1 00:00:00,920 --> 00:00:03,199 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're lighting 2 00:00:03,200 --> 00:00:06,760 Speaker 1: a Cheryl Swoops prayer candle, rocking a throwback Lisa Leslie's 3 00:00:06,800 --> 00:00:10,039 Speaker 1: Barks jersey, and wearing our shorts three sizes too big. 4 00:00:10,800 --> 00:00:13,240 Speaker 1: Gotta salute the ones who started it all. As the 5 00:00:13,320 --> 00:00:18,520 Speaker 1: WNBA's historic thirtieth season tips off tonight, It's Friday, May eighth, 6 00:00:18,560 --> 00:00:21,040 Speaker 1: and just like yesterday, I'm in the green room, just 7 00:00:21,079 --> 00:00:23,960 Speaker 1: outside where the magic of the espnW Summit will take place. 8 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:27,120 Speaker 1: So audio might sound a little different at certain moments 9 00:00:27,160 --> 00:00:27,560 Speaker 1: of the show. 10 00:00:28,120 --> 00:00:33,320 Speaker 2: I request, nay, I demand that you pretend you don't notice. 11 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:36,720 Speaker 1: On today's show, it's part two of our WNBA season preview, 12 00:00:37,040 --> 00:00:40,680 Speaker 1: aka the shoot Around, this time tackling the Western Conference 13 00:00:40,680 --> 00:00:43,600 Speaker 1: teams from the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty to the Seattle 14 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:46,040 Speaker 1: Storms New Lowcrosster. I'll get you caught up in all 15 00:00:46,080 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 1: the story steaks, stats, stars and sounds you need to know, 16 00:00:49,360 --> 00:00:53,279 Speaker 1: plus the road to Oklahoma City simultaneous streaks, and you're 17 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:55,920 Speaker 1: gonna need a few more screens. It's all coming up 18 00:00:56,040 --> 00:01:05,360 Speaker 1: right after this Happy for Ia slics. Here's what you 19 00:01:05,440 --> 00:01:10,640 Speaker 1: need to know today. Let's start with the WNBA, where 20 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:14,000 Speaker 1: the league's thirtieth season tips off tonight. There are three 21 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:17,679 Speaker 1: games on the schedule, including the Toronto Tempo's home opener, 22 00:01:18,080 --> 00:01:20,880 Speaker 1: and I'll be there when the expansion franchise tips off 23 00:01:20,920 --> 00:01:24,160 Speaker 1: for the very first time against the Washington Mystics at 24 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:27,600 Speaker 1: seven thirty pm Eastern tonight. Honestly, if the vibe is 25 00:01:27,600 --> 00:01:29,640 Speaker 1: as good as I expect it to be, go on 26 00:01:29,720 --> 00:01:31,280 Speaker 1: and ship up the Hubby and the Dogs. 27 00:01:31,440 --> 00:01:32,479 Speaker 2: I'm not coming back down. 28 00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:36,000 Speaker 1: Other highlights from the first weekend of action include Saturday's 29 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:39,200 Speaker 1: matchup featuring the WNBA's four most recent number one draft 30 00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:42,280 Speaker 1: picks pagebackers, an easy fut of the Dallas Wings taken 31 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:44,920 Speaker 1: on Caitlin Clark and Eliah Boston of the Indiana Fever. 32 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:49,560 Speaker 1: Saturday slate also features a rematch of last year's WNBA Finals, 33 00:01:49,720 --> 00:01:52,680 Speaker 1: with the Phoenix Mercury traveling to Las Vegas hoping to 34 00:01:52,720 --> 00:01:57,320 Speaker 1: spoil the defending WNBA Champs Ring ceremony celebration. We'll also 35 00:01:57,400 --> 00:01:59,960 Speaker 1: get our first look at this season's other expansion team, 36 00:02:00,200 --> 00:02:03,080 Speaker 1: the Portland Fire, as they host my very new look 37 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:06,440 Speaker 1: Chicago Sky. In total, there are eleven games on the 38 00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:09,359 Speaker 1: slate this weekend. Will link to the full WNBA schedule 39 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:13,040 Speaker 1: in the show notes to the PWHL where both semi 40 00:02:13,040 --> 00:02:14,560 Speaker 1: final series continue tonight. 41 00:02:15,080 --> 00:02:17,000 Speaker 2: We're recording this ahead of Game three. 42 00:02:16,960 --> 00:02:19,840 Speaker 1: Thursday night between Minnesota and Montreal, but since the winner 43 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:21,320 Speaker 1: of that one will take a two to one lead 44 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:24,280 Speaker 1: either way, the series could be decided as early as 45 00:02:24,320 --> 00:02:28,640 Speaker 1: Game four tonight, beginning at eight thirty pm Eastern if necessary. 46 00:02:28,760 --> 00:02:32,720 Speaker 1: The two teams will meet again on Monday for Game five. Meantime, 47 00:02:32,760 --> 00:02:36,080 Speaker 1: Game three of Boston Ottawa is also tonight, a seven 48 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:38,840 Speaker 1: pm Eastern start for that semi final series game, with 49 00:02:38,880 --> 00:02:41,560 Speaker 1: the two teams tied up at a game apiece. Both 50 00:02:41,600 --> 00:02:44,120 Speaker 1: tonight's contest and Game four on Sunday will be played 51 00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:47,720 Speaker 1: at Ottawa's Canadian Tire Center, which, with the NHL's Ottawa 52 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:51,200 Speaker 1: Senators eliminated from the playoffs, features the Charge logo at 53 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:54,000 Speaker 1: Center Ice. It was pretty awesome watching the time lapse 54 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:56,520 Speaker 1: video of them erasing the Senator's logo and replacing it 55 00:02:56,560 --> 00:03:00,160 Speaker 1: with the Charges to the NWSL. This weekend's Act and 56 00:03:00,160 --> 00:03:03,200 Speaker 1: Get started tonight with Racing Louisville hosting the Portland Thorns 57 00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:06,399 Speaker 1: at six thirty pm Eastern. Portland's riding A five game 58 00:03:06,480 --> 00:03:10,000 Speaker 1: unbeaten streak, while Racing hasn't lost at home in five matches, 59 00:03:10,080 --> 00:03:13,120 Speaker 1: a run that began last September. Also, for those of 60 00:03:13,160 --> 00:03:15,840 Speaker 1: you keep in track at home, yes, there are games 61 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:20,720 Speaker 1: in the WNBA, NWSL and pwhl overlapping. 62 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:21,840 Speaker 2: Tonight for multiple hours. 63 00:03:22,400 --> 00:03:26,320 Speaker 1: Other NWSL highlights this weekend include a Southern California rivalry 64 00:03:26,320 --> 00:03:29,040 Speaker 1: game between Angel City and San Diego on Saturday night. 65 00:03:29,520 --> 00:03:32,519 Speaker 1: Then on Sunday, my Chicago Color Neutral Stars traveled to 66 00:03:32,560 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 1: the Kansas City current Kansas City hasn't lost a regular 67 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:38,960 Speaker 1: season home games since July of twenty twenty four, a 68 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:42,040 Speaker 1: streak that dates back to before this show even began, 69 00:03:42,640 --> 00:03:46,640 Speaker 1: and Chicago hasn't won a road game since April fourteenth 70 00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:47,680 Speaker 1: of twenty twenty five. 71 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:51,720 Speaker 2: What are the chances both streaks end on Sunday. 