Christian: Former Sky player Candice Dupree, who had 24 points, how much did she really hurt your effort not only outside but inside as well, especially on those back door cuts?

Coach Chatman: Candice is an all-star. Coached her a couple of years. She was an all-star in Russia. She’s founded all-star status on every team she’s been on. She’s a tough guard, she can play back to the basket, and she has a midrange game. She is a great player and is getting the recognition that she deserves.

Christian: How valuable is this experience for you girls to lose to a team like Phoenix; is there something you can learn from?

Coach Chatman: It’s huge. They’re a great team, they have great players, it’s not necessarily about a skill set because players are so different, but it’s about the mindset, it’s the mentality, its owning the moment, its embracing the moment. We learn from everyone and especially on this stage. 

Christian: Can you speak to how important it was for you to come here tonight in front of your home fans and show out so much better then you did in the first two games and keeping it close down to the final seconds?

Coach Chatman: I wanted to win, but I get your point and question. Yes, it's huge for these fans that have been with this franchise long before I arrived, so to see the joy and motivation that some of them have it's exciting, the wonderful e-mails and messages that we get I know it's special for them, so it’s really nice to have a much better showing. 

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About the author
Christian Hansen
Covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and their minor league affiliates