October 15, 2025 • 44 mins
This week, Khristina is joined by LaChina Robinson and Terrika Foster-Brasby to discuss the WNBA season's end and the Las Vegas Aces' historic finals win. They unpack A'ja Wilson's performance, Becky Hammon's coaching strategies, and team dynamics, reflecting on what worked and what didn't. They discuss what's happening with the coaches, highlighting Kristi Toliver's debut as a head coach and whether Sandy Brondello is a good fit for the Dallas Wings. Then in Angel news... Angel Reese is gaining popularity in the fashion industry.
Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina, follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams
Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a rating and a review!
CREDITS
Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producer:
Buffy Gorrilla
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Host:
Khristina Williams
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
Missed It with Christina Williams. Here on Iheartwomen's Sports and
in case you missed a Gang. The WNBA season has
(00:23):
officially ended. The Las Vegas Aces won their third title
in four years, and here to talk about that and
more as friends to the show. Oh wait, fam to
the show. Let me correct myself, fam to the show
to Rika Foster Brasby and China Robinson, and I feel
a little special because these two used to host a
(00:45):
very popular show called Around the Rim, So I feel
like this is somewhat.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Of a mini reunion.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
So w fans are in for a special treat today.
But t China, welcome back to the show.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
I'm the one that feels special, Christina, because Herika doesn't
really make time for me anymore. So the fact that
she would jump on being the superstar that she is
spend a little time with her old co hosts, you know,
it's just it means so much to me, So I'm
excited to.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Be here in her, in her company, in her presence.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
You know, you would think after all this time, she
would just stop me and petty and it just never ends.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Ever. I obviously missed the memo for today because you
both a rock and some amazing fitteds until you got
the w NBA logo bit, but China got the U
n I bus up. You guys definitely showed up today.
But okay, let's do this all right. So before we
get into the news of the week for the w
(01:46):
I scrolled on X before this recording and just saw
that DiAngelo had passed at fifty one years old. Tee,
I know you and Neo Soul Queen, well that's you,
that's your ish, But just wanted to pay my respects.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
That was very shocking news this morning.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
What's so interesting about that is that Angie Stone recently
passed away and he and Angie Stone share.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
A child together.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
So my heart really does go out to that family
because now that child is without a mother and a father,
and that has got to be something very difficult to
deal with. So definitely sending my prayers in love to
those who were close to him, knew him, and his
family and friends.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Yeah, man, what is your favorite d'angelo's song, Oh it's
gotta be believe it or not, it's either brown Sugar
or cruising m with China. Ooh oh your mom mmmmmm MoMA.
That is such a good one.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Yeah, that's probably my one. But it's just sad.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
And I saw somebody and posted that like a lot
of hip hop artists are dying young, being met when
he was fifty, Coolio fifty nine, like Nate Dogg was
fifty one.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Nate dog was one.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Of my favorites. Love Nate Dogg was one of my favorites.
He was fifty seven. So like hip hop R and B,
it's just sad to see so many die so young.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
So yeah, peace, yeah, and our deepest condolence is to
the friends and family of D'Angelo. All Right, I hate
to pivot like this, but let's get into the WNBA Finals.
First of all, this is the first seven game series
finals in WNBA history. The Aces ended it in four.
(03:38):
I want to know, do you think that this finals
lived up to the hype?
Speaker 3 (03:43):
I would say not, and I only say that because
I expected Phoenix to win at least one game, if
not more, and so coming into the finals from the
semi finals, Phoenix had so much steam on their back.
They had taken out New York, who were the defending champs,
(04:04):
they had taken out Minnesota, who were playing in the
finals last year, and so like, I was looking at
this as Phoenix's rise to the map, right, like their
placement amongst the best teams on the biggest stage. I mean,
the playoff stage is big in general, but definitely the finals,
and I expected more. I expected them to win, and
(04:29):
I'm saying that based on how they played in the playoffs.
If we go back and really look at this team,
in my opinion, they overachieved in year one with their
new Big three Big four if you had to want
to bonner into it. But in essence, I love to
see a seven game series. This is our first year
going seven. I wanted to see it go to link
or least see Phoenix win a game. So I'm gonna say, yeah,
(04:52):
it didn't give me what I was expected. It was
great to see the Aces be the Aces and to
dominate in a Wilson to play beautiful basketball, but I
would have wanted a more competitive series. Yeah, I'm gonna
say yes, and no, right, I'm not quite sure I
even knew or understood what the hype was coming into
(05:14):
this series. It seemed pretty obvious to me that most
people thought that the Aces were gonna win, and so
I'm not sure that there was a level of hypeness that.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Literally came with this series. But as it relates to
the format, what I did like and what I did
feel being a seven game series was that there was
a guaranteed game, two games, shall I say, in each place,
right regardless of who won or lost, there was going
to be a guarantee two games in Las Vegas and
(05:44):
two games in Phoenix, and the fans were really excited
about that, even though they were down three in the series.
Just being in Phoenix and talking to fans and seeing
their excitement around the series all together, they seemed to
be really excited about having two games in their building,
and that's something that was not guaranteed in the five
game format.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
So I do think that that.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
Aspect of it was really cool, just to really give
an equal opportunity for both teams to have a chance
to really indulge their fans and get their city excited
about being in the finals. But as the game itself,
there were moments for sure that was exciting. I mean,
seeing the Aces come back in game one after Phoenix
was dominating was a lot of fun.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Seeing Phoenix come back in.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
Game three and four, but three specifically where there was
literally like a Dowana Bonner shot away from maybe tying
the game or taking over, that was a lot of fun.
So there were moments, but overall, I don't think that
there was really any hype to live up to. It
felt like everybody thought the Aces were gonna win and they.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Did so Tee, I'm gonna have to disagree with you
on everyone thinking the Aces We're going to win. I
think that, as Latina said, people came into this series
thinking that Phoenix would win at least one, giving the
roster and the finals appearance as the experience on that roster.
I think that people came in thinking Phoenix could get
(07:07):
at least one, given their path to the finals beating
New York, beating Minnesota. But I do have to say
that overall it was a bit underwhelming. And for me
in that Game four, you saw me canceling my flight
at half time, I.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Was like, she was, this is this is this is
a rap.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
But going back to the moments, right, I feel like
Ka had some really good moments and spurts in the finals,
especially when it came down to the wire in game one,
in Game three, in game four as well, But I
also feel like Phoenix just couldn't get a break, especially
in that Game four you'red coaching Natibbitts. He got ejected,
Callia Copper filed out, she was ejected to Wanna Batter
(07:49):
was given a technical as well, and a few players
were in foul trouble. So it was really hard to
enjoy that last game because I felt like the revs
were all up and through there.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Yeah, no, agree, To be clear, I wasn't suggesting that
Phoenix couldn't win a game. I'm saying I don't think
the hype coming in was that this was going to
be a close series.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
I think most people thought that the No, everybody il
saw I took aces and six or aces in five. Really.
I'm also a gambler too, so the sportsbooks most definitely
had the aces.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Let's talk about the performance of Asia Wilson, who snacked
another Finals MVP trophy. I mean, we know how historic
that Game three shot was with two points two left
on the clock, But what impressed you overall about Asia
Wilson's run in.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
The playoffs this year, what impressed me most?
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Wow, God, I think everything was impressive, right, which is
very difficult given that Asia Wilson does so many things,
almost everything will that it feels like it's hard to
even be impressed. But I think her resiliency, just the
way that she continues to motivate those around her, the
(08:59):
way that she just never gave up at all this season,
the way that people continue to talk about how her
leadership just propels them to play at a different level.
And I don't know if I don't I think I've
said this a few times that I feel like every
championship that they've had has been won in a different
(09:20):
way where it feels.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Like the twenty twenty two to one was like.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
You know, Asia had been there from the very beginning,
from her the beginning of her career, so it kind
of was like a coming of age moment. Twenty twenty
three was a dominant season. It was like, we know
that we're finna win this back to back, but twenty
twenty four just presented such an excuse me, twenty twenty
five just presented such a different challenge for Asia she
had to miss time because she had a concussion earlier
(09:45):
in the season. She wasn't talked about as a favorite
for being the MVP early on, she got beat by
fifty points. I don't think I've ever seen Asia lose
by fifty points by a team like so there was
just really different challenges that she had to overcome. She
launched her shoe line this year. There were so many
things that were going on in her life inside and
(10:06):
outside of basketball that I just felt like her resiliency
really shown, and she used that as a way to
kind of motivate her team. And I just can't I
can't say enough about how those character traits, those human
elements of Asia really shining through on the court every
single time she's out there, whether it's on the offensive
(10:27):
or defensive ends.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
So to me, just everything about her this.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Season was impressive, and not necessarily the x's and o's
or with the numbers show we know that Asia can
do that, but just adding those other things to what
she does and how she performs just really puts her
on a pedestal that not many other people can be
on the China.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
I saw the picture that she posted both you and
her in twenty seventeen when she was a game cop.
So I know that y'all have been covering Asia for
a really long time. But what stood out to you
about her finals performance?
