard it is for you to miss two games. But so far the team has rallied, winning last night. Hopefully they can do the same thing for you again this weekend. Maybe giving some other players a chance to play will help the team in the log run as well. Belinda Snell and Penny Taylor stepped up and played great and I hope they can keep that up when you come back and you can turn what appears to be a negative into a positive.

Regardless, stuff happens. I've certainly been on the verge of losing my cool. Again, I didn't see what happened and I know I talked about this previously, but it's the heat of the battle and you really want to win. The way the WNBA is right now, every game matters. Literally every game. So to lose on a tough call where you don't even have a chance to get a shot off can be make you mad. As an athlete, a very competitive athlete, it's tough when there are things out of your hands and beyond your control. A lot of people I talk to, whether they are friends or fans, they ask why we get on the refs so much. To be honest, until you've played a sport, you don't know what it's like to have someone take that away when you're fighting so hard for something.

As hard as that is, we learn as athletes early on that there are things beyond our control. We cannot control what the fans say, we cannot control what the refs call and we have to get over it. But as a competitive person, that can be tough. We hear what fans say. For the most part, you can laugh that stuff off, even that one fan in L.A. who sits by the tunnel and can be kind of mean at times. But it's a good sign for our league that people care that much and he wants the Sparks to win so badly that he tries to psyche us out. The signs have gotten more and more creative, too. If anything, it just makes for good lockerroom talk. It's fun, though. The fans are as much a part of this league as we are.

But Enough About You...

The WNBA is a tough league. Every game is a battle and there are no more easy games. For our team right now, or a couple of days ago, we were in a little bit of a lull. We weren't playing well. But the chemistry questions... if you could see us on the bus or in the lockerroom, the way we interact, go out or hang out, we have a great time. We really do. It's not a chemistry thing. And it's not coaching. There was an article written in the local paper about the coaching staff, but that's just one of those articles that people have to write. When you're losing, everyone questions everything. It's all a part of the process of figuring things out. We are a family and we'll figure things out within... the players, the coaching staff and the organization.

I think we've gotten back on the right path. We lost a tough one in Minnesota, but the way we played was great, then we got a big win in L.A. and L.J. dropped 35 points. We have eight games before All-Star, a crazy schedule, and if we can pull this together, then last week was just a bump in the road. This has been an interesting schedule for us. Normally you have stretches where you go every other day and then you might not have a game for five or six days (like you the Mercury right now). Right now, this is tough for us because we got our big break early in the season. It was great in June, but now it's all catching up to us and it goes every other day until the All-Star break. It's good because it keeps you game-fresh and we'll be ready to go and we won't get sick of practicing against each other. We just want to get in a groove, but at the same time, take care of our bodies and get a lot of rest.

Now Onto More Important Things...

So I was just thinking about how I haven't gone bowling in a long time when I remembered the last time we bowled in Russia. I think our ongoing argument is something we should let the fans decide. So I take bowling very seriously. My mom was in a league and we had our own balls and everything growing up. It's in the blood. I've even broken 200 a couple of times. So we were in Russia bowling on separate lanes and Dee was talking a lot because she had the high score of the night to that point but we weren't on the same lane. So we decided to go one-on-one in a head-to-head competition, just one lane. And I beat her. So our argument is, I say I beat her in the head-on competition but she had the high score that night. So who was better? We attempted to settle it another time, but it was at a teammates' birthday and we never got around to it.

We should take a poll.

My New Favorite Thing

So you have to try this. Speaking of games... When I was in Minnesota the other night, I discovered this new game that I am obsessed with. I'm pretty much friends with the whole Lynx team, Tamika, Svetlana, Kristen Mann, Amber Jacobs, Lindsey Harding, Seimone... they're full of people to hang out with. They turned me on to this video game called Guitar Hero for PlayStation 2. Oh my God. It is amazing. I seriously want to go buy it right now. You actually have a toy guitar and you're sort of playing along, clicking different buttons to the beat of the songs on the screen (almost like Dance Dance Revolution if you know what that is). The best part is that it's real songs. When I first did it, I did Nirvana's "Heart-shaped Box" and "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses. And every time you mess up, you get buzzed. My fingers got sore from trying to keep up. Seriously, they hurt. Oh, and you can also get booed off the stage. I really might have to go buy it right now. And I'm soooo not into video games. I never got past Nintendo. But this might bring me back. So fun.

Oh, and last thing... I am really excited for the NBA Draft, which is this week. It's one of the more fun events on the calendar every year. I'm also excited for the Seattle Sonics, who have the second pick. They almost have a better situation because there's no pressure on them. We met Greg Oden in Indiana a couple of weeks ago, he came up and introduced himself to us and he was really great. I also got to meet Kevin Durant when he was in Seattle last week as well. So I think either way both teams are coming out winners here.

