We Back, We Back! (Presented By AT&T)
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We back, we back. This is Queens of the Court. What's up, everybody? Welcome to another episode of Queens of the Court, an Odyssey original podcast produced in partnership with the WNBA. I'm your girl, Cheryl Swoops. And I'm Jordan Robinson. And Court. And Court. Is in session. Is in session. Ooh. Boom. Hmm. Ha ha. Boom.

UMBA is back. Yeah. It is back. And it wasn't even the first full week of hoops, but the hoops were good. The hoops were great. Well, depending on who you're a fan of. That's true. That's a great point. I was at that Sparks game. My God. And I was at the Phoenix-Chicago game. My God. Yeah.

Dang, yeah, that's a good point. That's a good point. So, sorry to y'all. Period. Point blank. Period. We back. We back. We back. Well, before we get into that, was your weekend eventful? We're recording this on Monday. Fresh off the weekend. What happened? It was. So, on...

I actually went to the Sky game, but I spoke on this mental health panel that the Sky asked me to come speak on. It was so good. You know, and so many times I think people feel like,

I'm there like to pour into them, which I try to do that. But lots of times they're pouring into me also. So this this mental health panel was so it was also so good for me. Like I didn't realize there was stuff I've been holding on to since like since I gave birth to my son. Wow. Yeah. And he's 27 now.

Crazy to think about. Oh, my God. The panel was probably better than the game. The game was not very good. And and then on Saturday, I actually got to do an event in Indiana for Nike and Dix. It's a shot with Kelsey Mitchell.

So we had a good time. We caught up. We chatted. It was it's her shot. We had over 225 girls there and just did some fun basketball stuff. So anytime I'm doing basketball, it's fun. So, yeah, it was an eventful weekend.

Yeah. How was yours? Besides getting the braids done. Yeah, I did get my hair redone. That's just as breaking news on this podcast as the basketball stuff when we get our hair done. Yes, it is. That is a very big deal. I need you to post a picture though. Sorry. I need you to post. I will. But listen, remember the picture you posted before? Yeah.

Or the video where you're like, this needs to come down. You need to post that picture in this one. A before and after. I was holding on to my braids for like three months. Look, I have a lot of hair.

a lot of hair and it takes a lot of time and energy and effort to do my hair and so this is the first time in my life where I've had braids taken them down did a deep condition washed them and got braids immediately immediately after your hair is thick beautiful

I don't have the time. I don't have the time to be wrestling with these curls. So I just went straight to braids. But I will say that I sent my hairstylist like a ombre dark brown. So right now it's like pretty much it's a really light brown. I won't say it's blonde at the end. I can't see the bottom. Oh, that's not blonde though.

Okay. It ain't blonde. Wait, let me see. This is really light brown. It is brown. Really light brown. But it was too late. Like she already brought the hair. It was too late. So I just had to accept it. But the whole time, the whole four hours she's doing my hair, I'm like, I'm going to hate this. Wonder if I hate this. Wonder if... It looks good on you. It does look good. I'm getting used to it. Thank you. I appreciate it. Yeah. I'm getting used to it. But my...

I don't want to say I'm passive aggressive, but it was very much like, this is your life now. Like you have to, it's too late. It's too late. I do like it. How long did it take to break? It was like four and a half, which is not bad. Not bad at all. No.

She was really fast. And they're like medium size. Because you've got a lot of hair. So four and a half hours, that's good. Do you remember the one time when we talked and someone, a listener was like, yeah, we see the 10 hours it took to do your braids. I don't think everybody understands what we go through. That was a shift. Y'all, it's different. It's different. It does look good. So.

Other than that, my dad was in town and I love when he's in town. He stayed with us. Him and my husband went golfing and we were watching some WNBA action games.

And I love when he comes because I feel like he saves all his WNBA questions for when we're together. As he should. He pulls out a notebook and he's just going like one by one of all these players. But he did ask, and I feel like we're going to talk about it a little bit. But he was like, that Gabby Williams girl from France, why isn't she in the WNBA? Why isn't she there? And I think even...

Because we're so fresh off of that Olympic game and watching some teams kind of get blown out or they need some missing pieces. You're like, OK, they need Gabby Williams. Or I was kind of like mentally going through like, OK, if Gabby Williams was on this team, if she was on this team. So hopefully she gets picked up. But I think she's kind of leaning toward Seattle.

feel like it and I also feel like she's like my the stock is high so you guys need me I don't need y'all yes yes ma'am so I'll be curious if she comes back or if she waits it out well I think according to the broadcast was it maybe the um Seattle Indiana game I think they were saying her

Her like hesitation or her ask right now is she doesn't want to be cored wherever she goes. She does not want to be cored. Okay. So that could be real interesting to see where she lands. Cause truth be told, any team can use her right now. Any team.

But they're going to want to core her. And then she feels like trapped. She wants the freedom to go somewhere else. She wants the freedom to go be the woman for the Valkyries. Yep. I just put that out there. I surely did. Yes. How about that?

