Diana Taurasi: Impassioned defense of the WNBA

I had my appetite ruined on Saturday.

It happened right after I read Melissa Rohlin's piece "Why this woman is a fan of basketball, but not the WNBA." It's hard to tell what's worse about the commentary: a) that the opinion offered was so antiquated and un-evolved; b) that a woman would go out of her way to hate on such accomplished professional women; or c) that the reality is, there are people who actually share such a sheltered view.

Nevertheless, I can cosign on three sentiments conveyed by Ms. Rohlin: that the NBA does feature the best athletes and the highest level of basketball in the world, that women's sports receive far less media coverage than men's and that discussion is always healthy. Of course, those facts are as much of a news flash as word that an African American is running for president.

What may not be common knowledge, however, is that the WNBA features the world's best women's basketball, which was proven by the fact that 26 medals were awarded to current and former WNBA players. And, contrary to Ms. Rohlin's opinion, many think the WNBA is entertaining. She would've known that had she looked beyond the 12 girls "trying out" for the team at her alma mater.

Ratings, attendance and website traffic aren't up because it's boring. No offense to the caring progressives at ESPN, but the network didn't commit to pay millions for the right to exclusively televise WNBA games because it wants to, as Ms. Rohlin said, "support the cause." The WNBA, in its 12th year, is the longest-running, most-successful professional women's league in America because it IS entertaining. 

Perhaps those like Ms. Rohlin who find us so boring are simply too close-minded to give the WNBA a chance, shackled by stereotypes, homophobia or an obsession with being accepted by men. Perhaps they aren't real basketball fans.

That's what makes the premise of Ms. Rohlin's commentary so absurd. It's not even possible to be a basketball fan and not be at least somewhat entertained by the WNBA. Sure, you can be an NBA fan and not have interest in our league. But basketball fans, real basketball fans -- who see the game as more than dunks and athleticism and personalities -- can enjoy all levels of basketball without being herded toward it by big-budget commercials. Yes, even varsity games at Palisades High.

Real basketball fans, like the NBA stars who watched our every game in Beijing, appreciate the game and its beauty, the athletes and their dedication, the competition and its intensity.

Will many think the NBA is more entertaining? Of course. How that means the WNBA is NOT entertaining is beyond me. That's what is disappointing, that when it comes to the WNBA, some people, even women such as Ms. Rohlin, (who can probably see Russia from her porch) still can only regard our league as the NBA's kid sister. Where was the NBA in its 12th season? Furthermore, the idea that if it isn't the MOST watched or MOST marketed that it isn't worthy is unfairly applied to women's sports. Such a rationale belies not only an ingrained sexism, but ignorance over the fact that NBA versus the WNBA doesn't have to be an either/or conundrum: we have different seasons.

Ms. Rohlin, are you a fan of college basketball, which doesn't feature Kobe Bryant or any of the world's best players? Is Serena Williams not entertaining because her serve isn't as fast as Andy Roddick's? Are you bored by sprint star Allyson Felix because women's 200-meter times haven't cracked the 20-second barrier like the men? What does Dara Torres mean to you?

The WNBA is celebrating its 12th season because women's basketball is proven entertainment, the league where the world's best come to play, and it's growing. The WNBA set a record with 46 sellouts this season. National TV ratings increased 19% over last year. Jersey sales jumped 46%.

Contrary to popular belief, men are watching the WNBA. Games on ESPN2 saw viewership among men ages 18-34 increase 28% (71% among women 18-34!). Attend a game and you'll regularly see NBA players sitting courtside.

Oh, and that lone player from the 12 Palisades varsity hopefuls you found that actually watched the WNBA? She just happens to be the best player on the team, the 23rd ranked scorer in Los Angeles' City Section.

It seems as if Ms. Rohlin and the L.A. Times are just late catching on. Fortunately, you still have a chance at redemption. I challenge anyone who calls themselves fans of basketball, or even just a fan of sport, to watch the 2008 playoffs. If you agreed with Ms. Rohlin, but teared up during the Olympics, pick a team and follow them through (Ms. Rohlin, I'll even get you some tickets to see it live. I already have Coach Brown bringing the Palisades team to the game Thursday). Or watch the WNBA Finals from start to finish. Media and sponsors? Lead the way and provide enhanced activation and coverage.

I guarantee you will be entertained.

-- Diana Taurasi

Diana Taurasi is a three-time WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury.

Photos: Top: Taurasi drives against Houston's Michelle Snow. Credit: Paul Connors / Associated Press. Bottom: Taurasi and teammates after winning the gold medal in Beijing. Credit: Filippo Monteforte / AFP / Getty Images

Comments

[KER-D]

Diana--While I do not think the logic of your argument was the best (what can I say, I teach composition and rhetoric), I agree with the sentiments you expressed whole-heartedly. As a male fan of the WNBA, I am disappointed that the closest venue for watching the sport live is three hours away. However, for the last six years I have made the effort to see at least one live game each year. Not only is it exciting, but the prices are much more reasonable than most other sporting events. Likewise, I try to watch as many games as I can during the season and really appreciate that I can catch some games on the Internet while I am grading or making dinner for myself and my wife. While I am also an NBA fan, I am proud to call myself a WNBA fan. Feel free to use me as an example of your male fan-base.

I want to echo your challenge to go out and experience the game. Yes, it is not the men's game, but it is equally exciting as a different product. And if you enjoy sports, you will see that anybody can impress by pushing their bodies beyond its threshold.

[Marcus]

All I have to say is "Tell it like it T-I-S!" I back you up 100000% Dee. I am a 20 year old MALE college student and I have been watching the WNBA since the Houston Comets first ran the show and this is one of the most exciting professional sports to watch. It is no less exciting than the mens' games. I feel that each of the past twelve seasons with the tremendous amount of talent that has been drafted and the different rule changes that the league has gone through, the level and intensity has been raised tremendously. This league gives younger girls an extra goal to reach for or look forward to so I support the WNBA all the way. As for you Rohlin, you clearly make no sense. Don't blame the WNBA and its players for your inability to play on an organized basketball team.
P.S.- I LOVE YOU DIANA TAURASI AND TINA THOMPSON!!!!

[Jen]

Well said, Dee. Damn, it's hard to like you as a Lady Vol fan, but there you have it.

In response to a few of the other comments: Seattle, Chicago, Connecticut, and the newest addition, Atlanta, are all, I believe, independent franchises. (Seattle was bought away from the Sonic-snatchers, thank god.) (And I just looked it up, and the Sparks, the Mystics, and the Comets are also independently owned.)

As for the smaller ball making it easier to sink shots, I don't think that's actually true. There is some speculation that the smaller size actually causes more shots to rim out. (Many a WNBA fan has seen a shot that looked destined to go down, go in and then come back out.) I believe the smaller ball is supposed to make it easier to handle since women's hands are relatively smaller. There was a lot of controversy when they made the change in college ball, if I recall correctly.

[Kim M]

Way to go Diana. The WNBA is awesome. There was a time when it was too slow and plodding. But, now, it is fast, exciting and the young women coming into the game have continually been better than the class they preceeded

The game has evolved, unfortunately, some people's mindset has not.

[Vince]

My appreciation for women's basketball came in the NCAA tournament in 1999. I was flipping through the channels and caught the ending of a Tennessee game. They were showing Chamique Holdsclaw cheering on her teamate, who was a bench player out on the floor to finish up the game. It indicated that Holdsclaw scored something like 30 points??? Anyway, I was so impressed with the skills and chemistry of the teams. I made it a point to watch the rest of the televised games and soon became a Lady Vols fan. When my favorites players moved on to the WNBA I did as well.

I know I have become a fan of the game more than anything when I can practically enjoy wathcing basketball year round. I watch NBA, WNBA, NCAA and even the High School games that are televised some times. In my support of Tennessee there was a time when Diana, Sue, Cash,Williams, Jones and company were the enemy. Despite my support for the Lady Vols I could not deny that UCONN had an awesome team and I could not help but watch everyone of their games. I also followed the UCONN Players when they moved on to the WNBA and Olympics. Heck, I even read Gino's book - which by the way gave me even more respect for him. As a UT fan I'm not supposed like him or the UCONN players but I absolutley do - I can't help it, I'm a basketball fan and I appreciate good entertainment.

I'm a 33 year old male - maybe not your typical WNBA fan or maybe I am? Go play a pick up game in the park and you'll see - there are more fans out there than we think.

[John Taylor]

Well D I have to say it was Uconn and the NCAA womens game that brought me to the WNBA. It is very rewarding as a fan to see faces I have known since they were freshmen play at the highest levels. I appreciate the WNBA because it is NOT the NBA. I stopped watching the NBA years ago due to all the on court self adoration. The WNBA is made up of players on a team. The NBA is made up of individual players. I have a "if I win the lottery dream" and its buying a WNBA franchise. Keep up the great work....

A fan for life,

John in San Antonio

[Josh]

I am an ardent NBA and WNBA fan because I really love the game of basketball. Further, I stayed up late to watch both the men's and women's basketball during the Olympics. If you really love the game of basketball instead of the hoopla surrounding it, then you will appreciate the WNBA. Dee's article is one of the best I've ever read and analogies made with regard to Andy Roddick and Serena Williams is an accurate assessment of the fact that the ladies need not be as athletic as their male counterparts to make WNBA entertaining. Let's celebrate the most successful season of the WNBA and stop being all negative. Go WNBA!

[Muneraven]

Honestly, these guys who hate on the WNBA in comments so clearly have issues with women in general that it is funny. If I were writing a textbook on impotent rage I would use their comments to illustrate male insecurity and mommy issues.

Taurasi . . .you are making it really hard for me to boo and hiss at you when you come to Minneapolis and play the Lynx. You already had my grudging respect for you game, and now . . .ugh . . .I kind of LIKE you. You are articulate and funny!

I'll still boo you because I know you like it, but my heart won't be in it.

[Karen]

Yeah, it was weird cheering for DT at the Olympics last summer (Go Lady Vols) but I did! And many, many thanks for straightening out that sorry excuse for a sports journalist. Keep on keepin' on.

[Pens]

Finally, a spirited and unapologetic defense of the league and a comments section not completely filled by sexism so blatant that it makes me a little queasy. I'd haphazardly followed women's college ball for a while (a Lady Vols fan, like many of the above, though I'm not at all ashamed to admit that DT is one of my favorite pros), so it wasn't until last season's WNBA finals that I stumbled onto the league. I caught the first Det/Pheonix game, was pleasantly surprised, and didn't miss a game after that. Then, the WNBA added a team in Atlanta and I was able to catch a fair amount of our home games and, despite the fact that the Dream struggled a bit, to put it mildly, in our opening season, couldn't have been more entertained. The women's game is really coming into it's own (my own completely unfounded hypotheses as to why revolve around finally having a generation of girls who came along far enough after Prop IX to really benefit by the chances created for standouts to refine their game at earlier ages and to be given incentives for moving forward).

Regardless, thanks D. I'll probably get season tickets next year (if this country is still financially solvent), so look for me begging for an autograph or a high-five.

As an addendum: I've always wondered why guys (because, with the exception of the author of the offending article, it's always guys) feel the need to bash the WNBA. If they don't or can't be bothered to watch it, why do they read the articles? As mentioned by others, I'm not a huge fan of various sports (e.g., pro football, large segments of the NBA), but I don't feel the need to virulently attack them either.

[romath]

As a Palisades High grad and former varsity basketball team member some decades ago, one who also once dreamed of playing pro ball, I want to say that I enjoy the WNBA a lot, attended my former home town's games reguarly, continue to watch often on TV or computer, and also sometimes watch women's college hoops. What's the attraction? Mainly, it's that women's basketball is much more of a team game and a floor shooting game than the men's, and I like teamwork and good skills much more than the individualism and acrobatics that is more common than not in the NBA. If the greater athleticism and size of men is what turns Rohlin on, all power to her, but it's not exactly honest to generalize from one's psychological predilictions.

A lot of what Rohlin complains and quotes Palisades players about is the relative inaccessibility of WNBA basketball. Let's be honest here. Practically speaking, high schooler's main contact with the Sparks and WNBA is necessarily through computers, which is where most of the broadcasted games appear. That means the Palisades players, when they aren't doing homework after practice, need a high speed internet connection and still at best get a blurry picture at full screen view. That's probably not the first choice for young people - and too many others. Apart from that, who said high school girls anywhere spend a lot of their time watching broadcast sports? And to the extent that women's sports and the WNBA are on a lot less than men's, the comparison is not fair. This is even more so in a typical NBA town, where games are shown frequently on readily accessible TV channels.

Note that in many other WNBA towns that aren't so big, it's much easier to get to games and seats are cheaper. In one I know of, those up above can move down into the empty seats after the game starts; being close changes one's perspective on the game a lot.