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Yeah, I remember meeting Asia for the first time when
she was in high school. I presented the Naysmith High
School Player of the Year award to her, then ran
into her again at a w NBA game because she
loved coming to Atlanta and watching Lena Dela Dawn play.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
So I'm interacted with her for way back. But what
stood out to me about Asia in this finals run
was the.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Fact that looking back at the finals that I've had
the privilege to be a part of. I've been churdside
when Tamika Catching's won her WNBA championship, but I was
courtside when Kandas Parker led La to one. I was
courtside when Maya Moore and simonau Gustus led the Links
to everyone they won. I've been courtside and watched Sue
(11:42):
Bird and Brianna Stewart and this was probably the first
time in a final series and I was at home
this time, watched it on TV. But that I said
to myself, she cannot be stopped. She can absolutely not
be stopped. I just named a lot of greats in
the game, but in the finals in particular, I just
(12:05):
felt like Asia was invincible, and I knew that no
matter what Phoenix did in terms of adjustments, the one
adjustment they weren't going to be able to make was
guarding her. And that it speaks to her greatness and
how she elevates in the biggest moments.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
But it also.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Again, as I just went down that line of greates
that have performed at a high level in the finals,
to me just confirmed that she's amongst the greatest to
ever do it.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Arguably the greatest.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
You could make that argument for her, And so that's
what I took joy in watching is something that I'd
never seen before. A level of dominance that in the finals.
I'm not saying regular season every single game, but in
the finals, a level of dominance that I can't remember
seeing prior to this, And so it excites me because
(12:59):
that means the game is still going to another level
and there's still greatness that has yet to be seen.
But also you think about how far Asia has come
since twenty seventeen when me and T took that picture
of her She has been so intentional about her growth
as a player, adding to her skill set, becoming a
(13:20):
better leader. She's the most conditioned, best conditioned athlete on
the floor. Her mid rain shot like. She has made
herself great. She didn't just become great, she made herself great.
And so it was really just eye opening for me
to realize that we have a player that's generational and
(13:41):
is doing things on a level at a time in
the playoffs, in the finals that I haven't seen in
my time covering this league. Can I just add in
here that I'm so glad that you said generational. We
throw around the word generational talent so often and so
freely that I don't think I think people truly understand
what it means to be a generational talent.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
And I don't think that was a word that was
associated with Asia Wilson when she came into the league.
I don't think everybody saw it at that time. But
when you look at her accomplishments, her accolades, and the
fact that she is not even thirty years old yet
and still has the opportunity to add more MVPs, more championships,
more Olympic gold medals, more FEBA Championships. That to me
(14:26):
is truly what it means to be a generational talent.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Yeah. Absolutely, And I want to give Becky ham And
her flowers too, because I think I've probably said this
on like a previous segment, but when Becky became the
head coach of the Aces, everyone was like, oh, it's
so easy to win. It's so easy to win. So
I feel like the first two maybe right, but this one,
I feel like ment could have meant the most since
the path to the championship wasn't easy, going from eight
(14:52):
to two, being able to make this one on the
playoffs and then sweeping. But you saw the adjustments she
made in each every game against the Phoenix Mercury. How
all of the role players Dana Evans, ju Lloyd, who
people were criticizing this season, how they all came together
and were able to get these dubs against the Phoenix Mercury,
(15:12):
who had very talented players on the other side. A
Lista Thomas was in the running for MVP this year, Statusabli,
Jawanna Bonner, Kalea Kopper. So I just want to get
Becky her flowers too, because I feel like, you know,
people kind of underrate her as a coach and what
she's been able to do with this Aces squad given
(15:33):
the talent that she has.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
You really have to get Becky Hammond her props with
what Vegas did in this particular season, because I was
cortciled for that fifty three point loss and I didn't
see a way to a championship from that point. Now, granted,
I do think the Aces improvement started earlier in the season,
(15:55):
and it just took a while for it to show
up because there were so many changes. See Plum's gone.
You know, all the experience they had coming off the
bench was gone. Like we knew it was gonna take
some time, but I also understood that the Aces front
office understood the assignment when they went and got Melissa Smith,
like they weren't going to wait for everything to fall apart. Now,
(16:17):
it's still took time. Even when Melissa was traded for me,
she's a number two pick. I think it was like
late June when she came over, so it was before
the All Star break. But ultimately her being on that
team is a big reason why they won the championship.
And then you fast forward even more and you go
back to Becky Himmon making her team do the defensive scouts.
She was like, no, you guys are going to start
(16:38):
doing the defensive scouts. I remember talking to Jackie Young
one day and she was like, I mean, when I
watch film now, I'm watching our opponent. I'm watching what
we did last time against them. I'm watching what I
have to do against my defensive assignment work. They're good
at all these things, and so they have to start
coming in presenting the scout. Defense started to shift. Jewel
Lloyd comes and says, I want to come off the bench.
(16:59):
There's another turning point. So the text from Asia Wilson
after the fifty three point loss, like they were all
these moments along the way, but Becky Hammond managing the
expectations of that team, the pressure, keeping them equally balanced
between confident and wanting to improve right, like never losing
(17:20):
faith in who they could be, but also challenging them
like it had to get tough around there. It had
to get really really tough. I mean at one point
it was just like, I mean, R. Dace is going
to make the playoffs. I mean I was one of
those people who did not see that kind of turnaround coming.
So Becky deserves her credit and flowers for a lot
of what happened this season.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Yes, she does have Agea Wilson and Chelsea Gray, And I.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Mean, the talent is there, but you got to know
how to motivate it and what to do with it
and how to handle it in the crisis, and this
year there was a lot of crisis.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Yeah, one hundred percent agreed.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
And you know what is funny and the plus game presser,
excuse me, in the pregame presser for Gang four, I
asked Becky, I said, you know, you.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
Don't have a rookie team. You don't have a team
full of new people. You got a team full of
vets that have been here before that have the experience.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
How do you motivate a team like that?
Speaker 4 (18:12):
Like, what can you tell people who have already done it,
who have already been here, who already know pretty much
everything that there needs that you need to say to somebody?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
How do you motivate them?
Speaker 4 (18:21):
And she was just like, you just got to tell
them to stay locked in, Like that's it, because you
can get to times where either they're too hard on themselves,
or they're not hard enough on themselves, or they get
a little complacent or they're just not understanding the moment,
and you just got to tell them to stay locked in.
And that's exactly what the message was for what we
could see to be the entire finals, to just stay
(18:43):
locked in. They never got too high, they never got
too low, no matter when Phoenix started to make comebacks.
No matter what happened, you could see that the Aces
were just completely locked in, completely dialed in. And that's
the pedigree of what makes a good team, what makes
a great team. There's only three other coaches that have
won multiple championships with the same team, Cheryl Reed, Bill Lambiert,
(19:04):
and Vance Chancellor, and now you can add Becky Hammond
to that list. The fact that the Aces were even
able to keep a corp this long is something that
is to be commended because of the eight the day
and age of where we are right now, the way
this game is continuing to expand, the way free agency
has kind of turned up in the past over the
last several years. People aren't sticking around. They're doing whatever
(19:28):
it is they feel this best for them and their career,
and if that means moving and leaving, they're moving and leaving.
So just the fact that they were even able to
retain that kind of core that championship corps, that in
itself is commendable for Becky in the front office. And
then the last thing I'll add is, when you talk
about changes, we got to remember this is also a
team that lost two of their assistant coaches that were
(19:51):
very pivotal to those other championships.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Natalie Niicssi, she's out of there.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
She's got her own team that had a chance at
making it throughout the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
Tyler, he's in Chicago.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
So there were a lot of changes outside of just
the players that Becky had to manage this year.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
So for anyone not willing to.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
Give her credit for what she did this year in particular,
I don't think they understand.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
The gravity of basketball very well.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Yeah, and to your point too, Christian about the adjustments.
Her throwing that zone in was a game changer, Like
that was the game Phoenix was supposed to win, and
it only takes one game to like give your team
momentum or take it away, and she stole it.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yeah. I was gonna say shout out to Nicki Fargus
as well, because they also didn't have a GA and
she was, you know, the mastermind behind.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Did everything feeling to dealing back there. I was like, Nikki, sod,
what who's doing?
Speaker 3 (20:50):
She was like, you know, I'm me and Becky get together.
I think it was the two of them like in
cahoots on this GM question.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
What the first did you tell you? NBA history to
win a chip is without a GM.