72 00:03:52,160 --> 00:03:54,920 Speaker 1: Probably close to zero, but there's a reason games are 73 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:57,440 Speaker 1: played instead of deciding winners based on stats. 74 00:03:58,160 --> 00:03:59,040 Speaker 2: To Volleyball, a. 75 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:02,520 Speaker 1: Reminder that the Major League Volleyball Championship game is on Saturday. Now, 76 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:05,440 Speaker 1: we're recording this ahead of Thursday night's MLV semi finals, 77 00:04:05,440 --> 00:04:07,720 Speaker 1: so we're not sure who's playing in the championship yet, 78 00:04:07,840 --> 00:04:09,720 Speaker 1: but we'll link to the MLV website in the show 79 00:04:09,760 --> 00:04:14,120 Speaker 1: Notes to Softball. Monday night, the Athletes Unlimited Softball Draft 80 00:04:14,160 --> 00:04:16,919 Speaker 1: aired on ESPN two and players learned where they'll be 81 00:04:16,920 --> 00:04:20,320 Speaker 1: playing pro this summer. Tennessee pitcher Carlin Pickens went number 82 00:04:20,320 --> 00:04:23,640 Speaker 1: one overall to the Carolina Blaze, and fellow Ace Nijerie 83 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:26,039 Speaker 1: Cannedy out of Texas Tech went number two to the 84 00:04:26,040 --> 00:04:28,719 Speaker 1: Texas volt We'll link to the full draft results in 85 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:32,760 Speaker 1: the show notes to College softball across the Country. Conference 86 00:04:32,800 --> 00:04:36,760 Speaker 1: tournaments continue through Saturday ahead of the NCAA's Big sixty 87 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:40,200 Speaker 1: four team bracket reveal on Sunday night. Thirty one teams 88 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:42,760 Speaker 1: will receive automatic bids to the nc Double Attorney by 89 00:04:42,760 --> 00:04:45,640 Speaker 1: winning their conference, while the other thirty three will receive 90 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:48,679 Speaker 1: at large bids. We'll link to the full NCAA College 91 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:51,359 Speaker 1: Softball schedule in the show notes so you can follow along. 92 00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:55,800 Speaker 1: All right, So I says we have to take a break. 93 00:04:55,839 --> 00:04:58,280 Speaker 1: When we return, it's part two of the shoot around. 94 00:04:58,440 --> 00:05:00,359 Speaker 1: If you miss part one yesterday, go go back and 95 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:03,240 Speaker 1: listen to our breakdown of all the Eastern Conference squads. 96 00:05:03,520 --> 00:05:06,280 Speaker 2: Today, it's all about the West. It's coming up right 97 00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:06,760 Speaker 2: after this. 98 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:17,279 Speaker 1: Welcome back slices and welcome to the shoot Around Part two. 99 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:20,800 Speaker 1: Today we're doing WNBA Western Conference teams presented an order 100 00:05:20,839 --> 00:05:23,480 Speaker 1: based on their regular season finished last year, from best 101 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:28,040 Speaker 1: to worst. The Minnesota Lynx the story of last season well. 102 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:30,520 Speaker 1: A thirty four to ten regular season earned the Links 103 00:05:30,520 --> 00:05:33,840 Speaker 1: the number one overall seed in the playoffs and title aspirations, 104 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:36,080 Speaker 1: but it ended with a loss to the Mercury in 105 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:39,440 Speaker 1: the semi finals, with MVP candidate and Ifisa Callier sideline 106 00:05:39,440 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 1: to injury and head coach Cheryl Reeve watching from home suspended. 107 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:46,960 Speaker 1: The story of this season is this perennial contender going 108 00:05:47,040 --> 00:05:49,520 Speaker 1: to have a rare off season or should we know 109 00:05:49,640 --> 00:05:53,440 Speaker 1: better than to underestimate a Cheryl Reeve led squad. What 110 00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:55,919 Speaker 1: looks different this year for the Links A whole lot. 111 00:05:56,120 --> 00:05:58,680 Speaker 1: The Links saw a surprising exodus of free agents in 112 00:05:58,720 --> 00:06:01,400 Speaker 1: the off season, including year's co Defensive Player of the 113 00:06:01,440 --> 00:06:04,839 Speaker 1: Year Alana Smith and fellow forward Jessica Shepherd, both to 114 00:06:04,880 --> 00:06:07,840 Speaker 1: the Dallas Wings. Half of the stud Buds, Natisha hide 115 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:10,440 Speaker 1: him In left for the Storm, and Dja Carrington, who 116 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:12,480 Speaker 1: was with the Links for part of last season, left 117 00:06:12,480 --> 00:06:15,479 Speaker 1: Minnesota to sign with the Sky. The team also said 118 00:06:15,520 --> 00:06:17,919 Speaker 1: goodbye to Bridget Carlton, who was lost to the Fire 119 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:21,599 Speaker 1: in the expansion draft. Now, they did bring back Natasha Howard, 120 00:06:21,760 --> 00:06:24,120 Speaker 1: who played with the team in twenty sixteen and seventeen, 121 00:06:24,440 --> 00:06:27,480 Speaker 1: and EuroLeague MVP Dorka Uhas, who's back after taking the 122 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 1: twenty twenty five season off. Top draft pick Olivia Miles, 123 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:33,799 Speaker 1: who has taken number two overall out of TCU, should 124 00:06:33,839 --> 00:06:37,640 Speaker 1: be an immediate contributor the Stars well. The team returns 125 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:41,240 Speaker 1: to Fisa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams, who accounted 126 00:06:41,279 --> 00:06:43,920 Speaker 1: for just under fifty nine percent of their league leading 127 00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:46,640 Speaker 1: eighty six point one points per game last year, but 128 00:06:46,920 --> 00:06:49,400 Speaker 1: Collier will likely be out through at least June recovering 129 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:52,080 Speaker 1: from angle surgeries, so it's a question of whether her 130 00:06:52,080 --> 00:06:54,560 Speaker 1: return could power a playoff run if the team can 131 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:57,520 Speaker 1: stay in the mix without her. The stats, while last 132 00:06:57,520 --> 00:07:00,400 Speaker 1: season the Links led the league in points, assists, field 133 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:03,040 Speaker 1: goal percentage, and three point percentage, and they were top 134 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:05,680 Speaker 1: three in steals and blocks as well, they were second 135 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:07,960 Speaker 1: worst in the league in free throw percentage, though, and 136 00:07:08,000 --> 00:07:10,160 Speaker 1: they were just middle of the pack in rebounding and 137 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:12,400 Speaker 1: boards might be an issue again. As they lost two 138 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:15,320 Speaker 1: of their top three rebounders in Smith and Sheppard, and 139 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:17,320 Speaker 1: will be without Callier for the first half of the 140 00:07:17,320 --> 00:07:19,880 Speaker 1: season as well. The final number to know for the 141 00:07:19,920 --> 00:07:24,120 Speaker 1: Links seventeen. This will be head coach Cheryl Reeves' seventeenth 142 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:27,120 Speaker 1: season at the Helm in Minnesota, the longest tenured coach 143 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:30,360 Speaker 1: in the league by a good margin. Sounds well, you 144 00:07:30,400 --> 00:07:33,160 Speaker 1: can expect swaggy rookie Miles to bring more than just 145 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:35,920 Speaker 1: sick handles and dimes on the court. She's also great 146 00:07:35,960 --> 00:07:38,200 Speaker 1: for a good SoundBite too. Here she is on the 147 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:40,640 Speaker 1: orange carpet at the draft talking to queer media outlet 148 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:43,200 Speaker 1: them and spotting a sticker on their camera. 