Someone asked me recently what my policy is on people approaching me in public to say hello or for autographs or pictures. I don't really have a policy. I was actually on the airplane coming back from Indy (we won't talk about that game - a 30-point loss is just something that happens and I know you beat them last night... Now back to regularly-scheduled programming...) and it was the guy sitting next to me (for the five minutes I was awake) on the flight. He asked me if I care when people want my autograph or want to take pictures. The honest answer is no, not at all. I'm very grateful that people do ask for my autograph. One day, no one is going to want my autograph or picture and I'll be a memory.

I will say... there are occasional times, and it really doesn't happen that much, but when I'm mid-bite... eating. When I'm literally about to put the food in my mouth... But that has only happened a few times. For the most part, people are very respectful and it's a fun situation. It's very flattering and enjoyable to interact with the fans and get to know them even for just a few minutes.

Don't you agree that this is what's good about the WNBA? I think we're very approachable and generally speaking, we're like that by nature. The league also does a good job of making it that way. I love it. It's cool when you're somewhere and catch someone's eye and you know that they recognize you, maybe they don't realize who you are at first or maybe they do, or maybe they are too shy and there is that awkward moment... but for the most part, I have no problem with it whether I'm with the team or what.

All-Star Voting

So here's the thing with All-Star voting... The categories make things tough. Lauren Jackson and I were talking about this the other day. She was telling me that she's now going up against you because you're listed as a forward. You're in the forward category now? How did that happen? That's crazy. Do you know how the position selection works? I just don't get why they have to have two forwards... like why can't you, Kelly and Cappie all be listed as guards on the ballot? The thing is that people play different roles on different teams and not necessarily by position. If you're Lauren Jackson, why would you want to be listed as a center then you could have twice as many chances of making it if she's listed as a forward.

When you look at how the pick All-WNBA First and Second Teams, they also do it by two guards, two forwards and a center. All-Star is a little bit different because I know you're just voting for the five starters. I also have heard people throw out the idea of changing it to have just the five best players. But I have to stick up for the little people here because as a point guard. For the most part, our numbers aren't going to be the same as Diana Taurasi and Lauren Jackson as far as points and rebounds. So if they picked the five best players, I wouldn't get on there. Even if I lead the league in assists because it's not considered the same as points and rebounds.

I think it should be the five best players for the All-WNBA teams, but at the same time, I do like it broken down by position because it gives other people the looks they deserve. So I think we should keep it as it is. Two guards, two forwards and one center. Really in both cases, All-Star and All-WNBA, the team that should be selected is a team that can field the court. Of course, no matter what, someone deserving is always going to get left out. That's really a testament to how good the WNBA is right now because you don't know who is going to make the All-Star or All-WNBA Teams.

The All-Star Game is a fun event. Whoever makes it always has a good time. Generally speaking, the right people get there and the coaches do a good job of picking the right teams. For the most part, I agree with your All-Star picks. Except I would slide you in there. You kind of forgot yourself. But only for after-game party purposes, of course. I'm sure AOL and Alana Beard are going to host us well in D.C. That's where the game was my rookie year, so I know it's going to be a good time regardless of who gets there. Of course I want to go and get voted in because it's fun for everyone. I want to be there, but if it doesn't happen, I won't be mad. Maybe just a little sad.

Chamique and the Spurs

I was definitely surprised that Chamique retired. I think everyone was when they first heard the news. Like you said, though, if she's happy and that's your decision, then I'm happy for her. It will be sad when we go to L.A. or the Sparks come to Seattle, that we can't go out to dinner anymore. Otherwise, I'm happy for her. She will always be my Christ The King buddy, so if she's happy, I'm happy for her.

No surprise that the Spurs won, obviously, either. I thought the Cavs might win a game, but the Spurs are just so good. Tim Duncan, who is "their best player," didn't play great. I mean, he was there and did what he does, but Tony Parker is insane. The way he gets to the basket is fun to watch. Though the one call in Game 2 where he traveled, they had to call that. The Cavs were coming back from that big deficit and he made that ridiculous move to the basket and clearly traveled and no one called it and that ended the Cleveland run. That would be my only fault. Other than that, the Spurs were amazing and Tony was great. It's amazing how young he still is.