Speaker 4 (21:01):
What a surprise you given that Becky k from a
Greg Popovich coaching tree in which pop was the GM
for San Antonio for forever.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
She know what she doing.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
I believe that during Game four we got to see
a glimpse of Christy Tolliver in that first chair as
a head coach when Na Tibbets was ejected from the game,
(21:32):
and you know, you could see some adjustments late in
the game and Phoenix was able to try to make
a push, but ultimately the Aces just was too much
for them. And I liked what I saw in terms
of what she was doing, how she tried to, you know,
get Kalanie Brown involved in the game. Who I think
Phoenix could have benefited honestly from using her a little
(21:53):
bit earlier in the series. But I liked what I
was seeing in that second half of the game in
game four for Christie.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
I definitely tweeted post game where during the game Toronto, Portland, Dallas, everybody,
I hope y'all paying attention at what Christy's doing.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Christie's not news to this coaching scene.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
When Christy was playing, she was still acting as assistant
coach and a bench coach for the Dallas Maverick. She's
been a coach for the Washington Mystics when she was
doing like she's this is not new to her. But
it also speaks to the point that we've probably all
of us up here have fed multiple times, is that
there are greats of this game and players who still
(22:33):
have the ability to give back in different ways.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
And it just.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Feels like current players can resonate a little differently when
former players are coaches, because they know that they understand
and have been in those moments and can certainly relate
to what it means to be in those moments. And
I felt like watching Christy that that's exactly what that was,
because the team shifted when Christy became the coach. The
defense turned up, the schemes turned up, she started using
(22:58):
the bench more. We have been talking about why Nate
went using the bench for months, let alone during the finals.
So it just feels like it was an opportunity for
her to showcase what most of us kind of already knew,
and that was that Christy Tolliver is good enough and
has shown over and over that she can be a
head coach for a team and most likely successful in
(23:20):
doing so.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Yeah, you hit the nail on the head tea.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
In watching those moments, you could see that connection with
Christy and the players, and I could say, going to
shoot arounds and practices covering Phoenix this season, it was palpable.
And y'all all understand that when your relationships with your
coach because you respect them because they played in the
league or because you just have a relationship with them
(23:46):
like that makes you play to a different level, makes
your respect level then goes through the roof. But Christy's
been ready to be a head coach in this league.
It's really about whenever she feels like the best opportunity
presents itself. She's always been a relationship person, and I
know that she has close relationships with that core group
in Phoenix that she's been coaching there. But the bottom
(24:07):
line is higher players, that higher coaches that have played
in this league, like higher head coaches in the WNBA
that have played in the WNBA, these women deserve an opportunity.
Is their set, sweat equity that has built this league.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
To where it is. If you notice there.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
Is more interests from people wanting to coach the w
now that the money and the dollars in the media
and all those things are rising, but let's not forget
about the players that lay the foundation for all of this,
and we need to see more players as head coaches.
Like in this last hiring cycle, however, many openings there
(24:50):
were were a lot very disappointed. I was very disappointed
to not see WNBA players former WNBA players get more chance,
and that needs to happen this time around, period point blank.
I mean, I don't know if it's a lack of consideration.
I don't know if it's this, hey, we're gonna interview
(25:10):
you just to say we interviewed you.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
But players who played in.
Speaker 3 (25:14):
This league deserve to be head coaches in this league.
And I'm not saying anybody else doesn't. But players have
played in the WNBA deserve to be head coaches.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
In the WNBA. And I'm gonna take you a step further,
hire black women, please and thank you.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Okay, that party and Tolliver has reportedly sparked the interest
of the New York Liberty, and I know that attending
that invite only exit meeting with general manager Jonathan Cole,
we talked about wanting to evolve as a group, wanting
to get coaches who sort of had that NBA experience,
and I think that Tolliver has both. And when you
(25:48):
think about what the Liberty want to do in the
next chapter of that franchise in terms of getting back
to contending for a championship, I feel like she would
be a great kid to potentially be a head coach
in New York. And so we'll keep our eyes on
that story. So, outside of Christy Tolliver receiving interest from
(26:11):
teams like the New York Liberty, UH, it's reported that
the Dallas Wings are interested in coach Sandy Brundello, who's
won championships with the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty.
The reports states that they want a coach who has
head coaching experience and that I kind of like the
parent potentially of a coach like Sandy Brundelo with a
(26:33):
player like Paige Beckers, what are your thoughts of Dallas
potentially being interested interested in Sandy Brundelo.
Speaker 3 (26:42):
I really like Sandy as a coach, and I think
that she has the experience. She's won championships, She's coached
the best in the best players in the game. Dallas
should be interested in Sandy Brondelo. I would absolutely say yes.
I think a team especially that's really young and figuring
(27:05):
it out, like you know a lot of players.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
That have recently come out of college.
Speaker 3 (27:10):
You've got Paige Beckers, you know, I know, with the
free agency beyond the rookies and a couple other bets,
we don't know who's gonna be all on the roster,
So if it is Sandy, she may fall up on
a different roster next year.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
But I have.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
Been a Sandy fan and felt like Phoenix let her
go to early. I feel like New York let her
go to early considering everything that that team went through
injury wise this year. So I would absolutely be a fan.
So here's my mixed feelings, right. I love Sandy.
Speaker 4 (27:45):
I think Sandy's amazing, She's a great coach, She's a champion,
she's an Olympian.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Like I'm here for it right.
Speaker 4 (27:51):
My concern, and I say this in love, My con
third is Kurt Miller.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
Kurt, are you gonna let Sandy be Sandy? Are you
gonna let her coach? For real? Are you gonna let
her take the team to the level that they need
to take the team to?
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Because as much as I love Kurt Miller, I know
that sometimes he can be a little controlling and sometimes
he could want things to be done his way, and
that has worked in some instances, But in some instances
you just kind of gotta let go of the control
(28:27):
just a little bit. And if you're not gonna allow
Sandy to coach and be the style of coach that
has been successful for her over the many years, then don't.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
Play with her.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
So that's my reservation, not will she be a great
coach for Dallas, because I think she'd be amazing no
matter where she is. Her resume speaks loud enough to
where that woman can coach in any establishment for any
team that's smart enough and pays her and can get her.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
But do right by her if you are.
Speaker 4 (28:56):
Interested in her and you want her to be your
head coach, and let her be your head coach one hundred,
understand what she's doing, and allow her to be that.
That's my only reservation you.
Speaker 3 (29:07):
I'm just glad that you that curR is no longer
in Connecticut, so you can take y'all if your Kurt
Miller has that.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
But I love okay, okay, because he was with the Sun.
Speaker 2 (29:23):
I was like te, I needed to holler at you
a few things, but.
Speaker 3 (29:28):
Yeah, I agree with you, and I think I think
the control starts higher than that. I think Dallas has
been an organization where those.
Speaker 2 (29:37):
That are at the front office.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
Level, by title or not are extra engaged in what's
happening in the coaching. So I that's it.
Speaker 1 (29:49):
That's it, that's it. I want to talk about something
fun because Angel Reese was announced as a Victoria's Secret Angel,
(30:09):
and we know, just as big as a year as
Angel Wilson has been having, it's been a year of
Angel Reese as well. At China. I saw your tweet
saying that the brand of Angel Reese is just the
price that's going to continue to go up. I don't
know if that's exactly what you treat it, but I'm paraphrasing,
but she will make her debut on The Victoria's Secret
Runway Show this week.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
There's one brand I need Angel to get her own, baby,
get on Subway. I can't do McDonald's because I'm trying
to keep my figure, Okay, but I need you to
get on Subway so that I could be buying off
all of the Angel Reefe Subway sandwiches.
Speaker 2 (30:42):
Okay, Like, there's not.
Speaker 4 (30:44):
A brand that Angel could get that I would not
want to follow, want to support, like anything like that
is the kind of person she is and whoever is
on her marketing team, they are doing a phenomenal job.
Speaker 2 (30:57):
So get my girl connected.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
With Subway so I can get a tune to see
which in the A and show Angel recent Love Thank You.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Subway might be.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
A little problematic after.
Speaker 2 (31:08):
I'm gonna have to go back and look at the
nutrition facts.
Speaker 3 (31:11):
Because I don't know that Subway is that much further
away from McDonald's.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
But that process met.
Speaker 3 (31:19):
But so yes, I'm very very happy for Angel, and
I'm happy for what that means for women in sports
and what it means for Black women because we've always
been made to believe that we weren't marketable and there
wasn't a market for us, and that people won't buy
things if we're on it, that we need traditional American
(31:41):
women selling products and Angels everything. But she is herself
and it's just beautiful to see her stack checks, like
the wealth of factor people don't understand, like where we
come from, okay as a community, like that.
Speaker 2 (31:59):
Kind of wealth. I just smile, like, girl, you have
some of the.
Speaker 3 (32:04):
Biggest brands in everything, food, clothing, She got like some
kind of bank or cash app or something.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
I mean, it's just everything. Yeah, And so it's wonderful
to see.
Speaker 3 (32:19):
The one thing I do want to see for Angel
Reaves moving forward is in her relationships with these brands.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
I want to see more of Angel and who she is.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
And what I mean by that is like humanizing her,
because Angel takes a beating out here like these fans
fans of the WNBA, but the aren't fans of Angel
or people in general just nitpick her and they are
always saying negative and bad things to her.
Speaker 2 (32:49):
And I think sometimes.
Speaker 3 (32:49):
People just need a reminder that this is a young
woman just trying to live.
Speaker 2 (32:54):
And grow and thrive and be at her best every day.
Speaker 3 (32:58):
And I want to see her story told more. It
was told some in her, you know, with her shoe
and being from Baltimore, and I know she's brought her
mom into the narrative of many things that she's talked about,
but it's not enough for me.
Speaker 2 (33:13):
Like, I just want to see her.
