My first Seattle Storm game

Last night I went to my first Seattle Storm game against the Sacramento Monarchs at KeyArena with Liz. Her parents had given us the tickets, which were great seats. Of course, the general public doesn’t take the WNBA seriously, so the tickets, which would easily have cost $100 for the Sonics (who, by the way, have sucked HARD this year), sell for less than $30 each.

This was the Storm’s second game of the season, after winning their first game against the Chicago  Sky on Wednesday night. The turnout wasn’t bad, and I liked how it was a very family-friendly affair. In fact, I was really surprised by how much I was enjoying myself. The game itself was close, and the crowd got really excited! But I think the best part was to see female athletes, who are incredibly skilled and talented, kick ass at a “man’s sport.”  I find it very inspiring, and it really makes me want to excel in my own life, no matter what obstacles life/society throws at me.

I think my favorite player, by far, is Lauren Jackson, the 6′5″ Aussie who received the MVP title in 2007.  For one thing, the girl is simply gorgeous — tall, skinny, blonde, with a very pretty face and charming personality and accent. She could probably be a supermodel if she wanted (she did pose for the 2005 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue), but the best thing is — she’s not.  I don’t know what WNBA  players make, but I’m sure women get paid a lot more for looking pretty than they get paid for playing male-dominated sports. I guess the public just hasn’t caught on.

The Storm bounced back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter, and ended up winning the game 74-62.  My favorite moment was when Jackson hit a 3-pointer at the very end of the shot clock, near the end of the game.  Simply amazing.

I’ve been interested in supporting women’s sports for some time now, but now I realize that I’m a fan because I want to be, not because I feel I should be.  Women’s basketball is a great sport on its own merit
alone, not just because the idyllic concept of it appeals to people.

~ by scriblscrabl on May 21, 2008.