Two Days Til Hair Straightening

So I'm officially getting my hair straightened in T-minus two days. It's a big moment for me. The process is a process. Three and a half hours. They go in small sections and use some serious chemicals on it to straighten it. I'm a little nervous because there's always a risk. I know hair will grow back, but I hope my hair doesn't fall out. I think I would look really bad doing the Britney. Hey, but if it happens and I have to shave my head, at least people will know why now. But I'm very excited about this because I can literally get out of the shower and go and my hair will be pin-straight. Straight ponytail from here on out. Now Dee, what's up, man? Are you gonna go ponytail or not? Maybe you would have won if you had done it in that Minnesota game. Butterfly effect. Only takes one small thing and everything could have been different. So any second chances?

I think it's funny how much they're covering Paris Hilton in jail. She broke the law. The judge may have been hard on her just to make a point. If the average person did what she did, they would probably get probation. But it's sad. She was crying on tv and it wasn't good. That said, I don't think I could handle prison. Hell no. My prison knowledge comes from Oz, The Wire and movies. If it's anything like that, I couldn't survive it.

And for the record, I got complimented on my cookies a few days ago. Everyone ate them and you heard wrong that I can't bake. I can. And I'm good. At the end of the contest, they just said that everyone's a winner. Lol.

Off-limits

So two things we should never bring up even though they're all over the news is religion and politics. I know each of us always thinks we're right in political discussions. Though it is always fun to gang up on the foreigners when we're overseas. Always in a loving, friendly way, of course. Like when you go home, I can argue and fight with my sister, but the minute someone else does, those are fighting words. Like with President Bush. Some people here may not agree with his policies or actions, but if someone from another country talks about him, you have to defend him. It's our country!

It's always very light-hearted, but I always like to mix it up and have fun with our foreign teammates whether here or overseas. Like when I tried to convince Fran Zara that pizza was invented in America. I was totally kidding, but she took it so serious. I was like, pizza was invented in New York. Have you ever had New York pizza? She got SO UPSET and says "Pizza was invented in Italy. You Americans think you invite everything." She meant to say invent, but she said invite. Needless to say, we have been "inviting" many things since that conversation.

Speaking of foreigners, I got into a debate with LJ about the HBO show "Carnivale," which we all watched in Russia together. Well now she disagrees on how you actually pronounce the name. Is it "car-ni-val" or "car-ni-valley?" She thinks it's "car-ni-valley." I think she's wrong. Next time I blog, I'm having her come on and make a guest appearance to defend herself on the correct pronunciation of "Carnivale." If it's "car-ni-valley," I'm going to shoot myself. Stay tuned...

Think I can get stamps at 7-Eleven? I know ATMs have stamps. I know... who still sends letters, right? I have to mail in my condo maintenance fees. They changed companies and I haven't set my automatic billing up yet.

Okay, so let's get this started... I have to be somewhat quick today because I have to pick up a friend at the airport. Actually, it's Morgan Valley. I don't think she was very appreciative of what you wrote about her and the knee sleeve last time. Morgan was like "Did you see what Dee wrote about my knee sleeve?" I did. So she was like "Man, I only wore that thing for like a week." So I don't know how complimentary it could have been if that was her reaction. But it's all good. I still have to wear it. It's just one of those things to prevent swelling. Not my favorite thing, but at least it's a medical reason. Why, exactly, do you wear an armband? I haven't figured that one out yet. Sweat? You wipe your head when? Never. You know my reason for the knee sleeve, but what's your reason for the armband?

We have a big game tonight against Houston. They are coming in 0-8 and I know that you have been the kind beneficiaries of first wins for Minnesota and Washington, the two previous winless teams. I hope that doesn't happen to us today. I know Houston played L.A. tough a couple of days ago and Barbara Turner is now on the team, who used to be a member of the Storm. So emotions are going to be riding high tonight on a number of different levels. Plus, Tina, our Russian teammate, has been balling ever since Russia. She's shooting like 50% from 3, which is what we saw in Russia.

We, Barb and Morgan are definitely going to get sushi after the game afterwards. It's Morgan and Barbara's choice. I didn't pick it. That's the thing. Everyone comes to Seattle and always give me a hard time and say we should go somewhere else, but what happens? At the end of the day, they want to go to the sushi place.

One thing before I leave, and I promise to write again tomorrow to discuss some more things on my mind. But I can't let this slide...

I know other people read this and don't know you well, but the sarcasm is at an all-time high. So when you saw I'm a bad roommate, it actually means I'm a good roommate. When it comes to rooming with you, you're probably the biggest whiner on earth. Hotel rooms have the two double beds, but the better bed is the one farthest from the door and closest to the door. It's better because you have more space. I know when I have a roommate and get that key, I want to get in the door first and get the good bed. With you, though, I'd walk in the room first and you'd whine like a baby crying "You know that's my favorite bed." So I'd give it to you because I'm not that picky. That's what makes me the best roommate. I'd let you shower first and get the good bed. And you're a bad roommate because all you do is complain. Nowadays, we still have roommates on the road though you can pay to get the single. When I feel like having company, I'll have a roommate. When I feel like being along, I'll request the single.