Speaker 3 (33:15):
Humanized more in these partnerships and like her story told
in a different way, you know, in these markets.
Speaker 2 (33:23):
But yeah, get the rebox shoe, get all the things.
I'm I'm always sharing for Angel.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
Rees Listen, iual watching the Victoria's Secret Runway Show. So
you had Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, the Giselle. So yeah,
we just have much sports and fashion and entertainment at
all intersects. So I love this for Angel, and I
love that she continues to prove people wrong. There was
people saying or making fun of how she walks in
(33:49):
hills and She's like, well, gonna, We're gonna prove y'all
wrong at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And I'm taking
Mussons and I'm pouring as much training into sports as
I do this part of my life, and I'm going
to kill it on October fifteenth at the Victoria's Secret
Row the show. So shouts to Angel, congratulations. I want
to end this conversation with obviously talking about the CBA negotiations.
(34:11):
The deadline is looming. October thirty first is slowly creeping up.
We've heard from Kathy and in the finals ahead of
Game one. We know what happened with the Visa Collier
and the players have been publicly supporting the FISA as
they negotiate the next CBA, and we know that on
(34:32):
October thirty first, if they can't come to an agreement,
there's a possibility of a lockout or a strike or
the CBA can be extended. Given where we are right now,
what do you think will happen on October thirty first?
Speaker 4 (34:46):
She will start with you that I'm gonna be dressed
up as Naomi from WWE following That's what I think
will happen.
Speaker 2 (34:53):
On October thirty fighters, because other than NATA Honey eight,
no CBA getting.
Speaker 3 (35:00):
Done by hottop for thirty first, Like it just it
just amazes me how there's been plenty of time, right
Like they started this negotiation at the opt out, which
has been months in the making, So it's not like
this is, you know, something that is approaching that is
all the sudden, Like this.
Speaker 2 (35:18):
Has been a deadline that has been looming for quite
a while.
Speaker 4 (35:21):
And the fact that we don't feel that not only
have conversations gotten any closer, but that they may even
be a bit more strained now than they were before.
Just based off the events that have happened over the
last couple of weeks and the revelation of how the
relationships have really been between the commissioner and some players,
and even now some reports talking about some owners, it
(35:42):
does not make me feel confident that there will be
any type of movement towards closing in a deal by
the thirty first.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
Now.
Speaker 4 (35:50):
Do I think that next season won't be a season,
Absolutely not. I think the season will happen.
Speaker 2 (35:56):
I do believe.
Speaker 4 (35:57):
I believe the season will happen on time. Do I
think that they might rush some things yet? Sure, but
I do believe wholeheartedly that the season won't happen. But
let me just say this, I don't put anything past
these players. These are players that have stood up for
injustices far as far as time can remember, whether that's
(36:18):
LGBTQYA rights, whether that's the slaying of black and brown
men and women, whether that's like these women have stood
up for so many different things over the course of
time that it would be ludicrous to think that they.
Speaker 2 (36:31):
Won't stand up for themselves.
Speaker 4 (36:33):
So to me to say that they won't lock out,
that there won't be a workstop, itch for me to
say that it won't happen, I can't definitively say that,
because I think that these women will absolutely do what
they feel is necessary to ensure that they come away
with the things that they desire and that they deserve.
But I do think that there will be a season.
I just can't foresee that negotiation coming to a close
(36:56):
within the next two weeks.
Speaker 1 (36:58):
Yeah. Same.
Speaker 3 (37:00):
I will just say this has just been sad to
see all this unfold, quite honestly, to see the league,
in particular Kathy Engelbert in her relationships with the players
at this point, with the alleged comments that she said
to the Fista Collier. I think what's probably very hard
for the players at this point is that every day
(37:21):
they wake up to a new w n B, a headline,
more money, more ratings, valuation expansion, Like they're waking up
every day and the numbers are.
Speaker 2 (37:35):
Going changing, changing, changing, changing.
Speaker 3 (37:39):
Everywhere except for where they need it to be, which
is in their payment where they deserve it to be.
Speaker 2 (37:45):
So Tee, I agree with you.
Speaker 3 (37:46):
I don't see anything happening by the thirty first. It's
sad that it has had to get to this point, honestly,
And I go back to those comments by Kathy. Allegedly
the game changed when those words left her mouth, because
there is a difference if they did allegedly. There is
(38:07):
a difference between feeling like you're not getting what you
deserve and negotiation and feeling like disrespected for or not
appreciated for what you bring to the table like there's
and don't get me wrong, a figure can be disrespecting,
but to hear.
Speaker 2 (38:24):
Such words.
Speaker 3 (38:27):
Allegedly come out of someone's mouth, that is a tough
pill to swallow. And I don't know how many other
players knew that this had happened. So now it goes
from maybe the feast of feeling a certain kind of
way about the w leadership too. Now everybody knows these
comments and like coming to their own realization of what
(38:48):
may be happening there.
Speaker 2 (38:52):
It's a lot to unpack.
Speaker 1 (38:54):
Yeah, a lot of Kathy was present at the WNBA Finals,
and she wasn't well received by the fans. Who bowed
her as she presented both the Finals MVP Trophy and
the Championship Trophy to the aces. Chelsea Gray, Asia Wilson, Juloyd.
They were all asked post game about what they thought
(39:15):
in terms of the booze and how they perceived Kathy,
and this is what Chelsea Gray had to say about that, Oh, you.
Speaker 5 (39:25):
Have great players, need the freedom like that, and and
that's the top the bottom. That's you have great players
and there's been.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
A lot of.
Speaker 6 (39:49):
There's been a lot of eyes on this league, right
and everybody's stepping up to the plate and putting on
performances that's legendary. You have legends that you guys get
to witness every single day. And so when you have
a league full of people like that and used to
be treated as such in places, that's payment, that's treatment,
(40:16):
that's revenue share, that's everything we can you know, that's
a bigger conversation. We'll be here for a long time.
But when you have players like that and at the
forefront of change, you have to pay them like that,
you have to value them like that, cause there's no
league without players.
Speaker 1 (40:32):
Basically, what Chelsea Gray was saying that it was like
you need to treat us like star players. And you know,
going back to that, I don't think that the deal
would get done on October thirty first, but if we
look at what happened in twenty twenty, the deal didn't
get done until the next the next year, January February.
And Katy's been on this show and she said that
she believes a deal would get done January.
Speaker 2 (40:53):
February the latest. I mean the earliest, sorry, the earliest,
so we'll be locked in honey domboos.
Speaker 3 (41:01):
Honey was crazy that broadcast did not do that rant
of justice because we were I just got to tell
your fans because I don't want them to think that
we're tripping when we say this that we were less
than six feet away from Kathy, Like if anyone is
not really clear of where we are on the court
during the trophy presentation, there's the trophy in the middle,
(41:23):
there's the ESPN broadcast cameras that have to be right
in front of us, and then you know, Christina, myself,
some others. We have a special vest that allows us
to be literally right behind them.
Speaker 2 (41:36):
Couldn't hear a word that Kathy said.
Speaker 4 (41:39):
I saw her mouth moving and then I saw a
trophy get passed to Mark Davis and the crowd went bananas.
Speaker 2 (41:45):
Before then, I.
Speaker 4 (41:46):
Couldn't hear a word that Kathy said. So that just
further proves the point that it's not even just the players,
Like if work stop, this word to continue, the fans
would probably be in support of it too, because they
have no problem expressing themselves as of right now, let
alone as this continues.
Speaker 2 (42:06):
Yeah, yeah, that's a lot on the line for.
Speaker 3 (42:08):
These players, and WNBA players have never been They've never
shot away from really standing ten toes down and on
business when it comes to their advocacy for themselves, for
the community. So to Tea's point, I don't see them budgeting.
I think the league office is going to have to
take a deep look into the bank accounts and with
(42:29):
these owners or whoever, all these conversations need to happen
with But the fact that Kathy said the earliest, you
said the earliest January of ever.
Speaker 1 (42:40):
So when she came on the show, I had asked
her where the negotiations stand and does she think a
deal will get done by October thirty first, and her
answer was January February is when she kind of predicts
they will come to an agreement.
Speaker 2 (42:55):
Okay, well we'll be tuned in, Lucie.
Speaker 1 (42:59):
And on that note, that's gonna do it. For this
episode of In Case You Miss It with Christina Williams,
I want to thank my girls with China Robinson and
Tarka Fosti Brisby for joining us this week to recap
the w NBA Finals and you don't talk about all
things happening around the w.
Speaker 2 (43:17):
And congratulations to you ladies on your coverage this season.
I love watching you.
Speaker 3 (43:23):
I know I don't get to see you as much
as I used to, but both of y'all are crushing
it and I am calling all the big media contracts
and opportunities and all that and see your immedia future.
But like, the game really needs y'all, and it's been great.
Speaker 2 (43:39):
To watch y'all thrive.
Speaker 3 (43:40):
And I just want to tell you how much I
enjoy it and love y'all.
Speaker 1 (43:46):
Thanks all. That means so much. That means so much.