That's a great piece to build around. That is a great piece to build around. I hope you are sending her swag, gift baskets, mini muffins, whatever she needs. I hope you guys are sending those her way. And yeah, what an amazing piece to build around. Okay.

Well, speaking of the Olympics, I feel like we talked about last week. We talked about the gold medal game. We talked about we're going to be curious to see if the players come back and they're tired or, you know, maybe run down or what. No, it has been the opposite of that. And I kind of want to go through some of the gold medal winners and how they've been playing. Let's start with.

the Liberty and Brianna Stewart and Sabrina, because they haven't missed a beat and they just, they fit right in, went right back to work. The, I was at that Sparks game. Woo. A 35 point win. And I, it felt like they were up by a hundred at one point. I'm not going to lie. Like just being in the arena, like,

There was more Liberty fans there, by the way. There was a ton of Liberty fans in that arena. Stewie had 27 points. Didn't even play the whole fourth quarter. Wow. Just put on a clinic. And Sabrina had 18 points. Also at that game, I will say, Sanaa Lathan from Love and Basketball. Let's go. Sitting at the Sparks game. She is amazing.

stunning yeah and she's beautiful and that's without makeup without makeup like she's gorgeous doesn't age she looks the exact same from love is best love and basketball and just a beautiful human being and she was sitting next to the writer director gina prince blithewood yeah yeah do you have sorry do you have a favorite line from love and basketball oh do i have a favorite line

I think it's like everybody says, you know, the freshman with Sidra. Uh-huh. When she was like, never let a freshman take your spot. She could do that. You only here because Tanya Randall got pregnant. That was a lot of the comments in the pictures with Sanaa Lathan at the game. She's only here because Tanya Randall got pregnant. We were done recruiting. Yeah.

How cute is that? You know, mine is, and usually because it's the opposite, because it's usually guys who go online, all that. They're tweeting, saying all this stuff about, oh, I can take her one-on-one. I can blah, blah. You know, all that. Yeah. My favorite line from that movie is when she says to Omar Epps, and I don't remember, what was his name in the movie? Q. Wasn't it Omar Q? When she says, I play you for your heart. Let's go. Oh,

love and basketball. I know that by heart. If someone was like, your life is on the line, pick a movie that you have to know by heart muted. I would pick love and basketball. Easy. And so our producer James has his favorite, I guess double or nothing. Okay.

That's such a good movie. I don't know when I got off for a minute, but yeah. I mean, if you want this to be a love and basketball episode, it totally can turn into that because I love that movie, but maybe another time bonus episode down the line. Yeah. All right. So yeah, we'll talk about the sparks later, but the Liberty then went on to be the aces 79 67 in Las Vegas and

Um, for that win, they clinched a playoff berth in August already. That just shows how dominant they are. In that game, Stewie had 18 points, 7 rebounds. Serena had 10 points and 17 rebounds. I'm sorry, what? And 7 assists.

Now, from that win, New York is the betting favorite to win the WNBA title, where the Aces were the favorite up until that point. So they kind of snatched that away from Las Vegas because they're up on the regular season series 2-0. Do you buy it? Yeah, I'm buying it right now. And I know we'll talk more about Aces, but

Let's just talk about the Liberty for a minute. I know we kind of did our like mid season awards and all of that right now. I'm not changing my MVP vote because Asia Wilson is her. Yes. Sabrina is the most improved player to me. Okay. She's become more consistent, um,

And not only is she shooting the three, like she's attacking the basket. She's developed her little floater. Like her floater game is on point. 17 rebounds, seven assists. And you know, the other thing I'm not saying, cause I know y'all don't come for me. I'm not saying she's a defensive player of the year. Not saying that not even close.

But she's actually playing some defense. Like better defense. She's trying her little heart out. Better defense than I've seen her play in previous seasons. Like there's something about her. She's got a little swag about her right now, but her confidence level is off the charts. And I just think New York right now, overall, they look like they're a little hungrier than the Aces.

I would agree with that. I think the Aces have some stuff going on that is keeping them from being that Aces team. Mm-hmm.

Yeah. And, and I, I feel like there is a direct correlation coming off of the Olympics for Sabrina, especially with the confidence play. Cause I think she did have some really great games in, in Paris, in France. Yeah. And so to just come off of that and say, yeah,

Yeah, I can contribute. I can be this number two player on this team, which I think the previous season she was a little unsure about. And Stewie is going to Stewie. I think it's still crazy that she's doing it at such a high level. It was going around on social media that a writer from ESPN said she was trash. What exactly did he say? That she was aging out. She's aging out. She's what, 30? 30?

How old is Stewie? 30? She's a reigning MVP. We're talking about Aja Wilson being this season's MVP as she should be. But you can't disrespect Breanna Stewart, who is the reigning MVP. She's 29. Oh, dang. My bad. I said 30. How is she aging out? Come on. Come on. Oh, my God.