And I'm glad you brought up the UConn-Tennessee game because I was definitely going to bring it up here. I really do agree with what you wrote. I think it is sad that the game is over. It's kind of ridiculous that they're not going to play it. It's the one game we looked forward to most every year. It was the most hyped women's game and was going on since 1995. It was exciting and was great for bringing in new fans. People who didn't know about women's basketball knew about that game. That's huge for the sport. There will be more rivalries, and I hope there are, but to have the first one die like that is really too bad. Hopefully they will meet in the Tournament and the hype will be back.

So I knew you were bluffing. You didn't go with the ponytail last night. Why did you tell us you were going to wear a ponytail when you had no intention of doing so? And I was all prepared to give you kudos today, talk about the long, flowing pony and come back and say that I was going to war a bun if you did it in my next game. So no pony for you, no bun for me.

When I first read what you wrote like Monday, I thought you were really going to do it. But I knew you couldn't do it and were just playing. That said, I still wouldn't be surprised if you busted it out later in the season.

"What's Wrong With Diana?"

Lol. J/k. Everyone's making a big deal just because you haven't scored like 40 points every game. But to your credit, you have some serious expectation placed on you because you had such a great season last year. Other than the fact that you guys have lost a few games, I'm not worried about you. In the game last night, you may not have been as aggressive as people are used to seeing or as involved. But when you cut the lead to three and were back in it, who was the one who hit those two 3's? It was a tough play at the end with Cappie missing a 3 and Tangela missing a good look. But if I'm on your team and regardless of whether you're like 0-for-20 on the night, I'd still trust in you.

So now people are giving you some flak, which isn't really fair. I know we're competing against each other, but you're still my friend, still my dog and I want to see you succeed. I know you didn't play too well against us, and then scored 37 the next night. So I really feel bad for whoever plays you next.

I heard you had a good time in New York, though, with all of the college folk coming down from CT. I hear there's a new lounge I need to check out when I'm there next time so thanks for the recommendation. By the way, did you get your new rims yet for your Range Rover? I haven't reached that status yet. I am not celebrity enough to get rims. I think I'm actually gonna sell my Defender. It's really not practical. It cost me like $80 to fill the gas tank the other day. It's kinda sad. Fun car in the summer, but I don't really drive that much. The farthest I might go is to the airport to pick up a friend or something.

(Pause...)

I had to stop there for a minute to sign for my meal money, which is the best part of all road trips. I'm actually doing this on the bus on the way to the airport right now. Our schedule hasn't gotten bad yet but we're about to hit a pretty tough stretch. Heading to Sacramento now. I love it when the per diem comes around in a nice little envelope with my number on it. The best part about it is that it doesn't come out of our salaries, though I'm pretty sure we get taxed on it. Per diem is definitely a highlight, especially in training camp. That's when you get the real big bucks. To this day, I'll find envelopes with money all over my house and had no idea where it came from. Then I'll realize it was per diem I forgot to use from like the San Antonio-Houston trip of '04.

Another good thing about the travel is getting the miles. You need to work on your miles. I don't even know if you have cards for it. You have to. Whenever I fly now for personal, I fly for free because I get to use my miles. If I go to New York or Cali or the one time I went to visit Swin for her birthday because my miles covered it.

The Knee

Want me to give you the update? As a lot of people have reported, I got hit in the game against San Antonio over the weekend. But that was actually just a dead-leg, a charley horse to the thigh. My right thigh. So I have a history with my knee... ACL and meniscal surgery... so when I woke up the next morning and had swelling, it was weird. It was the amount of swelling. I had some trouble walking, standing up was stiff, I tried to practice but couldn't run so I missed two days of practice. That was probably good for me because we also had yesterday off, so that meant three days in a row.

So now I'm on some good antiinflammatory drugs to get the swelling out. For people who aren't familiar with injuries, it's really the swelling that causes pain. It may not be the actual injury. It's the swelling that causes discomfort, and I'm trying to get that out. All I've done over the past few days is ice it. There is also some electrical stim and a compression sleeve that they'll put on me, but I ice it like five times a day. It gets the job done. I've also spoken with doctors in Seattle as well as my doctor in Connecticut who did the surgeries and they're on it. Hopefully they'll figure it out soon. Until then, I'm technically day-to-day. There isn't realy pain, just discomfort. It's an unstable feeling, which you never want to have when you're running. But today I practiced and that was good.

At least it's not my nose this time. But I don't talk about that.

