Let's Discuss
Courting History
This WNBA Finals busted plenty of brackets. They might also deliver a better competition than anyone expected. In just their second season, the Golden State Valkyries will take on the Atlanta Dream who haven’t made a Finals appearance since 2013. They'll face off Saturday in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series guaranteed to crown a first-time winner.
Key players and matchups: Angel Reese manifested her way to the ‘chip, and now the league's Defensive Player of the Year is four wins from a title. Her dominance on the boards could give the Dream crucial second-chance opportunities. Golden State's Gabby Williams has been nearly unstoppable this postseason, with almost 23 points per game and a key role in the league's best defense. The Valkyries also have Sixth Player of the Year Janelle Salaün off the bench, while Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and Golden State's Veronica Burton could deliver a compelling backcourt battle. Another potential boost for Atlanta? Leading scorer Allisha Gray remains day-to-day after a procedure on her injured hand. Her return could be a game-changer.
Playing to their strengths: This series may come down to which team controls the ball. Golden State excels at protecting possessions, while Atlanta thrives on defensive pressure that forces mistakes and creates scoring opportunities. Something has to give. And the difference makers could come from the sidelines. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase won two titles as an assistant for last year’s champs, the Las Vegas Aces, before she took over the Valks, while Atlanta's Karl Smesko has turned the Dream around after more than two decades as a college basketball coach. Both became WNBA head coaches relatively recently, and one adjustment could decide the title.
Related: Atlanta Will Be Back in Its DreamHouse for the Finals After an NBA Schedule Shift (The New York Times gift link)
Timeout...
Wait, I'm out of the loop. What's happening in the MLB playoffs?
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Major League Baseball is down to its final four teams, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have their sights set on a historic third straight World Series title. They also have a pretty big advantage off the field. Their roughly $339 million payroll exceeds those of the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Guardians combined. Yet Milwaukee, which finished the regular season with MLB's best record, has taken a 2-0 series lead against LA. One reason? Four Brewers relief pitchers shut down the Dodgers over the final five innings of game two, without allowing a run. The financial mismatch helps explain why MLB owners want a salary cap, which they argue would make competition fairer. The players' union opposes the idea over concerns about stifling earnings. With the current labor agreement set to expire December 1, the stakes extend well beyond the World Series. Guess we'll see who plays hardball.
PS: Sound off on the sports stories keeping you up at night. Call Well Played at (828) 412-4825 to leave your questions, rants, or rule checks. You could end up on next week's show — and we'd love to hear from you.
No Notes
Let's Discuss
Courting History
This WNBA Finals busted plenty of brackets. They might also deliver a better competition than anyone expected. In just their second season, the Golden State Valkyries will take on the Atlanta Dream who haven’t made a Finals appearance since 2013. They'll face off Saturday in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series guaranteed to crown a first-time winner.
Key players and matchups: Angel Reese manifested her way to the ‘chip, and now the league's Defensive Player of the Year is four wins from a title. Her dominance on the boards could give the Dream crucial second-chance opportunities. Golden State's Gabby Williams has been nearly unstoppable this postseason, with almost 23 points per game and a key role in the league's best defense. The Valkyries also have Sixth Player of the Year Janelle Salaün off the bench, while Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and Golden State's Veronica Burton could deliver a compelling backcourt battle. Another potential boost for Atlanta? Leading scorer Allisha Gray remains day-to-day after a procedure on her injured hand. Her return could be a game-changer.
Playing to their strengths: This series may come down to which team controls the ball. Golden State excels at protecting possessions, while Atlanta thrives on defensive pressure that forces mistakes and creates scoring opportunities. Something has to give. And the difference makers could come from the sidelines. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase won two titles as an assistant for last year’s champs, the Las Vegas Aces, before she took over the Valks, while Atlanta's Karl Smesko has turned the Dream around after more than two decades as a college basketball coach. Both became WNBA head coaches relatively recently, and one adjustment could decide the title.
Related: Atlanta Will Be Back in Its DreamHouse for the Finals After an NBA Schedule Shift (The New York Times gift link)
Timeout...
Wait, I'm out of the loop. What's happening in the MLB playoffs?
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Major League Baseball is down to its final four teams, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have their sights set on a historic third straight World Series title. They also have a pretty big advantage off the field. Their roughly $339 million payroll exceeds those of the Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Guardians combined. Yet Milwaukee, which finished the regular season with MLB's best record, has taken a 2-0 series lead against LA. One reason? Four Brewers relief pitchers shut down the Dodgers over the final five innings of game two, without allowing a run. The financial mismatch helps explain why MLB owners want a salary cap, which they argue would make competition fairer. The players' union opposes the idea over concerns about stifling earnings. With the current labor agreement set to expire December 1, the stakes extend well beyond the World Series. Guess we'll see who plays hardball.
PS: Sound off on the sports stories keeping you up at night. Call Well Played at (828) 412-4825 to leave your questions, rants, or rule checks. You could end up on next week's show — and we'd love to hear from you.
No Notes
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