I'll put that to shame. Like what? And she was probably like, oh, I hear you. I see you. But let me just show you. Let me let me drop 27. Let me drop 27 and in three quarters. Yeah. You know, you know what? I also think it is for Sabrina. I think this year.

she's like oh good all of the heat off of me because social media the last couple years it was Sabrina Sabrina Sabrina she ain't doing this she ain't doing that and this year it ain't about Sabrina right I think she's Sabrina's like thank you let me just go ball and she is she is she is

She looks good. She does. Liberty looks good. They do look good. And I think that the showdown with the aces was a great, great test. First of all, we wanted to see Asia and Stewie battle it out after just winning gold together. But the Liberty, the Liberty got them. Asia still dropped 24 points, 11 rebounds. This light work for her. Chelsea Gray, she,

I think she looks pretty good, though. She had 13 points, six rebounds, six assists, which I don't know if that answers the questions, if she's still hurt or why she wasn't playing a lot in the Olympics. But she was definitely getting some more tick against that game. Kelsey Plum had 11 points in the first quarter and finished with 13. But...

They're 0-2 against the Liberty in the regular season. And then the Aces came back. Asia had a 30-piece against the Sparks. And they kind of... They were upset of losing against the Liberty. And then they came and just took it all out against the Sparks. But...

Playing against the Erica Hamby coming back. We are very aware that there is a federal lawsuit looming over the ACEs organization right now. And there was a lot going on in that game. And I think it was to your point, just about that hunger. I don't, I don't know. I don't know. I don't know if they just took it out on the sparks and that's just not a great example of, of a team, you know,

that's they're not even going to be looking into the playoffs anytime soon. But yeah, I think they did. All right. I just, I think that game in particular, the aces and the sparks was, well, a couple, a couple of things. Typically when the sparks play the aces, De'Erica Hamby goes off, right? She did not have a good game at all.

against the aces. And I think a lot of that has to do with what you said, right? This, the federal lawsuit in that, that has to be mentally draining and, and especially you're going back to the place where, you know, it all kind of happened now. Maybe it's different if they were playing at home.

But to me, I think that's why De'Erica did not look like De'Erica in that game. But Asia even said in her post-game press conference, she's like, yeah, like...

We did not have a very good showing. The last two times we played the Sparks at their place, like we came in and there's a sense of pride and we didn't want that to happen again. Asia, I thought just kind of, because the first half of that game was pretty good, was pretty close. And Asia just kind of took over, right? Let me back up for one second before I get into a little bit more with the Aces. I'm going to say this.

I've said it before. I love Rekia Jackson. I love her game. I even said before the draft that she was the one player that I thought, I thought she was very pro ready. I do believe a couple of things. One, if their record was better and two, if she was getting more playing time early on,

I think Rekia Jackson could be in the Rookie of the Year conversation. She is really, really, really, really good. Quick stats about her. She's recorded over 15 points in eight games this season, which is second among rookies. So she is right there in that conversation in Rookie of the Year, all of that. So, yes. She just makes a difference for them when she's on the field.

I love her length. I love her speed, her quickness. She's a competitor. Like I just I love everything about her game. So I needed to put that out there. But here's what I see with this Aces team that's that's different from last year. And let's not even talk about right like this looming federal lawsuit and all of that. Let's just talk about basketball. I'm not sure what kind of bench the Aces have this year.

Right. And some people look at it and say, well, it's pretty much the same as last year. Right. But to me, Alicia Clark hasn't been Alicia Clark this year. Kirsten Bell hasn't played at all. I know she was injured. I think she's healthy now, but she hasn't played at all. You know, Sid Colson, when Sid does get in the game, Sid is a difference maker. Sid's going to play hard. She's going to defend and Sid can shoot the ball.

I don't know. There's something about this team. They just, especially the bench, they just look very different to me. Yes, you added Tiffany Hayes, but Tiffany Hayes is like pretty much the only player they have coming off the bench that's really contributing.

Yeah, I was going to my gut reactions when you said that was their bench got better because of Tiffany Hayes. But when you do mention Alicia Clark not contributing as much, maybe she would last year, maybe she's.

But I think Alicia Clark contributes in different ways of just her leadership and being a vet. And I know that's going to change when it comes to playoff time. I feel like she just, what do we need? I'll go do it like that type of player. But yeah, that's interesting. I don't disagree with you with that because that's the type of player she's always been. The reason why I bring that up is again, we're talking about the Liberty and

Yeah. Liberty is different from last year. And so if it comes down and who knows, it might not even be these two teams. Right. But if it comes down to New York and the Aces battling again for the championship, New York's different. I'm just they're just different this year. You know, I think they have a sour taste in their mouth from what happened last year. Obviously, how the Aces came into their place.

won the championship without Stokes and without Chelsea Gray. Right. Like nobody expected that to happen. And I'm sure the Liberty's like, dang, we let one get away. Right. Yeah. And I, and I know what you said about Chelsea Gray. I thought there were moments in the game against the Sparks where Chelsea Gray looked like the old Chelsea Gray to me. Yes. She had a nice little crossover step back and I forgot who was Gardner. I don't remember. Yeah.