NBA Finals

Man, this is a tough one. Personally, I want the Cavs to win. I really do. That's who I'm going to be cheering for when I sit down and watch the game. But top to bottom, San Antonio is really tough. If the Cavs can get performances out of Daniel "Boogie" Gibson and Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes like they did against Detroit, then they might have a shot. But LeBron is going to have to do some superhuman things again.

The other thing happening this weekend is the Belmont Stakes, the triple crown horse race on Long Island... When I was a little kid, my parents were very into racing and loved going. We had a house in Saratoga, in upstate New York, which is "the summer place to be." That was their little slogan. We went there every summer. But to this day, I can't stomach horseracing. It's kind of like what happens when you eat something and get food poisoning, you never want to eat that food again. I will never go back to a track. I used to get dragged all the time to the track when I was a kid. I actually knew a lot about it... I was the kid who asked the jockeys for autographs... but I hated it.

My dad used to own horses and I got to ride the ponies, which was always a highlight. Fine LaGere and Saskatchawan. But we only got to ride the ponies because they're calmer and more sane. Thoroughbred horses are crazy. They'll bite your face off. So I have no predictions for the Belmont. I don't know who's running in it and I don't care. But the people who are going will have fun because it's one of the great events on Long Island every summer.

As much as I want to start this off talking about LeBron's game last night, we do have to first start with this whole ejection business. I know we talked about it after the game, but it is the big story.

I'll be honest. I laughed. We knew coming into this season that the officials were going to be more attentive to players reactions and what we say to them, things of that nature. We talked about it in Russia and I told you that you were going to be in trouble. You talk more to the refs more than anyone in the league... and not always in the nicest way.

I know things happen in the heat of the battle, it does with every player. It's human nature to react and hard to control. I know you're not always serious, but in the heat of the moment, it comes across a different way. So I knew it was going to happen. And you learned...

So... Funny Story

In my entire life and basketball career, I have been given three technical fouls. That's it. The first was when I was 12 years old (I got one in college and another in the WNBA). But back when I was... 12. CYO intramural basketball on Long Island... I'll never forget this game. We were down by one point with like ten seconds to go. so I had to foul the other team to get the ball back with time to be able to score.

It was not a hard foul, but it was obvious I was doing it to put her on the line so we'd have another chance. The girl I fouled was like my best friend at the time, too, but there was this ref who was like 80-years old who said I did it intentionally and immediately went crazy and threw me out of the game.

So now, when I do talk to the refs, I try and talk to them like human beings. My reactions may not always be the best, but I try not to yell and want to have a normal conversation to understand why things happened the way that they did. That's when I'm calm. Refs are human. They make mistakes. On three occasions, I didn't always stay as calm. I'll never forget that first time, though... I couldn't believe it. I just leaned into her a little bit and got her on the arm. We lost the game and I cried.

(Sidenote... I've cried a few times in basketball... when I tore my ACL, after we lost my junior year at UConn in the Final Four - remember that one?... and when I broke my nose. But you know what, when you get hit in the nose, you're going to tear up. So stop giving me a hard time about this. Go smack yourself in the face and see what happens. Oh, and I got a bit emotional after my last game in college when we won, but I'm not the kind of person who cries out of joy. I'd rather go celebrate and have fun.

LeBron James... Ridiculous

He was ridiculous last night. It was probably one of the best individual performances in basketball history. Not only were the shots he took tough and timely, but he made pretty much all of them. The thing about LeBron and NBA guys is that they are so strong and athletic that they can overpower people. Women's basketball is different because women cannot jump over each other. Maybe Deann Nolan, but that's it. I've been in games when people have gone off like that (both as a teammate and opponent), just in a trance. And you could just tell he was exhausted afterwards. I hope he celebrated, but he was so tired. He better rest up. And I think it was just as entertaining watching Charles, Kenny and Reggie talk about it afterwards.

I'm not sure you could tell, but no one else on his team wanted to shoot it. Because if they shot and missed, they'd be like 'Why didn't you give the ball to LeBron,' you know. So I do wonder why Detroit didn't throw more guys at him. Make him pass. But as much as I'd like to argue about this with you, there's nothing to argue over. LeBron was ridiculous and there's nothing else to say. I hope they win in Game 6 because if they don't, it'll be hard to win back in Detroit.

Better Than Kobe?

I know you are obsessed with Kobe. Honestly, though, if this wasn't public, I'd probably argue for the sake of arguing with you. But I really do think that LeBron has to do it a lot more to be on Kobe's level. The shots that Kobe has taken and made, even though he's older, put him on a different level still. The difference is that Kobe had Shaq. His supporting cast in L.A. when they won was 10 times better than what LeBron has around him now. You don't see Kobe one win away from the Finals with what he has around him now. They're both dominant, when it comes down to it. I'm sure you will throw some crazy statistics back at me, but I'm tired of the "Kobe Watch." We should tell people what you did in Russia, writing his stats on the dry erase board every day when he had that crazy run earlier this season. It made everyone in the lockerroom want to vomit.