Women's sports and the WNBA are projects in progress. There's a lot about the latter that frustrates me, from the quality of some of the announcers to some of the quality of the play (how's that different from the NBA or any other sport?). Yet, along with the improvement in some dimensions I've seen over the years, what keeps me coming back more than anything is the teamwork, people trying to work together than to strut their own stuff. We already have enough of the latter in America.

[Crow]

Both the NBA and WNBA are good for most of their viewers and to each their own.

Maybe I am only one here interested in looking at the stats about how they compare to add objective measures to the opinions. Again, to each their own. But I'll mention one more set of measures. Sometimes people say the WNBA has better passing. Maybe subjectively. Yet it has essentially the same assist rate and a 14% higher turnover rate per minute than NBA.

Both games could be made better. The WNBA shouldn't be immune to criticism or suggestions for improvement. Certainly the NBA isn't and shouldn't. For my part, that isn't woman bashing or insecurity. I call that being independent and fact-based in addition to personal opinions and preferences.

[Crow]

One summer after college I played pick up basketball with and against a female friend of mine who had been a pretty good high school player about 2 hours a day. She was more skilled than I but we had good competition & fun. So I respect female basketball players.

I will watch some WNBA and enjoy it but it is just not "better" for me than the NBA the way it is for many WNBA fans. I do find it more interesting for me than the men's NCAA which I can't watch for more than 5 minutes these days though I enjoyed it plenty back in the day. Whatever you enjoy at the time go with that.

[AJ]

I happen to be a WNBA fan. I watch because these women execute basketball fundamentals. They play tough defense. Run plays. Set screen. And they make their free throws. I play basketball in a recreational league and I wish the guys on my team would play with 1/10 the proper fundamentals I see at any WNBA game. Let's face it, most of us can not dunk and the WNBA game is a much higher level of what most of us can play. I don't by any means compare myself to these incredible athletes, but they play the game the way most of us try to. I consider it high level entertainment to see basketball played this way. This league will continue to improve as it attracts more and more girls to aspire to their level. I hope the league never gets to be a dunking league and that the ugly fight in the LA-Det game is an aberration - I would hate to see the WNBA degenerate to the NBA.

[David Martin]

Taurasi is absolutely right!

I can't understand why another woman would go out of her way to negate women’s accomplishments? Then again, they could be the same women who actually think Gov. Palin is even a fraction of Hillary Clinton. They are so brainwashed into thinking only a man should be allowed to play professional basketball, which any sort of common reasoning is thrown out the window when presented with the actual facts in an argument.

I would assume if these people are actually consistent, they would use this same logic to negate the accomplishments of Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) or John Stockton (Utah Jazz), because they both preferred playing under the rim and improve their skills. If they somehow, as Palin fans, see this as an opportunity to use “double-think” and insist that A bird or Stockton scenario would be different than say, Lauren Jackson playing under the rim, then a truly rational person would only conclude that these types of morons are simply bigots.

These are the same people who would all but string up Obama for comments by his former pastor (Wright) and come up with every excuse in the world for not applying the same demeaning criticisms for Gov. Palin continually supporting an active witch doctor as a priest. They’re reality is whatever suits their particular situation and damn everyone else who disagrees with their ethos.

Taurasi, most of the public agrees with you, it’s just that, as you so eloquently put it, most have not had the opportunity to actually visit a WNBA game. The 2008 Beijing Olympics should have began opening eyes to this collection of professional basketball talents, but we have a media that is just as biased as these unfortunate embarrassments of our society.

I would challenge all of sports media to treat women athletes like the men; giving equal time and free publicity (welfare for the men), so the women’s game can truly gain traction.

ESPN, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc; the ball is now in your court. Are you the bigots of yesterday or the rational and truly unbiased (professional) media outlet you claim to be? Will you actually give free airtime to the amazing accomplishments of these gifted athletes, or will you shun them because you are truly bigots?

David Martin, Lynnwood, WA

[Shirl]

Hey Dee!!! You go girl!!! A very well written response to Ms. Rohlin could not have been done any better than you. I have been a Phoenix Mercury season ticket holder since the WNBA's inaugural season and have enjoyed every game, win or lose. It's not very hard to tell that every WNBA athlete plays with heart. Who cares if these women can dunk or not. Sure, it would be nice to see it happen from time to time but it's not essential to the women's game. I believe the selfless play, the fast break, and the tough defense are more entertaining than the dunk. Your 3 pointers are nice to see as well.