149 00:07:44,360 --> 00:07:46,200 Speaker 3: I love that sticker. 150 00:07:46,960 --> 00:07:48,040 Speaker 2: Rooting for the lesbians. 151 00:07:48,760 --> 00:07:52,440 Speaker 4: I just have to always the gays the days. 152 00:07:52,080 --> 00:07:52,760 Speaker 5: All of them. 153 00:07:53,520 --> 00:07:56,520 Speaker 1: Can't wait to see more of Olivia Miles. The stakes 154 00:07:56,560 --> 00:07:58,480 Speaker 1: for this team. While the Links have only missed the 155 00:07:58,480 --> 00:08:01,320 Speaker 1: playoffs twice in cheryl reb seventeen years at the Helm, 156 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:04,720 Speaker 1: and just once since twenty eleven, they won four titles 157 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:07,240 Speaker 1: between twenty eleven and twenty seventeen, and they made the 158 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:10,120 Speaker 1: finals as recently as twenty twenty four, so falling out 159 00:08:10,160 --> 00:08:13,680 Speaker 1: of contention would be disappointing for any reef squad, but 160 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:16,720 Speaker 1: Collier's injury would be an easy scapegoat for an off year, 161 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:20,440 Speaker 1: so the pressure is actually relatively low. Despite this team's pedigree, 162 00:08:21,360 --> 00:08:24,480 Speaker 1: the Las Vegas aces well. The story of last season is, 163 00:08:24,520 --> 00:08:27,559 Speaker 1: of course, they did it again. After a slow start 164 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:30,200 Speaker 1: to the season and a fifty three point loss to 165 00:08:30,280 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 1: the Links, they woke up, rattled off sixteen straight dubs 166 00:08:33,880 --> 00:08:36,800 Speaker 1: to finish the regular season, and won their third WNBA 167 00:08:36,880 --> 00:08:40,320 Speaker 1: title in four years. The story of this season run 168 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:43,360 Speaker 1: it back, win again. But they aren't going to fool 169 00:08:43,360 --> 00:08:45,720 Speaker 1: anyone this year. They could be the last team to 170 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:48,359 Speaker 1: sneak into the playoffs and they'd still be the scariest. 171 00:08:49,160 --> 00:08:51,680 Speaker 1: So what looks different this year? While Las Vegas was 172 00:08:51,679 --> 00:08:53,640 Speaker 1: able to hold on to most of their talent, but 173 00:08:53,679 --> 00:08:55,439 Speaker 1: they did see a Leah and I go to Toronto 174 00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,040 Speaker 1: in the expansion draft, and they're taking a calculated risk. 175 00:08:59,120 --> 00:09:02,839 Speaker 1: Adding known score and known locker room problem Kennedy Carter 176 00:09:02,960 --> 00:09:05,360 Speaker 1: to the mix. She averaged over seventeen points a game 177 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:07,480 Speaker 1: for the Sky in twenty twenty four, but as with 178 00:09:07,600 --> 00:09:10,040 Speaker 1: every other stop in the w there were conduct and 179 00:09:10,080 --> 00:09:13,240 Speaker 1: culture issues, so she ended up unsigned last season going 180 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:16,400 Speaker 1: to play abroad. She'll join other newbies Branda Turner, who 181 00:09:16,440 --> 00:09:18,959 Speaker 1: is last with the Indiana Fever, and number fourteen draft 182 00:09:19,000 --> 00:09:22,000 Speaker 1: pick Jeniah Barker out of Tennessee. The Aces also get 183 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:24,640 Speaker 1: back Cheyenne Parker Tias, who missed most of last year 184 00:09:24,679 --> 00:09:29,000 Speaker 1: to pregnancy. The Stars well, only the New York Liberty 185 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:31,120 Speaker 1: can make an argument for a better starting five than 186 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:34,640 Speaker 1: the Aces. Vegas has got four time MVP Asia Wilson 187 00:09:34,640 --> 00:09:36,720 Speaker 1: at the center of the corps, joined by six time 188 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:39,320 Speaker 1: All Star Chelsea Gray, four time All Star Jackie Young, 189 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:42,319 Speaker 1: and six time All Star Jewel Lloyd. Plus Melissa Smith, 190 00:09:42,360 --> 00:09:44,920 Speaker 1: who joined Vegas mid season last year and helped them 191 00:09:44,960 --> 00:09:47,760 Speaker 1: make their third title run. And of course, don't forget 192 00:09:47,760 --> 00:09:50,880 Speaker 1: Becky Hammond, the Aces head coach and her Blazer hoodies 193 00:09:50,920 --> 00:09:53,000 Speaker 1: are as much a household name as her players at 194 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:56,400 Speaker 1: this point. The stats for this team well like their 195 00:09:56,440 --> 00:09:58,720 Speaker 1: five hundred record. For most of last season, the Aces 196 00:09:58,760 --> 00:10:00,480 Speaker 1: were sort of middle of the pack for most of 197 00:10:00,520 --> 00:10:03,320 Speaker 1: the major statistical categories, but they did take care of 198 00:10:03,360 --> 00:10:05,560 Speaker 1: the ball, and they shot well from the charity stripe 199 00:10:05,640 --> 00:10:08,839 Speaker 1: and were top three and three point shooting percentage number 200 00:10:08,880 --> 00:10:12,360 Speaker 1: to No. One as in Asia Wilson is the one 201 00:10:12,440 --> 00:10:15,959 Speaker 1: player who has won a Championship Finals, MVP, League MVP 202 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:18,200 Speaker 1: and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. 203 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:24,160 Speaker 1: She's also the one player who has won four WNBA MVPs. 204 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:26,480 Speaker 1: Some sound from this team, Well, in case you missed it, 205 00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:28,760 Speaker 1: Joel Lloyd joined me for an interview here on Good 206 00:10:28,800 --> 00:10:30,679 Speaker 1: Game earlier this week, and we love what she had 207 00:10:30,720 --> 00:10:33,080 Speaker 1: to say about how she handled the free agency signing period. 