No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

No team in WNBA history has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five series. Chantel is joined by senior columnist Marcus Thompson II to break down the Aces and Liberty facing that exact challenge heading into Game 3. Can either team flip the script and keep its season alive?
They also dive into the Valkyries’ rise and Gabby Williams’ impact, asking whether Golden State is showing the WNBA a new way to win a championship—without relying on one superstar. Plus, how is Atlanta finding ways to win without leading scorer Allisha Gray?
Finally, we wrap things up with Annie catching up with internet sensation Coach Jackie about her new podcast, Is She Game?

REFERENCES:

Atlanta Dream take 2-0 semifinals lead against New York Liberty by Annie Costabile

The Liberty didn’t call a reset timeout late in OT. Now they’re in an 0-2 hole by Chantel Jennings

Breanna Stewart unhappy with officiating after Game 2 OT loss: ‘It’s pretty frustrating’ by Annie Costabile

Valkyries take Game 2 for 2-0 semifinals lead, can clinch first finals berth in Las Vegas by Sabreena Merchant

For relentless Natalie Nakase, rest was the recharge the Valkyries required by Brian Hamilton

Veronica Burton’s gutsy shot shows why Valkyries have defending champs on ropes by Marcus Thompson II
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What’s next for Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever? Brian Hamilton and Candace Buckner break down Cunningham’s season, the controversy surrounding the Fever, and how it has impacted the team.
They also dive into what it takes to build the right supporting cast around Caitlin Clark, including Kelsey Mitchell’s future, player personalities, the pressure of playing alongside a superstar and the challenges that come with the Fever’s massive spotlight. Plus, what should Indiana prioritize as it looks to build a team capable of competing at the highest level?

REFERENCES:
Fever should part with Sophie Cunningham. She’s too turbulent to be paired with Caitlin Clark by Candace Buckner
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Game 2 is here, and the pressure is on! After Atlanta and Golden State landed the first punches in the semifinals, the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces now face a must-answer situation on the road. Chantel, Annie and Sabreena break down what’s at stake as New York and Las Vegas look to steal a road win and even their respective series. Can either team flip the momentum, or will Atlanta and Golden State protect home court?
Before diving into Game 2, the trio discuss Napheesa Collier’s uncertain future with the Lynx following Minnesota’s early playoff exit. Could Napheesa explore other options this offseason? Then, they turn to Kelsey Mitchell’s experience with the Indiana Fever, exploring the contrast between her on-court success and the challenges she continues to face from fans online — and how those experiences may be shaping the way she approaches free agency and her desire to put herself first.
To wrap things up, we make out Game 2 predictions and break down the biggest matchups that could determine who takes control of the semifinals.

REFERENCES:
Napheesa Collier’s early playoff exit means her offseason dilemma starts now by Chantel Jennings

Kelsey Mitchell counters Fever GM’s defense of fans, vows to ‘be selfish’ in free agency by Devon Henderson

NBA hires search firm to identify Cathy Engelbert’s replacement as WNBA commissioner: Sources by Annie Costabile

Without injured Allisha Gray, Dream power to Game 1 semifinal win over Liberty by Annie Costabile

A late addition to the Dream, 17-year WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner looks like the key by Chantel Jennings

Valkyries’ Gabby Williams shines in Game 1 WNBA semifinals defeat of Aces by Sabreena Merchant

Golden State Valkyries flex their depth to expose Aces’ flaws in Game 1 of WNBA semifinals by Marcus Thompson II
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The first round ends with two wild winner-take-all games, and Zena and Sabreena are breaking it all down. They react to the Valkyries eliminating the Wings in a thrilling Game 3 at Ballhalla, then turn to Las Vegas, where the Aces took down the Fever to punch their ticket to the semifinals. From there, it’s all about what’s next. The duo previews both semifinal matchups — Aces vs. Valkyries and Liberty vs. Dream — diving into the key matchups, biggest questions and X-factors to watch as the next round gets underway.

REFERENCES:
Golden State Valkyries advance to first semifinals, setting up showdown with Aces by Sabreena Merchant
A’ja Wilson, Aces advance as Caitlin Clark, Fever fall short in playoffs by Sabreena Merchant
Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year by Sabreena Merchant
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The first-round Game 2s delivered drama, overtime and sweeps. Zena along with James Boyd break down everything you need to know, from the Wings’ overtime battle and the Fever forcing a decisive Game 3 against the Aces to the Liberty sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx and the Dream taking down a young and talented Mystics team. Plus, they unpack the biggest storylines and what’s next for the teams still fighting for a spot in the semifinals.

REFERENCES:

A’ja Wilson, Aces frazzled and frustrated in Fever loss. In Game 3, they must reclaim their identity by Brian Hamilton
A’ja Wilson confronts courtside fan, receives technical during Aces-Fever playoff game by James Boyd
Liberty become first No. 8 seed to beat No. 1 seed in WNBA playoffs, eliminate Lynx by Annie Costabile
WNBA playoffs results, takeaways: Dream ‘old head’ leads team to semis for 1st time since 2018 by Sabreena Merchant
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.