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Was Swin Cash the ultimate star of the first round? Nick Hura/WNBAE/Getty Images |
Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie averaged 22 points per game in the first round. Sacramento's Yolanda Griffith averaged a double-double with 21.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. Taj McWilliams-Franklin hit the thrilling Game 1 winner and then paced the Sun to victory in Game 2. Swin Cash averaged 19.0 points per game, Sheryl Swoopes 18.7.
But there's more to it than just the numbers...
Here are a few of the responses that we've received:
Heart and SoulYolanda Griffith of the Sacramento Monarchs deserves the MVP of the first round. It was her play that kept the Monarchs in the last decisive game. She had a better all-round series than any of the other possible MVPs. The double-doubles, shot percentage, free throws are just a part of what Yo brings to her team.
What doesn't show in the stats is her heart and soul every time she steps on the court. She sets the example for her teammates to follow.
-- Sha (West Sacramento, CA)
Best Overall PlayerSheryl Swoopes is the best overall player even though the Comets are out. The reason I love the Houston Comets and the reason why I'm looking at more college basketball.
-- Cynthia (New Orleans, LA)
What About the Sun?
I still find it amazing that nobody but Sun fans and players believe that the Sun has a chance. I don't hear anyone talking about our All-Stars, we have quite a few. Or our NCAA champions, we have a few. Or our Olympians, we have those too. Our playoff experience, and I could go on and on. The big question is who will stop the Sun now that they have gone Supernova? Go Sun.-- Gary (Norwich, CT)
You Make the CallI think that Lisa Leslie was MVP of the first round, she has shown that she can score, and rebound. And she has shown how much she means to the team, they went 4-7 without her and 20-3 with her. You make the call.
-- Andy (Buffalo, NY)
Motivator Behind the Victory
Swin Cash was the ultimate MVP of the first round. She is a leader, an unselfish offensive player, keyed in on defense and has a great attitude. Without Swin Cash, I don't think that Detroit has the stellar performance in the third game. She was the motivator behind the victory along with coach Laimbeer. I think with Swin Cash, Ford, Powell, Nolan, Riley and the rest of the Detroit Shock, they have a real chance at the championship. They are my pick for sure.-- K.W. (Hicksville, OH)
A Lesson in CommunityNikki Teasley has, for me, been the star. Nobody ever played more like the team is the most important aspect of the game. Of course, she still knows how to sink a three-pointer better than anyone. She covers the whole court. She's a fantastic lesson in community.
-- Skip (Los Angeles, CA)
Tough ChoiceIt's a tough choice between S. Cash and Y. Griffith. Both players were the crutches who carried their teams through the tough losses and came back to carry them through the wins. They were always visible throughout all games as their numbers show, their intensity and determination were visibly motivating factors for themselves and their teammates. I think though that S. Cash due the fact that she has a younger team to carry and she is in only her second year is the ultimate star of the 2003 playoffs.
-- Becs (Brooklyn, NY)
Huge AccomplishmentYolanda Griffith. She is the ultimate star. For a player to average a double-double against the best defense team in the league and lead her team to the conference final is a huge accomplishment!!
-- Ronald (Richmond, VA)