208 00:10:33,679 --> 00:10:36,560 Speaker 6: I always like the key options open, right. I never 209 00:10:36,600 --> 00:10:38,520 Speaker 6: want to just you know, show off any door. But 210 00:10:38,559 --> 00:10:41,080 Speaker 6: at the same time, I felt a different kind of 211 00:10:41,080 --> 00:10:44,480 Speaker 6: connection here in Vegas, but also realizing, you know what 212 00:10:44,600 --> 00:10:47,120 Speaker 6: we able to do, and when you win and you 213 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:48,480 Speaker 6: have a chance to kind of run you back, you 214 00:10:48,559 --> 00:10:49,800 Speaker 6: kind of want to keep that same core and I 215 00:10:49,840 --> 00:10:53,160 Speaker 6: think that was the mindset of the players here as 216 00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:55,920 Speaker 6: well as the organization. But it's hard to walk away 217 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:56,760 Speaker 6: from Becky and. 218 00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:58,559 Speaker 2: Asia, right, I mean they're the best in the game. 219 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:00,480 Speaker 2: It's like, yeah, well, would you know, like, will'd you 220 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:01,800 Speaker 2: leave that? 221 00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:04,440 Speaker 1: I know the fans are happy to have juell Lloyd 222 00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:07,760 Speaker 1: back to the stakes For this team, it's winn or 223 00:11:07,760 --> 00:11:10,640 Speaker 1: bust for the Aces with this roster, under this coach, 224 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:12,240 Speaker 1: they expect nothing less. 225 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:13,960 Speaker 2: The Phoenix Mercury. 226 00:11:14,320 --> 00:11:17,160 Speaker 1: The story of last season, a twenty seven to seventeen 227 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:19,559 Speaker 1: season was good for the four seed and a shocking 228 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:21,840 Speaker 1: upset of the favored Links earned them a spot in 229 00:11:21,880 --> 00:11:24,520 Speaker 1: the finals, where they came up just short to the Aces. 230 00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:28,320 Speaker 1: The story of this season, well, despite that finals run, 231 00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:31,200 Speaker 1: the Mercury lost a star and saw to Sabili, didn't 232 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:33,800 Speaker 1: bring a single new free agent to Phoenix in the offseason, 233 00:11:34,040 --> 00:11:36,160 Speaker 1: and didn't make any noise in the draft. They grabbed 234 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:38,880 Speaker 1: two late picks, draft and stash players were not going 235 00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:39,719 Speaker 1: to see play this year. 236 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:43,760 Speaker 2: Is their title window closed already? What looks different for 237 00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:44,160 Speaker 2: this year? 238 00:11:44,360 --> 00:11:47,080 Speaker 1: While the aforementioned Saboli, who averaged more than sixteen points 239 00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:49,440 Speaker 1: in five boards a game for Phoenix, left to sign 240 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:52,760 Speaker 1: with the Liberty and free agency, Lexi Held and Katialaksa 241 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:57,840 Speaker 1: were snagged by Toronto and the expansion draft and additions, eh, 242 00:11:57,880 --> 00:12:00,400 Speaker 1: the Mercury didn't add any no notable play and free 243 00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:02,360 Speaker 1: agency or the draft stars. 244 00:12:02,640 --> 00:12:02,800 Speaker 3: Well. 245 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:05,000 Speaker 1: The good news is the Mercury still boast a solid 246 00:12:05,040 --> 00:12:08,559 Speaker 1: core of Alissa Thomas, Kalia Copper and Dewana Bonner. Bonner 247 00:12:08,640 --> 00:12:11,960 Speaker 1: joined the team midway through last season. Monique Aca maccane, 248 00:12:12,120 --> 00:12:15,600 Speaker 1: Sammy Witcombe, and Natasha mac return, but Cat Westbelt, who 249 00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:18,120 Speaker 1: started twenty four games for the Mercury last season, will 250 00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:22,080 Speaker 1: miss the year to a tour. In ACL stats, Phoenix's 251 00:12:22,120 --> 00:12:24,240 Speaker 1: forty three point three percent shooting from the field last 252 00:12:24,280 --> 00:12:27,480 Speaker 1: season was second worst among playoff teams, and their eighty 253 00:12:27,520 --> 00:12:29,600 Speaker 1: two point eight points a game were just middle of 254 00:12:29,600 --> 00:12:33,280 Speaker 1: the pack for the league. Some good numbers nineteen and six. 255 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:37,240 Speaker 1: Alissa Thomas has a record nineteen career triple doubles, six 256 00:12:37,280 --> 00:12:39,800 Speaker 1: of them in the postseason. She's put up a triple 257 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:43,080 Speaker 1: double against ten different franchises in the regular season. 258 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:47,840 Speaker 2: How about one more? Three point fifty seven. Thomas, a six. 259 00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:51,559 Speaker 1: Two forward, broke the WNBA single season assists record last 260 00:12:51,640 --> 00:12:54,520 Speaker 1: year with three fifty seven, topping Caitlin Clark's mark from 261 00:12:54,520 --> 00:12:55,320 Speaker 1: twenty twenty four. 262 00:12:56,040 --> 00:12:57,320 Speaker 2: Some sound well. 263 00:12:57,720 --> 00:13:00,360 Speaker 1: Thomas is notorious for letting her play speak for her. 264 00:13:00,600 --> 00:13:03,160 Speaker 1: There are full compilation videos of her running past the 265 00:13:03,200 --> 00:13:06,400 Speaker 1: Mercury admin to avoid interviews or being part of social clips. 266 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:15,000 Speaker 1: In fact, I think we have admin's latest attempt right here. YEP, 267 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:17,120 Speaker 1: footsteps is about all you're going to get most of 268 00:13:17,160 --> 00:13:21,600 Speaker 1: the time footsteps and triple doubles the stakes for this team. 269 00:13:21,760 --> 00:13:25,240 Speaker 1: While with perennial MVP candidate Thomas and superstar Copper on 270 00:13:25,280 --> 00:13:27,880 Speaker 1: the roster, any season not in contention kind of feels 271 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:29,880 Speaker 1: like a waste and they want to use this year 272 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:33,240 Speaker 1: to lure some more big names to the desert the 273 00:13:33,280 --> 00:13:36,240 Speaker 1: Seattle Storm. The story of last season for the Storm. 274 00:13:36,400 --> 00:13:38,520 Speaker 1: After a twenty three to twenty one regular season, the 275 00:13:38,559 --> 00:13:41,840 Speaker 1: seven seed Storm pushed the eventual champs, the Las Vegas Aces, 276 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:44,160 Speaker 1: to three games in the first round of the playoffs, 277 00:13:44,280 --> 00:13:45,200 Speaker 1: but they couldn't. 278 00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:47,200 Speaker 2: Pull off the upset. The story of this season. 279 00:13:47,600 --> 00:13:50,640 Speaker 1: A massive roster overhaul has the Storm in full on 280 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:53,440 Speaker 1: rebuild mode, look into the future and to the continued 281 00:13:53,480 --> 00:13:56,400 Speaker 1: development of their young stars under new head coach Sonya Rahmen. 282 00:13:57,280 --> 00:13:59,840 Speaker 2: What looks different this year almost everything. 