[Gloria]

Reading the first article disgusted me. Thanks, Dee, for your well-crafted response and for making me proud to be a female basketball fan. My first Mercury game was a freebie that we went to only because it was free. Five minutes into the game, I was hooked, and we are now season ticket holders. By we, I mean myself, my husband, and my 10 year old daughter. By becoming involved with this very classy organization, my child has learned basketball skills (taught by Corey Gaines and the other coaches at a seminar), learned about passion, motivation, skill and teamwork and most of all that hard work can get you anywhere you want to go. Every game, even the hard-fought losses is entertaining. It is inspiring to watch these world class athletes battle it out. I admire their skill and their love for the game. As a parent, I am proud that I can show my daughter how amazing women can be. On a side note, I should mention that sitting in the stands with homosexuals is so not an issue - even my 10 year old understands that people are people, love in all forms is an incredible gift, and the event is about basketball and not sex. It saddens me that there are such narrow-minded and bigoted people in the world. However, if you came to a WNBA game, you would see that there are thousands of people there having an incredible time. The WNBA will continue to grow and thrive without your help and support - which we quite frankly don't need or want.

[graceaware]

Dee~
You're a terrific writer as well as a terrific baller! Thanks for writing such a terrific response to an article that raised my hackles high. It is a shame and utterly frustrating that there is so much misogyny embedded in society that the WNBA and women's sports in general gets mocked instead of appreciated as much as it should be.

And you know what, it's mens' basketball that is boring to watch! Jog to the key, dunk. Jog to the other key, dunk. Jog back, dunk. ZZZZzzzzz...... Why don't they raise the basket height and shorten the shot clock for the NBA? That would make it more exciting.

in the WNBA so much more strategy and playing the entire court is used. Definitely a more exciting and entertaining game to watch.

(PS. What's wrong with women looking so-called "like men" anyway? I find it attractive!)

[Kirsten]

Here is my perspective: played basketball throughout primary school (no college), daughter who played high school basketball, father who coached high school basketball, female-mid-forties, heterosexual, brand new (2008) Mercury season ticket holder.

I love basketball. Pure and simple: Suns (also season ticket holder), Mercury, male, female, high school, college, pick-up....whatever. Women's basketball is absolutely as entertaining as men's...if you truly have a passion for the sport. The casual, I-love-baseball-basketball-football American sports fan (most of which, it must be said, are male) appears, at first glance, unable to enjoy the complexities of fundemental basketball. The idea that the WNBA is not a viable entertainment alternative for the general, sports-loving American public is absurd. I truly am appalled at the sentiments expressed by Ms. Rohlin. I find it difficult to absorb that she actually played basketball.

There are several reasons why the WNBA is not flourishing and the LA Times is not helping by publishing the tripe that Ms. Rohlin put in print. Like it or not, we do still live in a society where women are indeed second-class citizens and are not paid as well as men (for the same job-just look at the WNBA). Yes, I understand that salaries are driven by the revenue achieved yet I just can't conceive the idea that women in the U.S.A. cannot make a decent living playing any sport professionally. Our responsibility as sports fans, and true basketball aficionados, is to support our local WNBA franchises so they can gain more revenue, become more accessible to various media outlets, and, in turn, drive profits for the owners. Advertising drives revenue for any sports in America-we as basketball fans have to drive the demand for the product.

I don't know how to fix the problem I only know that it frustrates the hell out of me. I actually prefer attending the Mercury games to the Suns games because:

1. I'm closer to the action
2. It's a MUCH better value
3. The level of FUNDEMENTAL basketball is greater
4. I relate to the players
5. Getting in and out of the arena is easier?

I believe that many true basketball fans would find at least 4 out of the 5 reasons listed above reason enough to at least give the WNBA a try.

Please do.

[Melanie]

I just want to say, Diana, you are a very nice writer. Also, to everyone else that says "women miss all their shots" and "what is fun about watching that", have obviously never seen a WNBA game. Being a huge fan of the Phoenix Mercury I can tell you first hand that these girls are very talented athletes and play just as hard and dirty as many NBA players. Some NBA players have even stated that Diana and Cappie could hold their own playing against the boys. Keep in mind that the WNBA games are shorter in length then the NBA games and they still happen to end games scoring over 100 points. That would not be possible if they missed all of their shots. I also guarantee if you go to one game, you will be hooked. Not only is the game entertaining, but the crowd gets so in to it. It really is sad that people still to this day judge a sport by the sex of the players and not the actual game.