So I notice you didn't bring up our last game... you don't want to talk about it, huh?

Anyway... people have been talking about my hair being long. I think I'm going to keep it this way. Sometimes you just want to change things up a bit. It's long because it's straighter. But if I wore it curly, no one would have said anything. Who knows, maybe I'll go back next year... I don't know. I wanted a change and I've been getting a lot of compliments.

You wear the buns in games, yes, but I've been wearing a bun my whole life. I just don't wear it during the game. I don't like it. You act like you invented the bun. Please. I wish people could have seen your bun freshman year. It was like a third grade teacher bun. It looked like a spiral. You didn't do the messy bun until years later.

Why Wings?

What do you have to do with chicken wings? I don't get it. I understand the Taurasi pasta at Coach Auriemma's, but chicken wings? You know, I'm like the only one who doesn't have an item on the menu named after me at Geno's place. Maybe it's because I'm a partial investor, but I was actually away when they sent out the email asking who wanted what named after them. I'll leave that to the young'uns.

I hope you reached the plate with your pitch the other night. When Betty did it last year, she bounced it. She was so mad, I think she's going back sometime soon. I've done it twice. The first time it was a strike. The Mariners were playing the Yankees and I wanted to impress Jeter and those guys. The second time.. I'll admit it bounced by the plate. At least I wasn't in the dirt like Betty. I bet you were in the dirt. It's farther than people think.

...and you know what I haven't done since I've been back from Russia? I haven't been to the movies at all.

So you start off your whole blog last week about how you have this rule about never talking to people on the phone unless we're in the same state. So I guess you could hear just how surprised I was when my phone rang the other day and it was you. All of a sudden, the rule was broken. But you did have a good reason to call, so I guess I'll let it slide.

I've actually had a bad cold the past few days since getting back. I had to spend yesterday, my day off, at the doctor's office so that we could rule out strep throat. Yes, I know that we have a team doctor and all, but he's actually a doctor doctor, but he doesn't just work for our team full time, so I had to go to the office to see him. Maybe in telling everyone, they'll underestimate me. But probably not. I wish it worked that way. It's one of those things I should probably hide, but my voice would give it away anyway. I don't sound so good right now.

Opening Night

Our games were at the same time on Saturday night, so I didn't get a chance to watch the game on NBA TV (sorry), but you missed quite a good one. Our game was pretty crazy. We went on a 44-9 run to come back, and I'm not sure other people really understand what that means. 44-9 is like unbelievable. I wouldn't want to be down by 20 points, but the way we came back was a good thing for us because it got the crowd into it. I hope they come back.

It was even better because it was Opening Night, not to mention everything going on with the arena situation. I get questions about that at every media session that we have. It can be stressful with all of the "are we going to move?" and "are we going to stay?" questions. It's not distracting, it's not even annoying. It's just kind of there. I think our winning helps, but whether we win or lose, it's not going to change the situation. It is what it is.

It's tough, though, because you know how much I love Seattle. I live here. I like it. A lot. That's the best part about playing here is that I know I'm going to stay here, but if the team did move, I don't know when I'd get here. I wish I could pitch in and buy the team if it would help, but despite what the ESPN.com article said, I don't make that much money.

My Predictions

I read your predictions, and I can't find too much fault with them. I wish I did so we could have something else to argue about (as if we don't have enough things). I think it will be Seattle, Phoenix, Sacramento... and... wow, the fourth spot is tough. I'll say San Antonio. They are the one team that made the most moves. I know you didn't touch the East, maybe you were afraid to guess but I know a little bit more, but I'll (in no particular order) say Detroit, Connecticut, Indiana and Washington.

I really think this season is going to be crazier than any other season, I really do. There have been a lot of changes, but with changes come expectations and some teams will be better than others at first. Then everything is going to change, so I think it will be very much up in the air, especially in the West.

You made a pretty bold move by saying you'd win the scoring title this year. Now I may have only had two assists the other night and have a long way to go, but I'll go on the record and say that I'm going to win the assist title this year.

This Blog

So I was reading what you wrote last time... when you said that you had a tailor named Terry Cloth, I lost it because I had a gym teacher named Lee Jeans and all he'd complain and call people out about was people wearing jeans to gym class. It was so dumb, yet so funny to me.