But yeah, she said, big media companies don't play it
to them dollars let them good case you missed the gate,
don't forget to subscribe, rate and review this podcast. We'll
be back here same time. Next week on.
Speaker 2 (44:04):
In Case you missed It.
Speaker 1 (44:05):
For iHeart O Miss Sports, I'm Christina Williams. We'll see
you next time. In Case you missed It with Christina
Williams is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with
Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your
podcasts
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
Missed It with Christina Williams. Here on Iheartwomen's Sports and
in case you missed a Gang. The WNBA season has
(00:23):
officially ended. The Las Vegas Aces won their third title
in four years, and here to talk about that and
more as friends to the show. Oh wait, fam to
the show. Let me correct myself, fam to the show
to Rika Foster Brasby and China Robinson, and I feel
a little special because these two used to host a
(00:45):
very popular show called Around the Rim, So I feel
like this is somewhat.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Of a mini reunion.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
So w fans are in for a special treat today.
But t China, welcome back to the show.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
I'm the one that feels special, Christina, because Herika doesn't
really make time for me anymore. So the fact that
she would jump on being the superstar that she is
spend a little time with her old co hosts, you know,
it's just it means so much to me, So I'm
excited to.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Be here in her, in her company, in her presence.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
You know, you would think after all this time, she
would just stop me and petty and it just never ends.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Ever. I obviously missed the memo for today because you
both a rock and some amazing fitteds until you got
the w NBA logo bit, but China got the U
n I bus up. You guys definitely showed up today.
But okay, let's do this all right. So before we
get into the news of the week for the w
(01:46):
I scrolled on X before this recording and just saw
that DiAngelo had passed at fifty one years old. Tee,
I know you and Neo Soul Queen, well that's you,
that's your ish, But just wanted to pay my respects.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
That was very shocking news this morning.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
What's so interesting about that is that Angie Stone recently
passed away and he and Angie Stone share.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
A child together.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
So my heart really does go out to that family
because now that child is without a mother and a father,
and that has got to be something very difficult to
deal with. So definitely sending my prayers in love to
those who were close to him, knew him, and his
family and friends.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Yeah, man, what is your favorite d'angelo's song, Oh it's
gotta be believe it or not, it's either brown Sugar
or cruising m with China. Ooh oh your mom mmmmmm MoMA.
That is such a good one.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Yeah, that's probably my one. But it's just sad.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
And I saw somebody and posted that like a lot
of hip hop artists are dying young, being met when
he was fifty, Coolio fifty nine, like Nate Dogg was
fifty one.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Nate dog was one.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Of my favorites. Love Nate Dogg was one of my favorites.
He was fifty seven. So like hip hop R and B,
it's just sad to see so many die so young.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
So yeah, peace, yeah, and our deepest condolence is to
the friends and family of D'Angelo. All Right, I hate
to pivot like this, but let's get into the WNBA Finals.
First of all, this is the first seven game series
finals in WNBA history. The Aces ended it in four.
(03:38):
I want to know, do you think that this finals
lived up to the hype?
Speaker 3 (03:43):
I would say not, and I only say that because
I expected Phoenix to win at least one game, if
not more, and so coming into the finals from the
semi finals, Phoenix had so much steam on their back.
They had taken out New York, who were the defending champs,
(04:04):
they had taken out Minnesota, who were playing in the
finals last year, and so like, I was looking at
this as Phoenix's rise to the map, right, like their
placement amongst the best teams on the biggest stage. I mean,
the playoff stage is big in general, but definitely the finals,
and I expected more. I expected them to win, and
(04:29):
I'm saying that based on how they played in the playoffs.
If we go back and really look at this team,
in my opinion, they overachieved in year one with their
new Big three Big four if you had to want
to bonner into it. But in essence, I love to
see a seven game series. This is our first year
going seven. I wanted to see it go to link
or least see Phoenix win a game. So I'm gonna say, yeah,
(04:52):
it didn't give me what I was expected. It was
great to see the Aces be the Aces and to
dominate in a Wilson to play beautiful basketball, but I
would have wanted a more competitive series. Yeah, I'm gonna
say yes, and no, right, I'm not quite sure I
even knew or understood what the hype was coming into
(05:14):
this series. It seemed pretty obvious to me that most
people thought that the Aces were gonna win, and so
I'm not sure that there was a level of hypeness that.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Literally came with this series. But as it relates to
the format, what I did like and what I did
feel being a seven game series was that there was
a guaranteed game, two games, shall I say, in each place,
right regardless of who won or lost, there was going
to be a guarantee two games in Las Vegas and
(05:44):
two games in Phoenix, and the fans were really excited
about that, even though they were down three in the series.
Just being in Phoenix and talking to fans and seeing
their excitement around the series all together, they seemed to
be really excited about having two games in their building,
and that's something that was not guaranteed in the five
game format.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
So I do think that that.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
Aspect of it was really cool, just to really give
an equal opportunity for both teams to have a chance
to really indulge their fans and get their city excited
about being in the finals. But as the game itself,
there were moments for sure that was exciting. I mean,
seeing the Aces come back in game one after Phoenix
was dominating was a lot of fun.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Seeing Phoenix come back in.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
Game three and four, but three specifically where there was
literally like a Dowana Bonner shot away from maybe tying
the game or taking over, that was a lot of fun.
So there were moments, but overall, I don't think that
there was really any hype to live up to. It
felt like everybody thought the Aces were gonna win and they.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Did so Tee, I'm gonna have to disagree with you
on everyone thinking the Aces We're going to win. I
think that, as Latina said, people came into this series
thinking that Phoenix would win at least one, giving the
roster and the finals appearance as the experience on that roster.
I think that people came in thinking Phoenix could get
(07:07):
at least one, given their path to the finals beating
New York, beating Minnesota. But I do have to say
that overall it was a bit underwhelming. And for me
in that Game four, you saw me canceling my flight
at half time, I.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Was like, she was, this is this is this is
a rap.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
But going back to the moments, right, I feel like
Ka had some really good moments and spurts in the finals,
especially when it came down to the wire in game one,
in Game three, in game four as well, But I
also feel like Phoenix just couldn't get a break, especially
in that Game four you'red coaching Natibbitts. He got ejected,
Callia Copper filed out, she was ejected to Wanna Batter
(07:49):
was given a technical as well, and a few players
were in foul trouble. So it was really hard to
enjoy that last game because I felt like the revs
were all up and through there.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Yeah, no, agree, To be clear, I wasn't suggesting that
Phoenix couldn't win a game. I'm saying I don't think
the hype coming in was that this was going to
be a close series.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
I think most people thought that the No, everybody il
saw I took aces and six or aces in five. Really.
I'm also a gambler too, so the sportsbooks most definitely
had the aces.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Let's talk about the performance of Asia Wilson, who snacked
another Finals MVP trophy. I mean, we know how historic
that Game three shot was with two points two left
on the clock, But what impressed you overall about Asia
Wilson's run in.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
The playoffs this year, what impressed me most?
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Wow, God, I think everything was impressive, right, which is
very difficult given that Asia Wilson does so many things,
almost everything will that it feels like it's hard to
even be impressed. But I think her resiliency, just the
way that she continues to motivate those around her, the
(08:59):
way that she just never gave up at all this season,
the way that people continue to talk about how her
leadership just propels them to play at a different level.
And I don't know if I don't I think I've
said this a few times that I feel like every
championship that they've had has been won in a different
(09:20):
way where it feels.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Like the twenty twenty two to one was like.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
You know, Asia had been there from the very beginning,
from her the beginning of her career, so it kind
of was like a coming of age moment. Twenty twenty
three was a dominant season. It was like, we know
that we're finna win this back to back, but twenty
twenty four just presented such an excuse me, twenty twenty
five just presented such a different challenge for Asia she
had to miss time because she had a concussion earlier
(09:45):
in the season. She wasn't talked about as a favorite
for being the MVP early on, she got beat by
fifty points. I don't think I've ever seen Asia lose
by fifty points by a team like so there was
just really different challenges that she had to overcome. She
launched her shoe line this year. There were so many
things that were going on in her life inside and
(10:06):
outside of basketball that I just felt like her resiliency
really shown, and she used that as a way to
kind of motivate her team. And I just can't I
can't say enough about how those character traits, those human
elements of Asia really shining through on the court every
single time she's out there, whether it's on the offensive
(10:27):
or defensive ends.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
So to me, just everything about her this.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Season was impressive, and not necessarily the x's and o's
or with the numbers show we know that Asia can
do that, but just adding those other things to what
she does and how she performs just really puts her
on a pedestal that not many other people can be
on the China.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
I saw the picture that she posted both you and
her in twenty seventeen when she was a game cop.
So I know that y'all have been covering Asia for
a really long time. But what stood out to you
about her finals performance?