There were moments where she looked like the old Chelsea Gray. But prior to that, I've been looking at her and I'm like, I don't think she's ready. Like, I don't think she's healthy enough right now. So listen, there's still a lot of basketball left. I think the aces are trying to figure it out. Like, what are we missing? Why are we not winning as many games as we should be?

No question they'll figure it out. But there are some other teams out there that are they're trying to make some noise. Hey, there there's a trade deadline coming up in a few hours. There's a lot of doubt in seeing what are we missing? What is this last push, this last puzzle piece that we need to to get us over the hump? So I'm going to say what Don Staley said in the Olympics.

But with the Aces, I'm never counting them out because they have Asia Wilson. And other teams don't. And other teams don't. And other teams don't. Yeah. There you go. Last thing about the Sparks. They did pick up Odyssey Sims. I know we were texting each other when Dallas let Monique Billings and Odyssey Sims go. That's kind of...

The blessing and the curse with this Olympic break is a lot of teams got healthy. So those hardship contracts that were signed before the break, they had to release those players because the players that they were replacing are now at 100%.

Dallas got Satu back. They got Jalen Brown back. They are a full strength as of right now. So you let go of Odyssey Sims and Monique Billings. And I don't even think they were on the table for a couple hours before teams snatched them up and the Sparks didn't.

We need a lot. But God Odyssey Sims and Monique Billings for Phoenix did amazing in her debut last night. Was just watching her and just saying how no matter what team she goes on, she is always going to fit in because she hustles, she gets rebounds, and she plays defense. And I just...

I just had to do that quick aside because it was so great to see her just not know the offense, not know anything and still get double digits because of her hustle. Yeah. And so when you play like that and that's what your strengths are, you fit in anywhere, anywhere. And, and I know we, it's a little sidetrack, but.

I'll still do it because she was one I was going to get flowers to. Oh, no, no doubt. But like, it's just so good to see. And she just played so hard on both ends of the floor. I was just happy they both got picked up. Side note, because I want to ask you this question because I think I know, but I want to make sure. OK, so even if it's a hardship contract, right, like I totally understand what that means.

But couldn't the teams get rid of someone else other than who they got rid of? It's a question. I don't know this or not. And I, from my understanding, no, because those players were signed. Like those players have contracts. Okay. And so when they made it through training camp. And their contracts are guaranteed. Yes.

From my understanding, yes. Like you can't be replaced by a hardship contract. I don't know about going into next season. Like next season, you can be replaced by that player. But I think what happens is when you make it through training camp and you sign, like I am on this team, then...

then that, because I think it would suck if you get injured and then you're like, oh yeah, sorry, I know you signed that contract at the beginning of the season, but you're out. So it kind of protects that injured player from being able to come back and redeem themselves a little bit. I think it's just unfortunate that there aren't

You can't keep Odyssey Sims as a rotation player. Maybe she takes her starting spot, but you can't keep her on as an extra body because of the limited total roster spots. But yes, from my understanding, if you are on a hardship contract, you are only there as a filler. And once that person comes back, they are under contract. They will play.

Okay. That's good to know. So now I can do this. Since I did it for Gabby Williams, Valkyries, if you're listening, Odyssey Sims, Monique Billings, two other great players to add to your roster. Just saying, I'm helping y'all put your team together. Yeah. I think we could be. No, listen, Odyssey Sims should absolutely have a contract somewhere with some team in this league. And honestly,

Jordan, there aren't that many true point guards. And there definitely aren't that many true point guards that are better than Odyssey Sims. I feel like Odyssey Sims and Crystal Dangerfield, who are both on the Sparks right now, are just the league's point guards. Like, anytime they need a point, they are the first people to call. They're just the league's... They're just being tossed around. But I just... I agree with you. I...

That's a whole nother tangent. We just had to talk about that real quick. Y'all know I get distracted sometimes.

No, I love that. Okay. Going through these, we got a couple more. Nafisa Collier also coming off the Olympics played a, a big role, not even really a scoring role, but she was a part of that starting lineup, played a ton of minutes for the gold medal team. She also didn't miss a beat and the links had a series. It was a kind of a couple of these two game series coming back, but, uh,

With the Mystics, the Lynx swept them that first game. She had 17 points, 12 rebounds. But game two over the weekend, 30 points, four rebounds, three assists. And now Minnesota sits atop the Western Conference on a three-game winning streak.

Also a team that I don't feel like we talked about a ton at the beginning of the season, but our conversations have completely shifted and Minnesota is the real deal. I don't think any team wants to see them in the playoffs, not the first round, not the second round, especially when fee is playing like this. Cheryl. No, no, he is. But you know, we, we talked about feet early on because she was playing well. She still is playing well.