We did listen to some terrible music in Russia. It's funny, though, that you brought up that Mika song... dogging it in the last blog, but isn't this the same person who, when we were in Russia, said she'd be making a CD and "the window would go down and the music would be going up" the minute she gets back to Phoenix? Whatever you want.

You know what, we should argue more in this Blog. Isn't that all we do anyway? We've had some good arguments... People probably don't believe this, but we'll argue and talk about anything and everything.

Like how you said that Amare and Boris shouldn't be suspended? On one hand, I do agree and think it's a tough call, but the only reason they showed restraint is because the Suns coaches were going crazy to restrain them and hold them back. It is a tough thing, though, to happen in the Playoffs in a crucial game. But a rule's a rule and they clearly broke it. That's the way it is.

I'm sure there are some rules I don't know about our game, but that one, I do know... and the only reasons I know it is because of the famed Michelle Marciniak-LaTasha Byears incident, which was before your time, and then when Betty got into it with Tamecka Dixon and Alicia Thompson stepped out onto the floor (she didn't touch anyone) and got suspended for a game. So I definitely know that rule.

Tomorrow Night

I'm looking forward to our game tomorrow night. I always do. People always ask what it's like having to guard you since we're friends and all. It's tough, what am I supposed to say, that it's easy? You can kill people in so many different ways. You say you're a born passer, though I don't know what that makes me... You score and that's what you do best. When you're aggressive, it opens things up for your teammates and that's really when you're a good passer. I know you always like to bring up how you were top five in assists last year, but the truth is that you're able to get all of those assists because you draw so much attention as a scorer.

The Mercury's style of play is perfect for you. When I originally heard that Paul Westhead was going to be your coach last year, I knew you were going to go crazy in the scoring category. He's a coach that wants you to score 50 points. I'll never forget the story you told us where you shot like 20 times and Coach Westhead went up to you after the game and said "You know, there were five or six shots you could have taken but you passed them up." But I guess I'd rather have you shoot the ball 30 times than have anyone else shoot it.

That said, stop carrying the ball. You carry the ball all the time and I hope the refs start calling you for it as they have been instructed to do in their "points of emphasis" training video. I love that you and Katie Douglas are the examples for people who carry the ball every time. And do they ever call carries overseas? You can literally hold the ball for like five seconds and then dribble again and they wouldn't call it. Hilarious.

After The Game

So what do you want to do afterwards? I think we may have to change it up this year because we've done sushi like every time. I don't know, we were big on mojitos in Russia, so maybe we'll find a place where we can get some. Feeling Cuban?

I also have a surprise for you... you know how T-Mobile is a sponsor of our team... they've been pretty cool... and you'll have a new, white Sidekick, the D-Wade version, waiting for you as an early birthday gift. I know it's not until June, but... Surprise!

So I'll see you on Wednesday... and I'm sure we'll each have a lot to write about afterwards.

Let me just start off by saying...

Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

I really don't have much time as we've already been at the arena for a few hours since the game ended doing pictures and talking with the media, and, oh yeah, CELEBRATING! But this Blog has been my baby all year and I'm not missing this last chance to do it now.

The Blog Finale! I love it.

Through everything, thick and thin, through diamonds and coal, we did everything we could to win. People doubted the running game, they doubted Small Ball, they doubted the Rover defense and we say YES to all of the naysayers, doubters and haters. We did it.

We are Phoenix. We run-and-gun, we shoot the three and we win championships.

This is the culmination of it all and it is a beautiful thing. Tonight we made beautiful music with beautiful people.

It's been a great trip and I loved almost every second of it. Back in the middle of the season when we were struggling we put the pressure on ourselves and this feels amazing. And I know the Sonics have a lot of money, but I think Paul Westhead should stick around and be the highest paid WNBA coach in the history of the league. He deserves it.

So to all of the Blog fans out there, thanks for reading all season long and I love you so much. To the Phoenix fans, some of you who we got to celebrate with tonight and the rest of you to whom we are bringing home the trophy, I cannot wait to share this with you.

Next year, back-to-back sounds good to me.

And to my blogging partner and my good friend Sue Bird, I'll see you in Chile. I got the ring, BABY!

Things are finally quieting down around here so I figured I'd steal a moment before heading to Detroit. Boy, that feels good to say. Going back to Detroit for Game 5. But I love this time in the arena when people are nearly all gone except the fans waiting for autographs, ushers looking for sleeping children in the seats like on the day camp bus and our families and friends waiting patiently for us. It's amazing that just an hour or two ago, this place was packed and rocking.

What a game tonight. It was emotional and hard-fought. Even though Penny and Tan had tough nights, we were never really worried about anything and we never felt any extra pressure or anything like that. They were playing well, just not making shots. They were working their tails off on the other end and we really wanted to stop Detroit on the defensive end and we have some momentum to build on. Sometimes you have good nights, sometimes you have bad nights.

But we have to get the Game 4 high out of our system as soon as possible. It really didn't mean anything. It now just means we have a chance to play for it all. That's what we have to concentrate on.

When the ball left Pee Wee's hands on that last shot, to be honest, I didn't even see the ball once it left her hands. I got pretty close to her but fell back to the ground to eliminate any possibility of the refs calling a foul. I didn't want to touch her, I didn't want to go near her so I didn't see the ball go off the rim. You know those people who have been near death and see that little bit of white light? Well that was sort of what I felt like. I kind of saw the entire season, all that we had worked for, all that we have accomplished, pass before my eyes. It was like my "Six Feet Under" moment.

I just heard the crowd and knew it was all over and all good.

So right now I'm finishing up here, waiting for some people to get ready, then I'm going to shut down and go have some dinner with Coach Auriemma, his wife and some friends. Maybe Penny and Gil will come along, too. They're in town so rarely, so it will be nice to show them around. As long as he's paying, though. And I'm going to be sure to ask Geno what he's been saying about me on the air. He was probably killing me, but I love him. He's one of the great people in my life who has really helped me.

So on to to Detroit. We are back on a plane tomorrow morning, returning to the D. I'll tell you, winning Game 2 and knowing that we can win in their building will really give us a lift and a confidence that we can beat them. We know we can go in there and play well. We'll see.

It might just be the biggest game of my career. One game to win it all, I have been in that situation before. This one is going to be ultra-physical, ultra-intense. So I'd say it will be the biggest game of my career.

And I'm ready for it.

Happy New Year, Shoshana Birdinsky!

As I'm writing this, I realize that this could be my last Blog of the season. But it's not going to be the last Blog of the season. We're going to do this until we die. I said it after Game 1 and I'm saying it again. We're not dead yet. We've come too far to die now. But like that night after the first game, I didn't sleep well. I went out to dinner with some friends after the game, but it just didn't sit right. The game, I mean. Not the dinner.

This morning I was feeling a little anxious, feeling ready to get back out and play. Everyone got to practice a little bit pissed off at each other knowing we let one get away. We played hard and tough, but we just didn't make plays. I'm still a little bit miffed from the game last night. Despite the missed shots, I thought we played well. We rebounded well and played hard.

We had opportunities last night and just didn't take advantage of them. And that hurts, especially in a series against a really good team. In playing like they did and coming back after a loss, they showed why they are the defending champions last night. I think it's possible to learn things from other teams and hopefully we can learn from them. Sometimes the other team just makes plays and that's what happened last night.

We didn't shoot the ball particularly well from the free throw line, which is disappointing because we were the best team from the line all year. But sometimes you make them and sometimes you don't. Tomorrow we had better make them or we'll be going home. Or staying home.

We are two competitive teams who are going toe-to-toe. It's going to come down to who makes the plays in the last two minutes. But we have to get rid of those feeling and come tomorrow REALLY ready to play.

So tomorrow is the first game we've had to play in the Playoffs where we're facing elimination. But I think we've been tested enough. We have been tested all year in different ways with people being out and other circumstances. So there is no doubt as to how we're going to respond. No sense of nervous, tentativeness or anything like that. We're going to go full-force like we've done all year.

We've got about 27 hours or so until game time and I'm going to do what I usually do. Finish this Blog, go tanning for ten minutes, get another burrito from Chipotle, watch a movie, chill out, text, IM and then come back for shootaround tomorrow at 9 a.m. ready to go. That's my plan. I might watch some game film, but I'm going to lay low, put on some piano classicals that I downloaded on iTunes. I pay for it all, I'm on the up and up. Legal in most ways, at least.

So I'll write again on Friday on my way to the airport or from Detroit Rock City. I cannot wait to go back there. Troy, here we come, baby. Big Beaver!

Well hello, friends and fans reading along on WNBA.com. Welcome back to Phoenix where it is a balmy 104 degrees today. Sue, how's that rain in New York treating you?

So tomorrow is Game 3 here in Phoenix and we're all ready. We had a good practice today, did some shooting drills and our regular stuff. That Kelly Mazzante is one good shooter, let me tell you.

But being home is nice for another reason. When we landed yesterday, it was great because there were like 30 or 40 people waiting for us at the airport. I love our fans. It was crazy. It was nice to see the fans, and you know they know everything, our fans. The got out flight info on the internet, probably checked out the WNBA.com Blog that was writing live from the airplane. I think they also have our email addresses, phone numbers and My Space pages covered, too.

So we got back into town, chilled out for a little bit and I had my typic