283 00:14:00,400 --> 00:14:03,320 Speaker 1: All of the Storm's top five scorers departed in free agency. 284 00:14:03,559 --> 00:14:07,240 Speaker 1: Neco Ogumakay Skyler Diggins, Britney Sykes, Gabby Williams, and Erica 285 00:14:07,240 --> 00:14:11,120 Speaker 1: Wheeler all left. Veteran Alsha Clark also left in free agency, 286 00:14:11,160 --> 00:14:14,120 Speaker 1: while the injured Nico Mule, fresh off another acl tair, 287 00:14:14,440 --> 00:14:16,880 Speaker 1: got snagged by the Portland Fire and the expansion Draft. 288 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:20,400 Speaker 1: As for acquisitions, Natisha Heideman won half of the Stud 289 00:14:20,400 --> 00:14:23,720 Speaker 1: Buds left Minnesota to join Seattle, and Stephanie Dolson left 290 00:14:23,760 --> 00:14:26,200 Speaker 1: the Mystics to head West as well. Seattle also got 291 00:14:26,280 --> 00:14:28,880 Speaker 1: young Spanish star Awa Fam in the draft, as well 292 00:14:28,880 --> 00:14:32,760 Speaker 1: as LSU's Flage Johnson the Stars. This team's got a young, 293 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:35,960 Speaker 1: promising corn. It's centered around the two Unicorns, second year 294 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:39,880 Speaker 1: big Dominique Maloga and newly drafted Fam and Studbud Natisha 295 00:14:39,960 --> 00:14:42,280 Speaker 1: and rapper Slash Uperflage. 296 00:14:41,640 --> 00:14:43,240 Speaker 2: Are definitely going to be fan favorites. 297 00:14:43,760 --> 00:14:46,600 Speaker 1: The team's top returning scorer from last year, Remember the 298 00:14:46,600 --> 00:14:49,440 Speaker 1: top five scorers all left. The top returning scorer as 299 00:14:49,440 --> 00:14:52,080 Speaker 1: E mag Bagoor is back, but she's starting the season 300 00:14:52,160 --> 00:14:55,720 Speaker 1: nursing a foot injury. The stats for this team, well, 301 00:14:55,800 --> 00:14:58,120 Speaker 1: most of last year's stats are irrelevant now with a 302 00:14:58,160 --> 00:15:01,640 Speaker 1: brand new roster. But remember the number sixty seven point five. 303 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:04,360 Speaker 1: That's the number of combined points per game scored by 304 00:15:04,400 --> 00:15:07,040 Speaker 1: the Big five that the team lost to free agency. 305 00:15:07,480 --> 00:15:10,240 Speaker 1: They'll need to find new ways to score this season. Also, 306 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:13,360 Speaker 1: the number three, as in three dunks thrown down by 307 00:15:13,400 --> 00:15:16,680 Speaker 1: Milonga and unrivaled this season time for her first W 308 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:21,440 Speaker 1: Slam some sound well. Speaking of those dunks, the Seattle 309 00:15:21,480 --> 00:15:23,840 Speaker 1: Storm admin tried to get Malanga to declare who her 310 00:15:23,840 --> 00:15:27,280 Speaker 1: first dunk victim in the W might be, to no avail. 311 00:15:28,000 --> 00:15:31,320 Speaker 2: The world wants to know who you bother. Not want 312 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:31,760 Speaker 2: to see them? 313 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:37,680 Speaker 4: Nobody, No, nobody, but no, I'm just starting. 314 00:15:37,360 --> 00:15:38,080 Speaker 3: Anything right here. 315 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:40,320 Speaker 2: No, are you going to be done this season? I'm 316 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:42,640 Speaker 2: grieving to know this season for sure. That's a for 317 00:15:42,720 --> 00:15:44,720 Speaker 2: sure on somebody that's a for sure too. 318 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:45,400 Speaker 1: But who I don't know. 319 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:47,600 Speaker 2: I don't care who she's dunking on. 320 00:15:47,920 --> 00:15:50,440 Speaker 1: I just want to see it the stakes While the 321 00:15:50,440 --> 00:15:53,600 Speaker 1: Seattle team is built for tomorrow, not today, so all 322 00:15:53,640 --> 00:15:55,800 Speaker 1: eyes will really be on getting young players minutes to 323 00:15:55,840 --> 00:15:58,000 Speaker 1: improve and getting a look at coach Ramen in her 324 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:01,360 Speaker 1: first opportunity as a head coach in the game. The 325 00:16:01,360 --> 00:16:04,760 Speaker 1: Golden State Valkyries the story of last season, while media 326 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:07,440 Speaker 1: fans and various onlookers went from wondering what the heck 327 00:16:07,480 --> 00:16:10,800 Speaker 1: the Valkyries were doing to marveling at their instant success 328 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:12,960 Speaker 1: both on the court, with a twenty three to twenty 329 00:16:12,960 --> 00:16:15,800 Speaker 1: one record and a postseason Berth and off it, setting 330 00:16:15,800 --> 00:16:19,239 Speaker 1: both attendance records and a new bar for franchise valuations. 331 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:22,360 Speaker 1: The story of this season for Golden State all being 332 00:16:22,360 --> 00:16:24,760 Speaker 1: the first ever W expansion team to make the postseason 333 00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:28,400 Speaker 1: in their inaugural year makes for high expectations in year two. 334 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:31,560 Speaker 1: But I would not dare doubt this squad after last 335 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:34,000 Speaker 1: year shut me and a whole lot of other folks up. 336 00:16:34,680 --> 00:16:35,880 Speaker 2: What looks different this year? 337 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:38,400 Speaker 1: While the Valks lost Temi fag Ben Lean and Monique 338 00:16:38,400 --> 00:16:40,880 Speaker 1: Billings in free agency, but they grabbed All Star and 339 00:16:40,920 --> 00:16:44,200 Speaker 1: defensive stopper Gabby Williams from the Storm and added three 340 00:16:44,200 --> 00:16:45,840 Speaker 1: time WNBA champ Kia. 341 00:16:45,640 --> 00:16:46,720 Speaker 2: Stokes from the Aces. 342 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:50,400 Speaker 1: The stars of this team head coach Natalie Nikasse is 343 00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:52,040 Speaker 1: a star in her own right, earning Coach of the 344 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:54,720 Speaker 1: Year honors in her first season, and Veronica Burton was 345 00:16:54,760 --> 00:16:58,040 Speaker 1: the team's breakout star earning the w's Most Improved Player award. 346 00:16:58,440 --> 00:17:00,480 Speaker 1: Kayla Thornton and All Star in the Bailee last year, 347 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:03,560 Speaker 1: is back alongside fan Faes, Tip Hays and Caitlin Chen. 348 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:06,719 Speaker 1: The stats well, The Valkyries led the league in scoring defense, 349 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:09,200 Speaker 1: allowing just seventy six point three points per game, and 350 00:17:09,240 --> 00:17:11,639 Speaker 1: they should only get better with the addition of Gabby Williams, 351 00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:14,040 Speaker 1: who finished third in Defensive Player the Year voting last 352 00:17:14,119 --> 00:17:16,000 Speaker 1: year and led the league with two point three steals 353 00:17:16,000 --> 00:17:19,840 Speaker 1: per game and over one hundred deflections. Another number to 354 00:17:19,840 --> 00:17:23,920 Speaker 1: know eight fifty, as in eight hundred and fifty million dollars. 