Aces Deal a Winning Hand from Their Bench in Game 1

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The Athletic

October 4, 202526 min
Basketball

Aces Deal a Winning Hand from Their Bench in Game 1

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Episode Notes

Following an absolutely electric Game 1 of the WNBA finals - Ben and Sabreena are live from Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, breaking down moments from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s response to player criticism, officiating and player-league dynamics. Is Engelbert's latest response enough to quiet the criticism? How will  the league move forward after her controversial remarks? 


Then they turn their attention to the Aces clutch bench performance and how the Mercury allowed a golden opportunity to slip away in the closing moments of Game 1. 


Plus -they look ahead to each team's strategy in Game 2. 

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References:


WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses player criticism, CBA, officiating, job security by Ben Pickman


Cathy Engelbert is not the WNBA’s future. Soon, the commish may not even be its present by Marcus Thompson II


WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces take Game 1 with comeback victory against Phoenix Mercury by Ben Pickman


Las Vegas Aces get in a (defensive) zone to stage WNBA Finals comeback win in opener by Sabreena Merchant 


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Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: