Tulsa center Liz Cambage was twice named Western Conference player of the week this season. MIKE SIMONS / Tulsa World
For the second straight season, the Tulsa Shock made progress. But whether it was progress enough seems to be the question.
The Shock lost eight times in the closing seconds of regulation or overtime, and missed on the goal of reaching the playoffs.
"We're hearing from around the league that we were a tough 'out,' " Shock managing partner Sam Combs said. "People said we were better than we've been."
Under second-year coach Gary Kloppenburg, the team posted its highest win total (11) since moving from Detroit in 2010.
Kloppenburg says he feels he has a strong nucleus to build on, but Shock management has left it unclear whether he will be rehired.
Here are some of the bests and worsts from the 2013 season, along with a few things to watch for in the future:
The Bests
Firestarter
Riquna Williams set a league record with 51 points in a 98-65 win at San Antonio on Sept. 8. Coach Gary Kloppenburg nicknamed the 5-foot-7 second-year guard "Microwave" for her ability to heat up quickly. Williams played 21 of her 27 games off the bench and led WNBA reserves with 15.6 points per game.
The Big Down Under
Injuries and a slow start limited Liz Cambage's production, but when healthy, the 6-foot-8 Australian was dominant. Over 11 games in July and August, she averaged 19.3 points and nine rebounds. Tulsa went 6-5 in that stretch and Cambage was twice named Western Conference player of the week.
Glory Road
Also in her second pro season, 6-3 Glory Johnson joined Cambage and Williams among the league's most improved players. Ferociously competitive, she averaged 15 points and ranked among the league leaders with 8.9 rebounds per game, averaging in double figures for much of the season.
The Worsts
Inauspicious beginnings
Tulsa couldn't overcome early injuries and a difficult schedule, playing seven of its first eight on the road. The Shock lost four times in overtime in the first three weeks, lost six in a row in another stretch and fell into a 3-13 hole.
First-year blues
Rookie point guard Skylar Diggins struggled to learn a difficult position while doubling as the league's most popular player. Her shooting (.328) was next to worst on the team and she eventually lost her starting job to fellow rookie Angel Goodrich. But she did lead WNBA rookies with 3.8 assists per game.
The big collapse
In Los Angeles on Aug. 25, the Shock led by 19 after three quarters and by 10 when Cambage went out with an ankle injury with 6:36 left. But the Sparks rallied to win 90-88 in double overtime. Tulsa was 0-5 in overtime games.
What's next
Does Klop get another chance?
The team improved under coach Gary Kloppenburg, winning nine and 11 games in his first two seasons. But managing partner Sam Combs said not making the playoffs in 2013 felt like "underachieving" because "we thought we had the talent to get it done." Combs said whatever happens will probably happen soon - possibly within the next two weeks.
Who stays and who goes?
Management likes the nucleus but hopes to add a veteran scoring guard. And with another high draft pick likely headed to Tulsa, at least one or two players will have to move. Williams, Cambage, Johnson, Diggins, Goodrich and Tiffany Jackson-Jones are under contract, and the Shock hopes to re-sign Candice Wiggins. Nicole Powell is protected, and Roneeka Hodges is under contract but not protected. Tulsa has exclusive negotiating rights with Courtney Paris. Jennifer Lacy is a team option.
Who wins the lottery?
The Shock hasn't had a No. 1 pick in its four years in Tulsa. But after tying for the league's next-to-worst record, the Shock would have at least a decent shot under the formula that determines best odds in the four-team draft lottery. The date of the lottery has not been set by the league yet.
Three to Draft
Chiney Ogwumike, 6-3, Stanford: Projected No. 1 pick, consensus All-American and 2013 Pac-10 player of the year. Ranked seventh nationally in scoring (22.4) and fifth in rebounding (12.9). Younger sister of L.A. Sparks' Nneka Ogwumike, 2012 WNBA rookie of the year.
Odyssey Sims, 5-8, Baylor: Projected No. 2 pick, consensus All-American in 2013 and three-time All-Big 12 first-team selection. Averaged 12.9 points and 5.8 assists as a junior, ranking second nationally in assist/turnover ratio (2.67).
Stefanie Dolson, 6-5, Connecticut: Projected No. 3 pick, averaged 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds for NCAA championship team. All-Big East first-team selection in 2013 and Associated Press third-team All-American selection.
Mike Brown 918-581-8390
mike.brown@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Shock makes progress in 2013 season
Pro W Basketball (WNBA)
For the second straight season, the Tulsa Shock made progress. But whether it was progress enough seems to be the question.
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