355 00:17:24,200 --> 00:17:28,159 Speaker 1: The Valks current valuation, just two years into existence, tops 356 00:17:28,200 --> 00:17:32,199 Speaker 1: in the WNBA. Sounds from this team, well, it's the 357 00:17:32,280 --> 00:17:35,240 Speaker 1: sound inside ball Halla, the nickname given to the Valkyrie's 358 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:37,960 Speaker 1: crowd and the Chase Center, which is packed to the 359 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:41,680 Speaker 1: gills every night, and after seeing their preseason game sellout, 360 00:17:42,119 --> 00:17:44,720 Speaker 1: the players, including Tip Hays, are all pretty pumped to 361 00:17:44,720 --> 00:17:47,280 Speaker 1: get back in front of eighteen thousand plus every game. 362 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:50,640 Speaker 2: To take a listen, just the energy man by Holly. 363 00:17:50,720 --> 00:17:52,520 Speaker 3: Y'all know how we rock and we went were ready 364 00:17:52,560 --> 00:17:54,800 Speaker 3: to see y'all coming in there giving us all the energy. 365 00:17:54,960 --> 00:17:57,120 Speaker 2: Y'all know how we do with any of doves this year. 366 00:17:57,200 --> 00:18:00,640 Speaker 1: You already know the stakes for this Valks team all 367 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:04,520 Speaker 1: after last year's expectations defying start. Anything short of another 368 00:18:04,520 --> 00:18:07,360 Speaker 1: playoff berth would be disappointing, but the Valks won't yet 369 00:18:07,359 --> 00:18:08,720 Speaker 1: be expected to contend with. 370 00:18:08,760 --> 00:18:11,880 Speaker 2: The league's best, the LA Sparks. 371 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:14,560 Speaker 1: The story of the Sparks last season, well, a twenty 372 00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:16,159 Speaker 1: one to twenty three record kept him out of the 373 00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:19,760 Speaker 1: playoffs for the fifth straight season, but Kelsey Plum shined 374 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:21,600 Speaker 1: in her first year in LA and the team at 375 00:18:21,640 --> 00:18:23,720 Speaker 1: least got out of the gutter, avoiding a repeat of 376 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:27,439 Speaker 1: the previous season's dead last finish. The story of this season. 377 00:18:28,040 --> 00:18:31,280 Speaker 1: Major free agency acquisitions and some swaps to embrace vets 378 00:18:31,680 --> 00:18:34,359 Speaker 1: means this team believes it's in win now mode. But 379 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:36,000 Speaker 1: do they have enough talent to keep up with the 380 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:39,040 Speaker 1: best in the league. What looks different this year? While 381 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:41,520 Speaker 1: major additions to the team include ten time All Star 382 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:45,320 Speaker 1: and former league MVP Neca Ogumakay, who's returning to LA, 383 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:48,080 Speaker 1: where she spent twelve seasons earlier in her career and 384 00:18:48,119 --> 00:18:51,520 Speaker 1: won a championship in twenty sixteen. Erica Wheeler is another 385 00:18:51,520 --> 00:18:54,120 Speaker 1: big free agent pickup, also leaving the Storm to join 386 00:18:54,160 --> 00:18:57,840 Speaker 1: the Sparks. Eryl Atkins arrivia trade that sent Rakia Jackson 387 00:18:57,840 --> 00:19:00,200 Speaker 1: to the Sky and the team added score and I 388 00:19:00,320 --> 00:19:02,920 Speaker 1: Lats and via the draft, the number twenty overall pick 389 00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:06,240 Speaker 1: out of South Carolina the Stars. While those new names 390 00:19:06,320 --> 00:19:09,800 Speaker 1: join a returning corps of Kelsey Plumb, Derek Hamby, Ray Burrell, 391 00:19:09,920 --> 00:19:11,040 Speaker 1: and Cameron Brink. 392 00:19:11,800 --> 00:19:12,600 Speaker 2: Stats Well. 393 00:19:12,760 --> 00:19:14,920 Speaker 1: Last season, the Sparks did finish second in the league 394 00:19:14,920 --> 00:19:17,359 Speaker 1: in field goal percentage and points per game, but they 395 00:19:17,400 --> 00:19:19,600 Speaker 1: had the third worst defensive rating in the league and 396 00:19:19,640 --> 00:19:22,120 Speaker 1: they allowed the second most second chance points. 397 00:19:22,520 --> 00:19:25,159 Speaker 2: So they'll have plenty of scores again this season, but 398 00:19:25,160 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 2: they got to. 399 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:28,119 Speaker 1: Hope ogum Kay and Atkins helped change the story on 400 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:31,600 Speaker 1: the defensive end. Two more numbers to know, eighteen point 401 00:19:31,680 --> 00:19:34,479 Speaker 1: three and seven point five. That's the point in rebound 402 00:19:34,520 --> 00:19:37,280 Speaker 1: averages for Neck Ogumakay last year with the Storm. She 403 00:19:37,359 --> 00:19:39,680 Speaker 1: may be heading into her fifteenth season, and she may 404 00:19:39,680 --> 00:19:42,240 Speaker 1: be heading back to la but this is no farewell tour. 405 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:45,640 Speaker 1: She still got it some sound from the Sparks. While 406 00:19:45,680 --> 00:19:48,080 Speaker 1: speaking of ogum Makay during her first press conference of 407 00:19:48,119 --> 00:19:51,880 Speaker 1: the season, she was asked what sparked her return after 408 00:19:51,920 --> 00:19:54,600 Speaker 1: two seasons away from the franchise, and she began by 409 00:19:54,600 --> 00:19:57,080 Speaker 1: referencing the general manager, Reagan Pebbley. 410 00:19:57,240 --> 00:20:01,600 Speaker 5: Take a listen, Yeah, I mean when when Reagan was 411 00:20:01,680 --> 00:20:05,560 Speaker 5: hired just before I decided to leave, I told her, 412 00:20:05,560 --> 00:20:08,199 Speaker 5: you know, like I didn't actually want to leave, but 413 00:20:08,240 --> 00:20:11,919 Speaker 5: I felt like I needed to considering, you know, the 414 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,800 Speaker 5: growth that we wanted to see further in the organization, 415 00:20:15,040 --> 00:20:18,160 Speaker 5: and I really wanted, you know, to come back, and 416 00:20:19,240 --> 00:20:22,320 Speaker 5: I'm seeing just that. You know, I think going into 417 00:20:22,359 --> 00:20:25,480 Speaker 5: this free agency, I was kind of all doors wide open, 418 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:31,760 Speaker 5: including returning to Seattle. And you know, I think the 419 00:20:31,800 --> 00:20:32,400 Speaker 5: timeline of. 420 00:20:32,320 --> 00:20:37,600 Speaker 4: A lot of things accelerated me narrowing down certain organizations. 421 00:20:37,640 --> 00:20:41,439 Speaker 4: But LA was in the mix, not because not just 422 00:20:41,520 --> 00:20:44,000 Speaker 4: because of the time that I've had here, but because 423 00:20:44,040 --> 00:20:47,000 Speaker 4: of the amazing progress that I've seen in just the 424 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:48,359 Speaker 4: two years in my absence. 