There's something about a Cheryl Reeves team. She always finds a way, one, to get them to buy in, to get them to believe, to get them to play hard. And the thing I really love about this Minnesota Lynx team, no, they're not her best team that she's ever had from a talent standpoint.

But the thing I love about watching this team is they all really seem to enjoy playing with each other. And every single player, whether that's a starter or players that come in, they embrace what their role is. And they understand that each player has to play that role so that they can win, so they can look good. But I agree with you. This Minnesota Lynx team is

They are the truth. And I'm sure they're like, well, Cheryl Reeve even said it. Everybody's, no one's talking about us. Well, they got to start talking about us now. Right? Minnesota beat New York for the Commissioner's Cup. So it could, I don't know. It could be

Interesting. You know, some teams, though, just have your number. It's all about matchups. Like, the Aces can't seem to beat New York right now. Minnesota, anytime they play New York, it's a great game. Or they can, it, I don't know. I just don't know anymore. Don't ask me. Well, I am going to keep asking you because you do know a lot. But I will say, when

With Minnesota, I know we're talking about Fee and her scoring ability and looking at the offensive side, but defense. You know, I heard a stat during the game. They were 10th in team defense last year. They are holding the number one spot.

And for the past, I want to say five weeks or so, they have been going one and two in defensive rating. So that defense has been creating their offense has been what is, you know, yes, you can score on a bunch of teams, but they are stopping teams as well. And so we saw that on full display in the commissioners cup game, which you mentioned against New York, um,

just didn't have an answer, making it hard for other teams. And they did that again this week with the Mystics and

Really tough. I know we're going to talk about it a little bit. Shakira Austin coming back, having to go up against Nafisa Collier for her first two games back. Welcome back. Welcome back to the W. Welcome back to the league. But yeah, I just had to shout out their defense. And we're talking about the Minnesota Lynx and Maya Moore's jersey is getting retired this week and still seeing those headlines, reading those.

I'm still in denial. I still feel like she could come back, even though the date is set for her Jersey retirement. I still don't want to believe it. I think you and a lot of people are still in denial. And you know, the thing is this.

Like I've seen Maya at a couple of different events and as much as we like, cause I was a fan. I just loved her game. And as much as we appreciated her greatness on the court, she just looks so happy. Like she's so happy and content to be doing what she's doing. She's a mom. She's a wife. She's,

social activists, like, you know, it just, and it's good to see that. And especially for athletes, because lots of times when we either we retire or we step away from the game, it takes a moment, right. To find that joy and that happiness again, because we found that in our sport, but Maya is very happy in what she's doing now. And I'm just, I'm happy to see it.

I'm happy too. That's a great point. She does look happy. And it's so selfish of me to say that. Yes, it was, but it's okay. You can be selfish. I'll just cry. All right. Well, the Jersey goes up on the 24th against the fever. So we will be watching that and crying happy tears. All right. The last one that I wanted to talk about, because we have talked a lot about the Atlanta dream.

And it hasn't always been good. I'll be honest. They're on an eight game losing streak. And we didn't have a lot of nice things to say. And with that being said, we didn't say a lot because I know my mama said, if you don't got nothing nice to say, don't say it at all. So we weren't talking about the Atlanta Dream a lot. Now I have some good things to say and I want to shout them out because two

huge back-to-back wins for the Atlanta Dream this week. They beat Seattle in a nail-biter. Tina Charles, well, first of all, Jewel Lloyd with the fadeaway kickoff

three with four seconds remaining to tie the game, which was just insane. And then Tina Charles being the vet and the leader that she was just got the ball on the block and scored the winning basket with 1.1 seconds left. So that was, I couldn't even tweet fast enough for the change of events, the whiplash that I got from that game.

And then winning against the Sun was also a really big feat. So I will say this. They are healthy now. Having Jordan Canada back makes a huge difference. And we knew that that was going to be the case. But to see it play out and specifically the starting lineup.

is working. You have Ryan Howard, Jordan Canada, Alicia Gray, Nas Hillman, and Tina Charles. Like this is the Atlanta dream team that we were so hyped about in the preseason. And in August, we're just now getting a glimpse of it. And so to me, this tracks that they are two and oh, with this lineup and Ryan Howard scoring a season high 30 points

over the storm. So like she's coming off of an, a bronze medal coming off of that in the Olympics, but she was injured right before. And they were trying to figure out what these rotations were. People were getting minutes in different positions. So now it just feels like, okay, this is the test. If you guys are going to play against teams now, we can fully judge you with this starting lineup and with this squad.

Do you feel that way as well? No, I do. I do. Okay. What I, the only thing I was going to add is they're healthy. They're healthy. And yes, yes. I was there with you. We were like, oh yeah, they land a dream. Let's skip over them. Go to the next team.

But before the season, we did talk about how good this team could be with the addition of Jordan Canada. And if you know, Ryan Howard is a problem. A healthy Ryan Howard is a problem. I love this new starting lineup. Alicia Gray can just score the basketball. Jordan Canada running the show. And Nas Hillman, like I got to watch Nas Hillman play a couple of years ago in Athletes Unlimited.

And the things that I saw her do, I was excited to watch her play this season, last season in the W right after you. So I'm not really sure what coach T saw or her thoughts behind changing the lineup, moving Nas into the starting lineup. You got the vet and the OG Tina Charles. I like this lineup. I like this Atlanta dream team. I like the way they're playing. And I think that,

They are coming to make some noise the second half of the season. I think so, too. Yeah. And that win against the Sun, too. That's what I was going to say, because they didn't beat teams that were at the bottom of the league. Right. These are Connecticut. Mm hmm. Mm hmm.

Yeah. Big time teams. That's what I was saying. Huge wins, not only for their team's confidence, because I think that's what we were also saying when they were on that losing streak, the vibes were off. Like they just looked sick.

So checked out. So now you come in, you have the Olympic break, you work together, you play together, you get healthy and you get these two big wins. And now I just feel like the vibes are like, okay, see, like we can run with these teams. We have it in us and that is going to propel them for the rest of the season. And then you have Jordan Canada. Yes. She's running the show.

But against the Sun, she's putting up 19 points, four rebounds and six assists. It's not just the passing ability or running the offense. She's also looking to score too. And when JC does that, that's also when it's a problem when she's looking for her shot. So I like it. I'm...

I'm in on it. I think that they're going to turn things around. So we'll see because they're they're one of those bubble teams when we talk about standing. Yes, they have to move up. And that's what you know, because again, we talked about this when we did our awards and all of that, that seventh and eighth spot.

I think it's just, it's, it could go to anybody. Right. And with playing the way they're playing right now, they're, they're definitely going to see themselves moving up in the standings for sure. All right. That was a quick little, little rundown of what everyone was doing. Anyone else you want to, any other team? I feel like the sun just since they lost to Atlanta, um,

One thing I noticed about them, you know, they're coming in with Marina Mabry. This is the first time that we're seeing her a part of the sun's offense because the trade happened right before the break. And, um,

I thought about all the teams that didn't have Olympians and how they were spending this whole two weeks playing together, working on their offense, doing that, you know, Connecticut, Alyssa Thomas was kind of thrown in, was like, okay, you guys were working on everything. Now I'm coming into this with a new player, trying to figure out the rotation. So I, I don't know if it's going to take them a couple of games. They won the game earlier in the week and,

But this game, it just seemed like, okay, we still trying to fill each other out. And I don't know if this is the time of the season to be trying to learn and fill each other out. That was my gut reaction. Yeah. Yeah. I still, I still like this Connecticut team. I do. Again, Dijon a, I think has taken her game to a whole different level. We talked about her and,

Most improved player, defensive player, all of that. I know they lost this game. I know Connecticut lost to Atlanta, but I really like the addition of Marina Mabry to this team. She gives them another very solid...

just shoot her. Right. And that's something that I feel like this team had been missing, but Marina can also, when she needs to, she can play the point guard position for him. So I really do like this addition. I do. I do want to say this because we talked about the Olympic break, who it could help, who it could hurt. And I've seen the complete opposite with two teams, the seventh and eighth place team. I think the Olympic break is,

Really helped Indiana. Absolutely. Like they look like they've spent time, whether they took time off or not, but they, they worked on stuff. This Indiana team, I'm going to say shout out to Lexi Hull. I'm a big Lexi Hull fan. Watch her in AU. Lexi Hull shot the leather off the ball in their game against Seattle and just couldn't miss.

Kelsey Mitchell is just stroking. She is just shooting the basketball. Aaliyah Boston, almost a triple-double. I know we're talking about teams where they can move and things changing, but if Indiana continues to play the way they're playing like this, they too are going to move up in the standings.

They looked like a different team. They came out firing, firing. Yeah, that's a great, great point. Great break for sure helped them. And I feel like the break really hurt Chicago. I know they made a trade right before the Olympic break, right? Mm hmm.

But, and this is the first game. So they lost to Phoenix in Chicago. Then they go beat LA in LA, right? Then they lost to Phoenix at Phoenix. Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. So before I get into that, I'm going to say this shout out to Angel Reese, even in a loss, listen, 20 boards, 20 boards. Say what you want to say about how she's getting all these rebounds.

You can get 20 rebounds. I don't care if you're rebounding your own. But the thing is with Angel, Angel just has a knack for the basketball. Angel is just going to go get the basketball. And she is constantly giving her team rebounds.

more possessions. And I'm going to say this, Spoon, I should text her, but I'm going to say it right now. I needed her to let her stay in the game to get 20 points. She had 19. I just needed her to get a, listen, a 20-20, but I'll take 19 and 20, even in a loss. I'll take 19 and 20 over Brittany Griner. Brittany Griner is on the court at the time. That's a tough job. Yeah. That's tough. Yeah. So...

Especially when you have Atlanta lurking right behind the fever and Chicago. Yeah. You got to make sure you're still bringing it. Great point. You mentioned the trade deadline. I would love to see Chicago go find another score. I really would. But I don't know how they're going to make that happen before the deadline. But I...

They just, that, that first game back from the Olympic break, they looked like they were still on Olympic break. It just, it just was not, it was just, it was just a hot mess. It was, but to be able to bounce back from that and get the win against LA on the road. And they, they battle Phoenix. They battle Phoenix the other day, Sunday, they battle Phoenix at home. But I just, I feel like this,

Chicago team is they're, they're missing another score. And I know a lot of people are talking social media, right? Let's, but let's remember that there's still a young team. They're very young. Yes. Even with a Kennedy Carter, Kennedy's young, right? You, you drafted post players who are hella good, but they're young. Camilla Cardosa,

Cardoso, excuse me, and Angel. They're young. And you're asking both of them to come in this first season and just completely carry your team or do incredible things for your team. Let's just pump the brakes for a minute and remember they're rookies. And this league is a tough league to ask rookies to do all of these things game in and game out. Mm-hmm.

But in saying that, I think Angel and Camilla are holding their own. I think they look good. I think they're doing everything they can do for Chicago. And even in saying that, I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, Chicago is still sitting in that eighth spot. I believe so. Maybe not after Sunday's game. After the Mercury. Yeah, maybe not after that game, but I don't know. Let's see.

But anyway, 19 and 20, I'll take it. Okay. I'll take 19 and 20. The eighth spot, they're 11 and 16. And I think you mentioned Cardoso. She benefited from the break, I think. She came back and just her finishing was better. Just being able, we always talk about rookies having this break during, being a rookie during an Olympic year, this kind of feels like your sophomore season a little bit.

in the second half, because I feel like she was able to watch game film, work on her post moves, and she's coming back, almost getting double doubles in these few games that she's been back. So I think Cardoso is doing well. Kennedy Carter is going to be a bucket, but it is one more person. I guess for me, I don't know if they're going to get it this season. I don't know if they're like, yeah, we're a young team. We've got time. We're going to

find it great free agency in the off season. We're going to, if we're in the playoff hunt this year, that is a great start. That is not even what we thought. So next year we're going to see what we're missing, but Angel, Camilla, Kennedy, if you can hold it down this season, then we'll get you some help next year. That's, that's what I kind of feel like, but they did make that trade, which was,

Maybe the locker room presence is better, but on the court, they're still trying to figure it out. I would agree with that. Yeah, no doubt. All right. Okay. We're going to take a break. That was a lot. That was a lot of basketball. Hope y'all was taking notes. Cause that was a great little run through roundup. But when we come back, it's mailbag time.

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No matter what you're going through, you are never alone. Join me on my podcast From the Heart with Rachel Brathen every Friday. Each episode is like sitting down with your best friend for a cup of coffee. From self-care tips to inspiration for healing, this podcast offers the chance to return to nature, return to community, and return to who you are at your core. Straight from my heart to yours. Listen to and follow From the Heart with Rachel Brathen on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome back to Queens of the Court. And it's time for our listener mailbag segment. This week's mailbag segment is delivered by Amazon Prime. Whatever you're into, it's on Prime. And remember, if you have a question, comment or story, send it to us via email at queensofthecourtatodyssey.com. Let's go to the first one. Cheryl, you ready? Yeah, let's do it. There's more.

like both of these are more um statements but we love it we love sending us a little note a little love note thanks so this first one is from elizabeth she says hello i started listening to your podcast a few months ago and it's my favorite podcast now thanks elizabeth there are many women's basketball podcasts uh ran by two great and knowledgeable women keep doing what you're doing i

Wow. We did not pay her to say that. This is real. Thanks. Elizabeth, you should come be on the show. I know. Just tell us all these wonderful things. Thank you. And,

And Elizabeth said, did you see Stephanie Dolson stats from Saturday, Saturday's game against the links? She had 23 points. She was a hundred percent from the field, a hundred percent from the three point line and a hundred percent from the free throw line. And she only played 21 minutes. Sincerely, Elizabeth T. Look, I was like, okay,

Elizabeth's like, I don't care what y'all talk about. I want to make sure y'all saw what Stephanie Olsen did. And we saw it because that is such a rare game. If you've just had one of those games, Cheryl, where you just...

in the game, regardless of the result, because they didn't win that game, but you're just kind of floating through after that game. You're just like, I'm a hundred percent from the, you can't tell me nothing after one of those. I'll be very honest with you. I don't remember ever being a hundred percent. I've had really good games. Here's my question. And I don't know if James, you can get this. So a hundred percent

100% from three, 100% from free throw. My question is how many shots does she take? How many free throws does she take? Just curious. That's a good one. Regardless, it's a really good thing. Yes. James is going to find us that. I do have for the three point for shooting threes. She was six for six. From three?

from three and that set a WNBA record for the most threes without a miss. Maya Moore, Tamika Catchings and Christy Tolliver are the only other players to ever make six threes on six attempts, but they still had some misses within that. Yeah. So that's crazy, right? And let me say this. This is what

Was Steph in the three-point contest? She was. She was. We talked about it. She didn't do so hot. She didn't do so hot.