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Yeah, I remember meeting Asia for the first time when
she was in high school. I presented the Naysmith High
School Player of the Year award to her, then ran
into her again at a w NBA game because she
loved coming to Atlanta and watching Lena Dela Dawn play.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
So I'm interacted with her for way back. But what
stood out to me about Asia in this finals run
was the.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Fact that looking back at the finals that I've had
the privilege to be a part of. I've been churdside
when Tamika Catching's won her WNBA championship, but I was
courtside when Kandas Parker led La to one. I was
courtside when Maya Moore and simonau Gustus led the Links
to everyone they won. I've been courtside and watched Sue
(11:42):
Bird and Brianna Stewart and this was probably the first
time in a final series and I was at home
this time, watched it on TV. But that I said
to myself, she cannot be stopped. She can absolutely not
be stopped. I just named a lot of greats in
the game, but in the finals in particular, I just
(12:05):
felt like Asia was invincible, and I knew that no
matter what Phoenix did in terms of adjustments, the one
adjustment they weren't going to be able to make was
guarding her. And that it speaks to her greatness and
how she elevates in the biggest moments.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
But it also.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Again, as I just went down that line of greates
that have performed at a high level in the finals,
to me just confirmed that she's amongst the greatest to
ever do it.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Arguably the greatest.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
You could make that argument for her, And so that's
what I took joy in watching is something that I'd
never seen before. A level of dominance that in the finals.
I'm not saying regular season every single game, but in
the finals, a level of dominance that I can't remember
seeing prior to this, And so it excites me because
(12:59):
that means the game is still going to another level
and there's still greatness that has yet to be seen.
But also you think about how far Asia has come
since twenty seventeen when me and T took that picture
of her She has been so intentional about her growth
as a player, adding to her skill set, becoming a
(13:20):
better leader. She's the most conditioned, best conditioned athlete on
the floor. Her mid rain shot like. She has made
herself great. She didn't just become great, she made herself great.
And so it was really just eye opening for me
to realize that we have a player that's generational and
(13:41):
is doing things on a level at a time in
the playoffs, in the finals that I haven't seen in
my time covering this league. Can I just add in
here that I'm so glad that you said generational. We
throw around the word generational talent so often and so
freely that I don't think I think people truly understand
what it means to be a generational talent.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
And I don't think that was a word that was
associated with Asia Wilson when she came into the league.
I don't think everybody saw it at that time. But
when you look at her accomplishments, her accolades, and the
fact that she is not even thirty years old yet
and still has the opportunity to add more MVPs, more championships,
more Olympic gold medals, more FEBA Championships. That to me
(14:26):
is truly what it means to be a generational talent.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Yeah. Absolutely, And I want to give Becky ham And
her flowers too, because I think I've probably said this
on like a previous segment, but when Becky became the
head coach of the Aces, everyone was like, oh, it's
so easy to win. It's so easy to win. So
I feel like the first two maybe right, but this one,
I feel like ment could have meant the most since
the path to the championship wasn't easy, going from eight
(14:52):
to two, being able to make this one on the
playoffs and then sweeping. But you saw the adjustments she
made in each every game against the Phoenix Mercury. How
all of the role players Dana Evans, ju Lloyd, who
people were criticizing this season, how they all came together
and were able to get these dubs against the Phoenix Mercury,
(15:12):
who had very talented players on the other side. A
Lista Thomas was in the running for MVP this year, Statusabli,
Jawanna Bonner, Kalea Kopper. So I just want to get
Becky her flowers too, because I feel like, you know,
people kind of underrate her as a coach and what
she's been able to do with this Aces squad given
(15:33):
the talent that she has.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
You really have to get Becky Hammond her props with
what Vegas did in this particular season, because I was
cortciled for that fifty three point loss and I didn't
see a way to a championship from that point. Now, granted,
I do think the Aces improvement started earlier in the season,
(15:55):
and it just took a while for it to show
up because there were so many changes. See Plum's gone.
You know, all the experience they had coming off the
bench was gone. Like we knew it was gonna take
some time, but I also understood that the Aces front
office understood the assignment when they went and got Melissa Smith,
like they weren't going to wait for everything to fall apart. Now,
(16:17):
it's still took time. Even when Melissa was traded for me,
she's a number two pick. I think it was like
late June when she came over, so it was before
the All Star break. But ultimately her being on that
team is a big reason why they won the championship.
And then you fast forward even more and you go
back to Becky Himmon making her team do the defensive scouts.
She was like, no, you guys are going to start
(16:38):
doing the defensive scouts. I remember talking to Jackie Young
one day and she was like, I mean, when I
watch film now, I'm watching our opponent. I'm watching what
we did last time against them. I'm watching what I
have to do against my defensive assignment work. They're good
at all these things, and so they have to start
coming in presenting the scout. Defense started to shift. Jewel
Lloyd comes and says, I want to come off the bench.
(16:59):
There's another turning point. So the text from Asia Wilson
after the fifty three point loss, like they were all
these moments along the way, but Becky Hammond managing the
expectations of that team, the pressure, keeping them equally balanced
between confident and wanting to improve right, like never losing
(17:20):
faith in who they could be, but also challenging them
like it had to get tough around there. It had
to get really really tough. I mean at one point
it was just like, I mean, R. Dace is going
to make the playoffs. I mean I was one of
those people who did not see that kind of turnaround coming.
So Becky deserves her credit and flowers for a lot
of what happened this season.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Yes, she does have Agea Wilson and Chelsea Gray, And I.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Mean, the talent is there, but you got to know
how to motivate it and what to do with it
and how to handle it in the crisis, and this
year there was a lot of crisis.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Yeah, one hundred percent agreed.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
And you know what is funny and the plus game presser,
excuse me, in the pregame presser for Gang four, I
asked Becky, I said, you know, you.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
Don't have a rookie team. You don't have a team
full of new people. You got a team full of
vets that have been here before that have the experience.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
How do you motivate a team like that?
Speaker 4 (18:12):
Like, what can you tell people who have already done it,
who have already been here, who already know pretty much
everything that there needs that you need to say to somebody?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
How do you motivate them?
Speaker 4 (18:21):
And she was just like, you just got to tell
them to stay locked in, Like that's it, because you
can get to times where either they're too hard on themselves,
or they're not hard enough on themselves, or they get
a little complacent or they're just not understanding the moment,
and you just got to tell them to stay locked in.
And that's exactly what the message was for what we
could see to be the entire finals, to just stay
(18:43):
locked in. They never got too high, they never got
too low, no matter when Phoenix started to make comebacks.
No matter what happened, you could see that the Aces
were just completely locked in, completely dialed in. And that's
the pedigree of what makes a good team, what makes
a great team. There's only three other coaches that have
won multiple championships with the same team, Cheryl Reed, Bill Lambiert,
(19:04):
and Vance Chancellor, and now you can add Becky Hammond
to that list. The fact that the Aces were even
able to keep a corp this long is something that
is to be commended because of the eight the day
and age of where we are right now, the way
this game is continuing to expand, the way free agency
has kind of turned up in the past over the
last several years. People aren't sticking around. They're doing whatever
(19:28):
it is they feel this best for them and their career,
and if that means moving and leaving, they're moving and leaving.
So just the fact that they were even able to
retain that kind of core that championship corps, that in
itself is commendable for Becky in the front office. And
then the last thing I'll add is, when you talk
about changes, we got to remember this is also a
team that lost two of their assistant coaches that were
(19:51):
very pivotal to those other championships.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Natalie Niicssi, she's out of there.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
She's got her own team that had a chance at
making it throughout the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
Tyler, he's in Chicago.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
So there were a lot of changes outside of just
the players that Becky had to manage this year.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
So for anyone not willing to.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
Give her credit for what she did this year in particular,
I don't think they understand.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
The gravity of basketball very well.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Yeah, and to your point too, Christian about the adjustments.
Her throwing that zone in was a game changer, Like
that was the game Phoenix was supposed to win, and
it only takes one game to like give your team
momentum or take it away, and she stole it.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yeah. I was gonna say shout out to Nicki Fargus
as well, because they also didn't have a GA and
she was, you know, the mastermind behind.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Did everything feeling to dealing back there. I was like, Nikki, sod,
what who's doing?
Speaker 3 (20:50):
She was like, you know, I'm me and Becky get together.
I think it was the two of them like in
cahoots on this GM question.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
What the first did you tell you? NBA history to
win a chip is without a GM.
Speaker 4 (21:01):
What a surprise you given that Becky k from a
Greg Popovich coaching tree in which pop was the GM
for San Antonio for forever.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
She know what she doing.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
I believe that during Game four we got to see
a glimpse of Christy Tolliver in that first chair as
a head coach when Na Tibbets was ejected from the game,
(21:32):
and you know, you could see some adjustments late in
the game and Phoenix was able to try to make
a push, but ultimately the Aces just was too much
for them. And I liked what I saw in terms
of what she was doing, how she tried to, you know,
get Kalanie Brown involved in the game. Who I think
Phoenix could have benefited honestly from using her a little
(21:53):
bit earlier in the series. But I liked what I
was seeing in that second half of the game in
game four for Christie.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
I definitely tweeted post game where during the game Toronto, Portland, Dallas, everybody,
I hope y'all paying attention at what Christy's doing.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Christie's not news to this coaching scene.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
When Christy was playing, she was still acting as assistant
coach and a bench coach for the Dallas Maverick. She's
been a coach for the Washington Mystics when she was
doing like she's this is not new to her. But
it also speaks to the point that we've probably all
of us up here have fed multiple times, is that
there are greats of this game and players who still
(22:33):
have the ability to give back in different ways.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
And it just.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Feels like current players can resonate a little differently when
former players are coaches, because they know that they understand
and have been in those moments and can certainly relate
to what it means to be in those moments. And
I felt like watching Christy that that's exactly what that was,
because the team shifted when Christy became the coach. The
defense turned up, the schemes turned up, she started using
(22:58):
the bench more. We have been talking about why Nate
went using the bench for months, let alone during the finals.
So it just feels like it was an opportunity for
her to showcase what most of us kind of already knew,
and that was that Christy Tolliver is good enough and
has shown over and over that she can be a
head coach for a team and most likely successful in
(23:20):
doing so.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Yeah, you hit the nail on the head tea.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
In watching those moments, you could see that connection with
Christy and the players, and I could say, going to
shoot arounds and practices covering Phoenix this season, it was palpable.
And y'all all understand that when your relationships with your
coach because you respect them because they played in the
league or because you just have a relationship with them
(23:46):
like that makes you play to a different level, makes
your respect level then goes through the roof. But Christy's
been ready to be a head coach in this league.
It's really about whenever she feels like the best opportunity
presents itself. She's always been a relationship person, and I
know that she has close relationships with that core group
in Phoenix that she's been coaching there. But the bottom
(24:07):
line is higher players, that higher coaches that have played
in this league, like higher head coaches in the WNBA
that have played in the WNBA, these women deserve an opportunity.
Is their set, sweat equity that has built this league.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
To where it is. If you notice there.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
Is more interests from people wanting to coach the w
now that the money and the dollars in the media
and all those things are rising, but let's not forget
about the players that lay the foundation for all of this,
and we need to see more players as head coaches.
Like in this last hiring cycle, however, many openings there
(24:50):
were were a lot very disappointed. I was very disappointed
to not see WNBA players former WNBA players get more chance,
and that needs to happen this time around, period point blank.
I mean, I don't know if it's a lack of consideration.
I don't know if it's this, hey, we're gonna interview
(25:10):
you just to say we interviewed you.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
But players who played in.
Speaker 3 (25:14):
This league deserve to be head coaches in this league.
And I'm not saying anybody else doesn't. But players have
played in the WNBA deserve to be head coaches.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
In the WNBA. And I'm gonna take you a step further,
hire black women, please and thank you.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Okay, that party and Tolliver has reportedly sparked the interest
of the New York Liberty, and I know that attending
that invite only exit meeting with general manager Jonathan Cole,
we talked about wanting to evolve as a group, wanting
to get coaches who sort of had that NBA experience,
and I think that Tolliver has both. And when you
(25:48):
think about what the Liberty want to do in the
next chapter of that franchise in terms of getting back
to contending for a championship, I feel like she would
be a great kid to potentially be a head coach
in New York. And so we'll keep our eyes on
that story. So, outside of Christy Tolliver receiving interest from
(26:11):
teams like the New York Liberty, UH, it's reported that
the Dallas Wings are interested in coach Sandy Brundello, who's
won championships with the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty.
The reports states that they want a coach who has
head coaching experience and that I kind of like the
parent potentially of a coach like Sandy Brundelo with a
(26:33):
player like Paige Beckers, what are your thoughts of Dallas
potentially being interested interested in Sandy Brundelo.
Speaker 3 (26:42):
I really like Sandy as a coach, and I think
that she has the experience. She's won championships, She's coached
the best in the best players in the game. Dallas
should be interested in Sandy Brondelo. I would absolutely say yes.
I think a team especially that's really young and figuring
(27:05):
it out, like you know a lot of players.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
That have recently come out of college.
Speaker 3 (27:10):
You've got Paige Beckers, you know, I know, with the
free agency beyond the rookies and a couple other bets,
we don't know who's gonna be all on the roster,
So if it is Sandy, she may fall up on
a different roster next year.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
But I have.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
Been a Sandy fan and felt like Phoenix let her
go to early. I feel like New York let her
go to early considering everything that that team went through
injury wise this year. So I would absolutely be a fan.
So here's my mixed feelings, right. I love Sandy.
Speaker 4 (27:45):
I think Sandy's amazing, She's a great coach, She's a champion,
she's an Olympian.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Like I'm here for it right.
Speaker 4 (27:51):
My concern, and I say this in love, My con
third is Kurt Miller.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
Kurt, are you gonna let Sandy be Sandy? Are you
gonna let her coach? For real? Are you gonna let
her take the team to the level that they need
to take the team to?
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Because as much as I love Kurt Miller, I know
that sometimes he can be a little controlling and sometimes
he could want things to be done his way, and
that has worked in some instances, But in some instances
you just kind of gotta let go of the control
(28:27):
just a little bit. And if you're not gonna allow
Sandy to coach and be the style of coach that
has been successful for her over the many years, then don't.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
Play with her.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
So that's my reservation, not will she be a great
coach for Dallas, because I think she'd be amazing no
matter where she is. Her resume speaks loud enough to
where that woman can coach in any establishment for any
team that's smart enough and pays her and can get her.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
But do right by her if you are.
Speaker 4 (28:56):
Interested in her and you want her to be your
head coach, and let her be your head coach one hundred,
understand what she's doing, and allow her to be that.
That's my only reservation you.
Speaker 3 (29:07):
I'm just glad that you that curR is no longer
in Connecticut, so you can take y'all if your Kurt
Miller has that.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
But I love okay, okay, because he was with the Sun.
Speaker 2 (29:23):
I was like te, I needed to holler at you
a few things, but.
Speaker 3 (29:28):
Yeah, I agree with you, and I think I think
the control starts higher than that. I think Dallas has
been an organization where those.
Speaker 2 (29:37):
That are at the front office.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
Level, by title or not are extra engaged in what's
happening in the coaching. So I that's it.
Speaker 1 (29:49):
That's it, that's it. I want to talk about something
fun because Angel Reese was announced as a Victoria's Secret Angel,
(30:09):
and we know, just as big as a year as
Angel Wilson has been having, it's been a year of
Angel Reese as well. At China. I saw your tweet
saying that the brand of Angel Reese is just the
price that's going to continue to go up. I don't
know if that's exactly what you treat it, but I'm paraphrasing,
but she will make her debut on The Victoria's Secret
Runway Show this week.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
There's one brand I need Angel to get her own, baby,
get on Subway. I can't do McDonald's because I'm trying
to keep my figure, Okay, but I need you to
get on Subway so that I could be buying off
all of the Angel Reefe Subway sandwiches.
Speaker 2 (30:42):
Okay, Like, there's not.
Speaker 4 (30:44):
A brand that Angel could get that I would not
want to follow, want to support, like anything like that
is the kind of person she is and whoever is
on her marketing team, they are doing a phenomenal job.
Speaker 2 (30:57):
So get my girl connected.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
With Subway so I can get a tune to see
which in the A and show Angel recent Love Thank You.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Subway might be.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
A little problematic after.
Speaker 2 (31:08):
I'm gonna have to go back and look at the
nutrition facts.
Speaker 3 (31:11):
Because I don't know that Subway is that much further
away from McDonald's.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
But that process met.
Speaker 3 (31:19):
But so yes, I'm very very happy for Angel, and
I'm happy for what that means for women in sports
and what it means for Black women because we've always
been made to believe that we weren't marketable and there
wasn't a market for us, and that people won't buy
things if we're on it, that we need traditional American
(31:41):
women selling products and Angels everything. But she is herself
and it's just beautiful to see her stack checks, like
the wealth of factor people don't understand, like where we
come from, okay as a community, like that.
Speaker 2 (31:59):
Kind of wealth. I just smile, like, girl, you have
some of the.
Speaker 3 (32:04):
Biggest brands in everything, food, clothing, She got like some
kind of bank or cash app or something.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
I mean, it's just everything. Yeah, And so it's wonderful
to see.
Speaker 3 (32:19):
The one thing I do want to see for Angel
Reaves moving forward is in her relationships with these brands.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
I want to see more of Angel and who she is.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
And what I mean by that is like humanizing her,
because Angel takes a beating out here like these fans
fans of the WNBA, but the aren't fans of Angel
or people in general just nitpick her and they are
always saying negative and bad things to her.
Speaker 2 (32:49):
And I think sometimes.
Speaker 3 (32:49):
People just need a reminder that this is a young
woman just trying to live.
Speaker 2 (32:54):
And grow and thrive and be at her best every day.
Speaker 3 (32:58):
And I want to see her story told more. It
was told some in her, you know, with her shoe
and being from Baltimore, and I know she's brought her
mom into the narrative of many things that she's talked about,
but it's not enough for me.
Speaker 2 (33:13):
Like, I just want to see her.
Speaker 3 (33:15):
Humanized more in these partnerships and like her story told
in a different way, you know, in these markets.
Speaker 2 (33:23):
But yeah, get the rebox shoe, get all the things.