425 00:20:49,119 --> 00:20:50,760 Speaker 1: Excited to see what Naka can do back in that 426 00:20:50,840 --> 00:20:54,240 Speaker 1: Sparks Jersey. The stakes for this team all with veteran 427 00:20:54,320 --> 00:20:56,680 Speaker 1: talent hungry to be on a team that matters. It's 428 00:20:56,720 --> 00:20:59,000 Speaker 1: playoffs or boss for the Sparks, who haven't made the 429 00:20:59,040 --> 00:21:05,000 Speaker 1: postseason since twenty The Dallas Wings story of last season, well, 430 00:21:05,040 --> 00:21:07,000 Speaker 1: the Wings were the doormat of the league with a 431 00:21:07,040 --> 00:21:10,399 Speaker 1: dismal ten and thirty four record, tied for last. The 432 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:13,439 Speaker 1: biggest positive of their season was a standout rookie campaign 433 00:21:13,440 --> 00:21:16,399 Speaker 1: from number one overall pick Page Beckers, who earned Rookie 434 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:19,240 Speaker 1: of the Year honors a story of this season, while 435 00:21:19,320 --> 00:21:21,920 Speaker 1: head coach Chris ko Klanis got ousted after just one 436 00:21:22,000 --> 00:21:24,840 Speaker 1: year and was replaced by longtime University of South Florida 437 00:21:24,840 --> 00:21:28,520 Speaker 1: coach Jose Fernandez, who, along with number one overall pick 438 00:21:28,560 --> 00:21:31,120 Speaker 1: Asy Fudd, will try to breathe some new life into 439 00:21:31,119 --> 00:21:33,720 Speaker 1: the franchise. At the very least, fan should get a 440 00:21:33,720 --> 00:21:37,159 Speaker 1: show with Beckers and Fudd reunited alongside sharpshooter Ari ka 441 00:21:37,160 --> 00:21:40,840 Speaker 1: Agunbowalle what looks different this year? While Dallas added a 442 00:21:40,880 --> 00:21:43,520 Speaker 1: lot of talent in the front court, grabbing co Defensive 443 00:21:43,520 --> 00:21:46,159 Speaker 1: Player of the Year Atlanta Smith and forward Jessica Sheppard 444 00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:49,639 Speaker 1: from Minnesota and free agency, Wi Levett's Odyssey Simms and 445 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:52,280 Speaker 1: Alicia Clark joined in free agency as well, and the 446 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:55,760 Speaker 1: team drafted Yukon star Azy Fudd number one overall, reuniting 447 00:21:55,760 --> 00:21:56,840 Speaker 1: her with Beckers. 448 00:21:56,440 --> 00:21:58,240 Speaker 2: With whom she won a title two seasons ago. 449 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:03,600 Speaker 1: The Stars obviously Becker's at goombwalle Lee Yaru returning for 450 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:06,359 Speaker 1: the Wings as well, and then Fudd aka the People's 451 00:22:06,400 --> 00:22:07,840 Speaker 1: Princess will be a draw. 452 00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:09,760 Speaker 2: For fans stats. 453 00:22:09,920 --> 00:22:12,720 Speaker 1: While the Wings finished second to last in defensive rating 454 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:15,600 Speaker 1: last season, but the addition of Smith and Shepherd should 455 00:22:15,640 --> 00:22:18,960 Speaker 1: help a ton. Their perimeter d might still be a problem, though. 456 00:22:19,359 --> 00:22:21,479 Speaker 1: The team was eleventh in the league in both three 457 00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:24,280 Speaker 1: point percentage and three pointers made per game, and a 458 00:22:24,320 --> 00:22:27,040 Speaker 1: goombwalle led the team in three pointers, but that's not 459 00:22:27,040 --> 00:22:29,119 Speaker 1: saying much because after back to back seasons of at 460 00:22:29,200 --> 00:22:31,600 Speaker 1: least one hundred twelve made threes on over three hundred 461 00:22:31,640 --> 00:22:35,160 Speaker 1: twenty attempts, she dropped down to forty eight made triples 462 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:37,920 Speaker 1: on just one hundred and fifty eight attempts last year. Now, 463 00:22:37,920 --> 00:22:40,760 Speaker 1: Gooonbowallee put up career lows in a lot of other things, 464 00:22:40,800 --> 00:22:43,919 Speaker 1: points per game, field goal percentage, three point percentage, but 465 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:46,520 Speaker 1: she'll hopefully benefit from a new coach, new system, and 466 00:22:46,600 --> 00:22:47,600 Speaker 1: new roster this year. 467 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:49,919 Speaker 2: Some sound from the Wings. 468 00:22:50,160 --> 00:22:51,800 Speaker 1: We know we played it earlier this week, but we 469 00:22:51,880 --> 00:22:54,560 Speaker 1: just really loved Azy Fudd's reaction to the officiating after 470 00:22:54,560 --> 00:22:56,800 Speaker 1: a preseason game, so we got to play it again. 471 00:22:57,160 --> 00:22:59,960 Speaker 2: I feel more confused. I thought you could be physic, 472 00:23:00,320 --> 00:23:03,000 Speaker 2: and anytime you touch someone it's a foul. So I'm 473 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:03,920 Speaker 2: not really sure. 474 00:23:05,680 --> 00:23:07,880 Speaker 3: Whether to be physical, whether to you. 475 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:10,640 Speaker 1: Know, Nike, I don't know so I'm still figuring that out. 476 00:23:11,400 --> 00:23:13,360 Speaker 1: We're excited to see how the number one draft pick 477 00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:15,560 Speaker 1: adapts and if she gets another wake up call with 478 00:23:15,600 --> 00:23:18,840 Speaker 1: a fine thanks to those comments. We also love the 479 00:23:18,840 --> 00:23:21,080 Speaker 1: clip of Azy walking around saying hi with a huge 480 00:23:21,080 --> 00:23:23,600 Speaker 1: smile to every single one of her opponents during the preseason. 481 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:25,680 Speaker 1: We'll see if she gets a little more feisty once 482 00:23:25,720 --> 00:23:29,280 Speaker 1: the regular season starts. The stakes for this team well, 483 00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:31,560 Speaker 1: after a two year drought, the Wings should be a 484 00:23:31,560 --> 00:23:33,879 Speaker 1: playoff team again, and if the piece is fit just 485 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:37,040 Speaker 1: right and new coach Fernandez is a fit, this team 486 00:23:37,080 --> 00:23:41,399 Speaker 1: could surprise the Portland Fire. The story of last season, 487 00:23:42,200 --> 00:23:45,000 Speaker 1: there was no last season the Fire and expansion team, 488 00:23:45,040 --> 00:23:47,119 Speaker 1: so they were in planning mode for their debut season. 489 00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:50,640 Speaker 1: But years ago, the team's first iteration played in Portland 490 00:23:50,680 --> 00:23:53,040 Speaker 1: from two thousand to two thousand and two before dissolving. 491 00:23:53,760 --> 00:23:56,159 Speaker 1: The story of this season, while trying to equal the 492 00:23:56,160 --> 00:23:58,480 Speaker 1: success of the Golden State Valkyries in their first season 493 00:23:58,600 --> 00:24:01,399 Speaker 1: isn't really a realistic goal for this expansion squad, but 494 00:24:01,760 --> 00:24:05,880 Speaker 1: bettering relatively low expectations is a solid goal. What looks 495 00:24:05,880 --> 00:24:08,040 Speaker 1: different this year, Well, the team's got a head coach 496 00:24:08,040 --> 00:24:11,320 Speaker 1: and a roster for starters. Brett Alex Sarama, who's known 497 00:24:11,359 --> 00:24:14,240 Speaker 1: for his constraints led approach to basketball, takes the Reins 498 00:24:14,280 --> 00:24:17,840 Speaker 1: after years spent with the mnba's Cavaliers. The team used 499 00:24:17,880 --> 00:24:20,000 Speaker 1: the first pick in the expansion draft to grab Bridget 500 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:22,480 Speaker 1: Carlton from the Lynx, and they also added the Valx 501 00:24:22,520 --> 00:24:25,760 Speaker 1: Carla Late, the Mystics Emily Engsler, the Dreams Maya Caledwell, 502 00:24:25,840 --> 00:24:28,840 Speaker 1: the Wings Haley Jones, and the Storms Nika Mule, who 503 00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:31,159 Speaker 1: will sadly be sidelined for a second straight season with 504 00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:34,919 Speaker 1: an ACL tear. Carlton's old teammate Carly Samuelson joined the 505 00:24:34,920 --> 00:24:39,399 Speaker 1: team via free agency. The Stars no true stars on 506 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:41,600 Speaker 1: this squad to start the season, but folks who were 507 00:24:41,640 --> 00:24:44,600 Speaker 1: role players on other teams, like Carlton, may seize the 508 00:24:44,600 --> 00:24:46,960 Speaker 1: opportunity to step into a starring role for the first time. 509 00:24:47,400 --> 00:24:49,920 Speaker 1: Engstler will be a go to for Giggles on the socials, 510 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:53,000 Speaker 1: and of course, Megan Gustafson's Corgi Pancake. 