MLP Phoneix: Desert Showdown

Yeah, we know… this “preview” is late. MLP Phoenix started yesterday, so fast on the heels of MLP Austin that we barely had time to get out our recap, get back from Italy, record a pod real quick, AND put out a preview. But here we are.

In yesterday’s kickoff matches, Utah Black Diamonds secured their FIRST season win, over the Atlanta Bouncers, losing only the women’s doubles match. UBD has 5 remaining matches this weekend - let’s see if they can carry the momentum of yesterday’s win into a streak!

The biggest story so far is the suspension of Quang Duong, who is barred from the first 4 matches of MLP Phoenix (he’ll play in the Mad Drops’ 2 Sunday matches) + PPA San Clemente. Since the Mad Drops didn’t travel their bench player Wes Burrows, they had to use onsite sub, Spencer Smith. They lost their first matchup against Brooklyn, but rallied back to win 3-1 in the night game over the Phoenix Flames.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Premier teams competing in Phoenix are Atlanta Bouncers, Brooklyn Pickleball Team, Dallas Flash, Los Angeles Mad Drops, Phoenix Flames, SoCal Hard Eights, and the Utah Black Diamonds. (Challenger teams are not participating in this event)

Genie Bouchard (Flames) and Irina Tereshinko (Hard Eights) were out on Thursday due to injury, with Alex Walker and Jalina Ingram taking their places, respectively. (During waiver period #1, the Hard Eights traded for Roscoe Bellamy, and dropped Lauren Hidalgo-Smith before picking up Jalina Ingram.)

Competition Structure

• Rally scoring was replaced by traditional side-out scoring. Games will be played to 11 (win by 2).

• DreamBreakers will be played to 21 with rally scoring, and players switching every 4 points. A freeze will happen on game point, as the DB must be won on a serve.

Regular-season events will be played for standings points, calculated the same as last year:

• 3 Points: Regulation win (i.e.: 3-1 or 4-0 win; no DreamBreaker needed)

• 2 Points: DreamBreaker win (i.e.: 3-2 win)

• 1 Point: DreamBreaker loss (i.e.: 2-3 loss)

• 0 Points: Regulation loss (i.e.: 1-3 or 0-4 loss; no DreamBreaker needed)

Standings points will determine seeding at the Mid-Season Tournament held once again at the Beer City Open, where teams can win additional standings points (6 points for winning, 4 for second place, 2 for third place). Top 10 teams will advance to the playoffs.

In addition to Pickleball TV, select local markets will be broadcasting certain games as follows:

Friday, May 30

• DAL vs. BRK (5:00 p.m PT / 7:00 p.m. CT) on KFDI More 27 in Dallas-Ft. Worth

Saturday, May 31

• DAL vs. PHX (8:30 p.m PT / 10:30 p.m. CT) on KFDI More 27 in Dallas-Ft. Worth

Sunday, June 1 on MSG Networks in the tri-state area

• LA vs. DAL (9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET)

• BRK vs. UTA (10:45 a.m. PT / 1:45 p.m. ET)

• PHX vs. BRK (12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET)

If you’re planning to attend MLP Phoenix (or the next event nipping at its heels, MLP Daytona Beach) you can secure your tickets at a discount using code KOTC.

This week’s episode includes an MLP Austin recap & answers to fan questions