I'm I'm always sharing for Angel.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
Rees Listen, iual watching the Victoria's Secret Runway Show. So
you had Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, the Giselle. So yeah,
we just have much sports and fashion and entertainment at
all intersects. So I love this for Angel, and I
love that she continues to prove people wrong. There was
people saying or making fun of how she walks in
(33:49):
hills and She's like, well, gonna, We're gonna prove y'all
wrong at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And I'm taking
Mussons and I'm pouring as much training into sports as
I do this part of my life, and I'm going
to kill it on October fifteenth at the Victoria's Secret
Row the show. So shouts to Angel, congratulations. I want
to end this conversation with obviously talking about the CBA negotiations.
(34:11):
The deadline is looming. October thirty first is slowly creeping up.
We've heard from Kathy and in the finals ahead of
Game one. We know what happened with the Visa Collier
and the players have been publicly supporting the FISA as
they negotiate the next CBA, and we know that on
(34:32):
October thirty first, if they can't come to an agreement,
there's a possibility of a lockout or a strike or
the CBA can be extended. Given where we are right now,
what do you think will happen on October thirty first?
Speaker 4 (34:46):
She will start with you that I'm gonna be dressed
up as Naomi from WWE following That's what I think
will happen.
Speaker 2 (34:53):
On October thirty fighters, because other than NATA Honey eight,
no CBA getting.
Speaker 3 (35:00):
Done by hottop for thirty first, Like it just it
just amazes me how there's been plenty of time, right
Like they started this negotiation at the opt out, which
has been months in the making, So it's not like
this is, you know, something that is approaching that is
all the sudden, Like this.
Speaker 2 (35:18):
Has been a deadline that has been looming for quite
a while.
Speaker 4 (35:21):
And the fact that we don't feel that not only
have conversations gotten any closer, but that they may even
be a bit more strained now than they were before.
Just based off the events that have happened over the
last couple of weeks and the revelation of how the
relationships have really been between the commissioner and some players,
and even now some reports talking about some owners, it
(35:42):
does not make me feel confident that there will be
any type of movement towards closing in a deal by
the thirty first.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
Now.
Speaker 4 (35:50):
Do I think that next season won't be a season,
Absolutely not. I think the season will happen.
Speaker 2 (35:56):
I do believe.
Speaker 4 (35:57):
I believe the season will happen on time. Do I
think that they might rush some things yet? Sure, but
I do believe wholeheartedly that the season won't happen. But
let me just say this, I don't put anything past
these players. These are players that have stood up for
injustices far as far as time can remember, whether that's
(36:18):
LGBTQYA rights, whether that's the slaying of black and brown
men and women, whether that's like these women have stood
up for so many different things over the course of
time that it would be ludicrous to think that they.
Speaker 2 (36:31):
Won't stand up for themselves.
Speaker 4 (36:33):
So to me to say that they won't lock out,
that there won't be a workstop, itch for me to
say that it won't happen, I can't definitively say that,
because I think that these women will absolutely do what
they feel is necessary to ensure that they come away
with the things that they desire and that they deserve.
But I do think that there will be a season.
I just can't foresee that negotiation coming to a close
(36:56):
within the next two weeks.
Speaker 1 (36:58):
Yeah. Same.
Speaker 3 (37:00):
I will just say this has just been sad to
see all this unfold, quite honestly, to see the league,
in particular Kathy Engelbert in her relationships with the players
at this point, with the alleged comments that she said
to the Fista Collier. I think what's probably very hard
for the players at this point is that every day
(37:21):
they wake up to a new w n B, a headline,
more money, more ratings, valuation expansion, Like they're waking up
every day and the numbers are.
Speaker 2 (37:35):
Going changing, changing, changing, changing.
Speaker 3 (37:39):
Everywhere except for where they need it to be, which
is in their payment where they deserve it to be.
Speaker 2 (37:45):
So Tee, I agree with you.
Speaker 3 (37:46):
I don't see anything happening by the thirty first. It's
sad that it has had to get to this point, honestly,
And I go back to those comments by Kathy. Allegedly
the game changed when those words left her mouth, because
there is a difference if they did allegedly. There is
(38:07):
a difference between feeling like you're not getting what you
deserve and negotiation and feeling like disrespected for or not
appreciated for what you bring to the table like there's
and don't get me wrong, a figure can be disrespecting,
but to hear.
Speaker 2 (38:24):
Such words.
Speaker 3 (38:27):
Allegedly come out of someone's mouth, that is a tough
pill to swallow. And I don't know how many other
players knew that this had happened. So now it goes
from maybe the feast of feeling a certain kind of
way about the w leadership too. Now everybody knows these
comments and like coming to their own realization of what
(38:48):
may be happening there.
Speaker 2 (38:52):
It's a lot to unpack.
Speaker 1 (38:54):
Yeah, a lot of Kathy was present at the WNBA Finals,
and she wasn't well received by the fans. Who bowed
her as she presented both the Finals MVP Trophy and
the Championship Trophy to the aces. Chelsea Gray, Asia Wilson, Juloyd.
They were all asked post game about what they thought
(39:15):
in terms of the booze and how they perceived Kathy,
and this is what Chelsea Gray had to say about that, Oh, you.
Speaker 5 (39:25):
Have great players, need the freedom like that, and and
that's the top the bottom. That's you have great players
and there's been.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
A lot of.
Speaker 6 (39:49):
There's been a lot of eyes on this league, right
and everybody's stepping up to the plate and putting on
performances that's legendary. You have legends that you guys get
to witness every single day. And so when you have
a league full of people like that and used to
be treated as such in places, that's payment, that's treatment,
(40:16):
that's revenue share, that's everything we can you know, that's
a bigger conversation. We'll be here for a long time.
But when you have players like that and at the
forefront of change, you have to pay them like that,
you have to value them like that, cause there's no
league without players.
Speaker 1 (40:32):
Basically, what Chelsea Gray was saying that it was like
you need to treat us like star players. And you know,
going back to that, I don't think that the deal
would get done on October thirty first, but if we
look at what happened in twenty twenty, the deal didn't
get done until the next the next year, January February.
And Katy's been on this show and she said that
she believes a deal would get done January.
Speaker 2 (40:53):
February the latest. I mean the earliest, sorry, the earliest,
so we'll be locked in honey domboos.
Speaker 3 (41:01):
Honey was crazy that broadcast did not do that rant
of justice because we were I just got to tell
your fans because I don't want them to think that
we're tripping when we say this that we were less
than six feet away from Kathy, Like if anyone is
not really clear of where we are on the court
during the trophy presentation, there's the trophy in the middle,
(41:23):
there's the ESPN broadcast cameras that have to be right
in front of us, and then you know, Christina, myself,
some others. We have a special vest that allows us
to be literally right behind them.
Speaker 2 (41:36):
Couldn't hear a word that Kathy said.
Speaker 4 (41:39):
I saw her mouth moving and then I saw a
trophy get passed to Mark Davis and the crowd went bananas.
Speaker 2 (41:45):
Before then, I.
Speaker 4 (41:46):
Couldn't hear a word that Kathy said. So that just
further proves the point that it's not even just the players,
Like if work stop, this word to continue, the fans
would probably be in support of it too, because they
have no problem expressing themselves as of right now, let
alone as this continues.
Speaker 2 (42:06):
Yeah, yeah, that's a lot on the line for.
Speaker 3 (42:08):
These players, and WNBA players have never been They've never
shot away from really standing ten toes down and on
business when it comes to their advocacy for themselves, for
the community. So to Tea's point, I don't see them budgeting.
I think the league office is going to have to
take a deep look into the bank accounts and with
(42:29):
these owners or whoever, all these conversations need to happen
with But the fact that Kathy said the earliest, you
said the earliest January of ever.
Speaker 1 (42:40):
So when she came on the show, I had asked
her where the negotiations stand and does she think a
deal will get done by October thirty first, and her
answer was January February is when she kind of predicts
they will come to an agreement.
Speaker 2 (42:55):
Okay, well we'll be tuned in, Lucie.
Speaker 1 (42:59):
And on that note, that's gonna do it. For this
episode of In Case You Miss It with Christina Williams,
I want to thank my girls with China Robinson and
Tarka Fosti Brisby for joining us this week to recap
the w NBA Finals and you don't talk about all
things happening around the w.
Speaker 2 (43:17):
And congratulations to you ladies on your coverage this season.
I love watching you.
Speaker 3 (43:23):
I know I don't get to see you as much
as I used to, but both of y'all are crushing
it and I am calling all the big media contracts
and opportunities and all that and see your immedia future.
But like, the game really needs y'all, and it's been great.
Speaker 2 (43:39):
To watch y'all thrive.
Speaker 3 (43:40):
And I just want to tell you how much I
enjoy it and love y'all.
Speaker 1 (43:46):
Thanks all. That means so much. That means so much.
But yeah, she said, big media companies don't play it
to them dollars let them good case you missed the gate,
don't forget to subscribe, rate and review this podcast. We'll
be back here same time. Next week on.
Speaker 2 (44:04):
In Case you missed It.
Speaker 1 (44:05):
For iHeart O Miss Sports, I'm Christina Williams. We'll see
you next time. In Case you missed It with Christina
Williams is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with
Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your
podcasts
Host
Khristina Williams
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