511 00:24:52,600 --> 00:24:54,200 Speaker 2: Will be a breakout star by week two. 512 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:58,520 Speaker 1: Stats well, no stats to analyze just yet, but keep 513 00:24:58,520 --> 00:25:00,520 Speaker 1: it eye on the box scores from fire to see 514 00:25:00,520 --> 00:25:03,520 Speaker 1: who might emerge as their go to score. Carlton should 515 00:25:03,560 --> 00:25:05,520 Speaker 1: be the leader despite averaging just six and a half 516 00:25:05,560 --> 00:25:08,119 Speaker 1: points per game last year, but it's anyone's guest who 517 00:25:08,200 --> 00:25:12,160 Speaker 1: might take the lead on this unproven team. Sounds from Portland, 518 00:25:12,359 --> 00:25:15,199 Speaker 1: while We're excited to see how Carlton's game continues to evolve, 519 00:25:15,400 --> 00:25:18,159 Speaker 1: something she addressed during the team's media day take a listen. 520 00:25:18,600 --> 00:25:20,520 Speaker 3: I'm ready to take that next step in my career, 521 00:25:20,560 --> 00:25:23,040 Speaker 3: and that was a really exciting opportunity I'm going to 522 00:25:23,119 --> 00:25:26,040 Speaker 3: have in Portland and the coaching staff here, Banya, they 523 00:25:26,040 --> 00:25:28,080 Speaker 3: all believe in me, and they see that in me. 524 00:25:28,119 --> 00:25:31,360 Speaker 3: They've watched me play a variety of roles internationally and 525 00:25:31,880 --> 00:25:34,400 Speaker 3: obviously in the WNBA, so they see that I'm ready 526 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:37,040 Speaker 3: to take that next step in the w And yeah, 527 00:25:37,080 --> 00:25:39,840 Speaker 3: I'm just being more aggressive, being more of a playmaker 528 00:25:39,880 --> 00:25:42,399 Speaker 3: than I have been in the past, obviously playing defense 529 00:25:42,440 --> 00:25:44,920 Speaker 3: like I always do, but just being relied upon a 530 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:46,439 Speaker 3: little bit more. And I'm ready for that and I'm 531 00:25:46,480 --> 00:25:49,400 Speaker 3: excited for it, and hopefully that translates to winning. 532 00:25:49,160 --> 00:25:50,879 Speaker 2: Games stakes well. 533 00:25:51,040 --> 00:25:53,840 Speaker 1: Sarama's constraints let approach will likely take some time to 534 00:25:53,880 --> 00:25:55,719 Speaker 1: get used to, making the job of winning as an 535 00:25:55,720 --> 00:25:58,520 Speaker 1: expansion team even tougher. The best you can ask of 536 00:25:58,560 --> 00:26:00,600 Speaker 1: this team is to re establish a good culture and 537 00:26:00,640 --> 00:26:03,200 Speaker 1: fan base in Portland, with the city getting a second 538 00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:04,800 Speaker 1: chance to support a wteam. 539 00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:07,200 Speaker 2: We made it. 540 00:26:07,520 --> 00:26:10,000 Speaker 1: We made it through all fifteen teams. I'm ready, I 541 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:12,600 Speaker 1: feel ready, You feel ready? All right, we got to 542 00:26:12,600 --> 00:26:15,760 Speaker 1: take another break when we return. Watching dreams come true 543 00:26:15,880 --> 00:26:26,640 Speaker 1: never gets old. Welcome Max Slices. We love that you're listening, 544 00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:27,920 Speaker 1: but we want you to get in the game every 545 00:26:27,960 --> 00:26:30,080 Speaker 1: day too, So here's our good game play of the day. 546 00:26:30,640 --> 00:26:33,600 Speaker 1: Send us photos of your game watching setup from the weekend. 547 00:26:33,880 --> 00:26:37,200 Speaker 1: We want to see those extra screens, those sharcouterie boards, 548 00:26:37,280 --> 00:26:41,159 Speaker 1: those packed women's sports bars or sold out arenas. And 549 00:26:41,200 --> 00:26:42,760 Speaker 1: if you do make it out to a game in person, 550 00:26:42,840 --> 00:26:45,040 Speaker 1: we want to hear about it too. Send us a 551 00:26:45,080 --> 00:26:48,200 Speaker 1: voicemail from your pregame tailgate or your seat in the stands. 552 00:26:48,400 --> 00:26:50,879 Speaker 1: We want to be able to hear the vibes. Hit 553 00:26:50,960 --> 00:26:53,639 Speaker 1: us up on email good game at wondermedianetwork dot com 554 00:26:53,840 --> 00:26:55,760 Speaker 1: or leave us a voicemail at eight seven two two 555 00:26:55,840 --> 00:26:59,320 Speaker 1: o four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe, rate 556 00:26:59,359 --> 00:27:02,120 Speaker 1: and review slates. It helps the show and it's real 557 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:06,439 Speaker 1: easy watch seeing someone's dream come true in real time. 558 00:27:06,920 --> 00:27:08,400 Speaker 2: Rating five out of five. 559 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:12,840 Speaker 1: Screams of surprise and delight review. The video of pitcher 560 00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:16,120 Speaker 1: Carlin Pickens learning she'd gone number one in the AUSL 561 00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:20,760 Speaker 1: draft is so delightful. Pickens, surrounded by family, friends and teammates, 562 00:27:20,960 --> 00:27:23,600 Speaker 1: looked absolutely shocked to hear her name called first as 563 00:27:23,640 --> 00:27:26,720 Speaker 1: she was selected by the Carolina Blaze. The joy is 564 00:27:26,840 --> 00:27:29,960 Speaker 1: frankly contagious. We'll link to the video in the show notes. 565 00:27:30,280 --> 00:27:33,719 Speaker 1: Now it's your turn, y'all, Rate and review, Thanks for listening, 566 00:27:33,920 --> 00:27:34,879 Speaker 1: See you next week. 567 00:27:35,320 --> 00:27:38,080 Speaker 2: Good Game, WNBA on your thirtieth birthday. 568 00:27:38,640 --> 00:27:41,159 Speaker 1: Good game anyone who manages to watch a little bit 569 00:27:41,240 --> 00:27:46,800 Speaker 1: of all seven NWSL, PWHL and WNBA games tonight. You 570 00:27:46,960 --> 00:27:50,080 Speaker 1: the anticipatory anxiety we feel knowing we can't watch everything 571 00:27:50,119 --> 00:27:55,000 Speaker 1: this weekend. Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iheartwomen's 572 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:58,040 Speaker 1: sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. 573 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:01,320 Speaker 1: You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, 574 00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:04,840 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network, 575 00:28:05,040 --> 00:28:05,960 Speaker 1: our producers are. 576 00:28:05,800 --> 00:28:09,040 Speaker 2: Alex Azzi and Bianca Hillier. Our executive producers are. 577 00:28:09,040 --> 00:28:12,439 Speaker 1: Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder. Our 578 00:28:12,560 --> 00:28:15,919 Speaker 1: editors are Emily Rutter, Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez and Gianna Palmer. 579 00:28:16,160 --> 00:28:19,480 Speaker 1: Production assistants from Avery LOFTUS and I'm Your Host Sarah 580 00:28:19,520 --> 00:28:19,840 Speaker 1: Spain