One more thing. Why did this "reporter" write about how she does not like WNBA if she doesn't even watch the games. How does she know if she likes them or not if she does not get involved and try it. How do you know you don't like Seafood if you don't try it right?? Maybe if she would stop being so judgemental, she could open her world up to a lot of great unexpected things. I feel kind of bad for her. She must only like things that are advertised and that "everyone" is doing. Be yourself, like things because you like them. Not because they are thrown in your face. And stop caring so much about what other people think of you, that is kind of childish don't you think?

[Steve Fritz]

Congrats to Diana of her thoughts on the WNBA. I, for one, am a convert. My first WNBA game was the playoffs that the Mercury went on to win and eventually become the Champs. My girlfriend has always been an avid Mercury fan. I wasn't so sure. I had been to Suns games but found that I loved being in the stands cheering the Mercury. I left that night and we purchased season tickets. I have renewed the season tickets for the next season. My reasons? Well, I found that the women of the WNBA play the game for the game..the love of the sport. God knows they don't get the same salaries as those in the NBA. But they got heart and they give 150% every game. The women of the WNBA, and especially the Mercury, really appreciate their fans in the stands. We're he X factor. They bring us into the game with them; they thanks us after every game. The WNBA is entertainment for the entire family and one that the entire family can afford. The NBA is a rich man's games. A night out at a Mercury game doesn't break your wallet. And you get to see top athletes play the game for the love of the game.
These ladies are professionals and are due much more respect than you've given them. I have always felt that the Mercury represent our town extremely well and should have been given a parade for winning the championship. I think this league will grow stronger. I know I support their efforts and athleticism and thank them for some great evenings of entertainment and world class basketball.

[Stephanie Nicholas]

Hey Dee

I have been a big fan of yours since your freshman year at UCONN. You and Sue Bird and Candace Parker are my favorite players and when you ladies won GOLD again at the Olympics it made me tear up and I just wanted to say that you are amazing and I believe the WNBA will be around for a very long time. The league has done amazing things for women's basketball and I personally want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication when it comes to basketball. It seems to me that men only play for money (that's just my opinion) and women play, just because they love the game. I meen seriously look at Jamarcus Russel that held out of going to camp just because he wanted more money in his contract. I am sick and tired of cry baby men complaining because they aren't getting paid what they think they should be paid. What about the players like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Deanna Nolan, Lindsay Whalen, they should be making the millions that all of the men are getting. They have to play non stop all year to get almost the kind of money that the men are getting. Diana and Sue Bird make way more playing over seas; but that doesn't meen they have to stop playing in the WNBA. They love the league and I love you DT, don't let anyone tell you are no good, you are amazing and I love the WNBA!!!

[Kiera]

I will forever like the Wnba and i'm the girly girl type i just like watching the heart of these woman because sometimes us woman are underated i actually think the wnba is better than nba because the woman don't have everything made for them they don't get paid like the man or have the stardom they do therefore the wnba is better because they will always have something to prove and that's why i liked the wnba i know if they can go out there everday and play under the circrumstances they have to play in and still come out happy and proud than us womaan can do anything.That's why i want to thank all the wnba basketball players for showing people what heart really is.

[NMD]

I feel privileged every time I go to a Mercury game and see one of the best basketball players ever to exist on the court. The fact that I am living in a time where I am witness to seeing Diana Taurasi playing ball reminds me of a similar honor that I will never forget, being at the opening day of Star Wars in 1977 at the original Cine Capri in Phoenix. Phoenix is lucky to have Diana and I am lucky to have the WNBA in my life to enjoy as much as I want. There's much work to be done to get the game more mainstreamed, but so far, it's been a hell of a ride.

[Crow]

Simplifications and stereotypes usually happen on both sides of an argument.

"And you know what, it's mens' basketball that is boring to watch! Jog to the key, dunk. Jog to the other key, dunk. Jog back, dunk. ZZZZzzzzz......"

That may be a perception of some but the facts indicate the average NBA dunks about 3 1/2 times a game out of about 90 possessions
http://www.82games.com/FGTEAM16.HTM

Some eyes see the flaws of the NBA more, some of the WNBA.

3 1/2 dunks a game per team isn't a problem to me.

If that is considered a huge flaw of the NBA, perhaps there should be room for others to see flaws in the WNBA.