But here's the thing though. It is okay. But here's the thing. Usually when you're talking about a shooter going six for six from the three, you don't think about it being a post player. You think about it being guards and Steph Dolson, big mama Steph is like, slow your roll because big girls can shoot it too. I see you Steph.

We see you. I just want to know free throws. Wow. That's impressive. And she only played 21 minutes. That's the thing. 20. She was shooting that thing, but you know, I would have been like, especially if the game was kind of over, I would have been like, coach, I'm good.

Yeah. I don't need to go back in. I'm not shooting no more. If the game is over, I'm like, Ooh, I'm a hundred percent. Don't even pass it to me. I don't want to let somebody else play. Yeah. Let somebody else play. I'm good. Because I'm already good. I'm good. I'm good where I'm at. Yeah.

Oh my gosh, I surely would have been like, "Mm-mm, don't look at me." Don't look at me, don't look at me. You know, as a player, sometimes before, like when I played and I didn't want to go in and I saw the coach come in that way, I would just untie my shoe or something's wrong with my shorts or I need the trainer. Like, no.

Do not look at mine in my direction. You just be looking, looking above in the, in the rafters. Like what's not happening up there. Don't hear you. That's impressive stuff. Wow. She was one for one from the free throw line, but still it was, she did, she did not miss. And let's just talk about the Mystics real quick.

With Stephanie Dolson having that type of performance, I think it's also something to be said about a little more freedom because they did have Shakira Austin back and Brittany Sykes back healthy playing. We had Shakira Austin on the show. She was like, I hope I could come back, but the team is doing really well without me. They just need to

Two more players. And I'm like, yeah, and you're one of them. And Brittany Sykes is one of them. So even though they didn't...

have the results that they wanted. They played really well together against the Lynx over the weekend. Shakira Austin had nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a game one against the Lynx. Then she came back at 16 points and five rebounds in game two. Brittany Sykes, 11 points, four rebounds, three assists in that first game. And then seven points, three rebounds and seven assists in game two. And so they haven't,

been playing with each other a ton and that's gonna come together. No. But

If you're Stephanie Dolson, you're like, okay, I kind of had to do more than my role when you don't have a Shakira Austin and a Slim. So now that they're here, I, you know, I can just be a spot up shooter and kind of knock down when you need me to. So that, that the roles are starting to adjust a little bit for the Mystics. And Aaliyah Edwards played amazing and they have Carly Samuelson back. So they're going to, they're going to figure it out. This is a,

A team with talent, but their record doesn't reflect them. And I think they could also be one of those teams that start inching up if they can start stacking wins. They could, because you look at, gosh, I don't have the standings up here, but Chicago sitting at, what, 19 losses? Chicago is at 16 losses.

Chicago's at 16 and Washington's at what? Do you know? 21. If they can find a way, right, to put a couple of wins together. I don't know. I'm just I'm not counting anybody out right now.

Because to your point, when you get players back that are healthy and especially players that can make a difference like Slim and Shakira Austin, and then you still have a little Edwards who's playing well, Ariel Atkins, Stephanie Dolson. Yeah, this this Washington Mystics team could definitely make some noise. Definitely. Well, yeah.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for making sure we talk about Stephanie Dolson's game. We appreciate you. Thanks for writing in. She was determined. She was like, y'all gonna talk about this. Okay, we got one more from Marsha. This is a little bit of a story. So hello. I'm sure she gets that so much. I bet she does.

Hello, Queens of the Court. Love you both dearly. Can't wait for Tuesdays to hear your take on women's basketball. I played high school basketball with Cheryl Miller in Riverside, California. Shout outs. And played four years at San Diego State. So I love women's basketball. Still can hoop it up at age 63.

Real quick, Marsha, you sent us some pictures of you from WNBA All-Star. I think you still can. You look in great shape. Yeah, you look like you can stroke it. I don't know what you're strength is, but get up and down the court, too. Shout out to you, Marsha. That is goals. Okay.

She also says when the WNBA announced the 2025 WNBA all-star game in Indianapolis, I checked the hotels in the downtown area for July 17th through 20th and the majority were already sold out.

I found a hotel within 12 minutes walking distance. I'm sure it's partially from the Caitlin Clark effect, but overall fans are loving women's basketball. FYI, I think Cheryl Swoop should be the top 20 athletes of all time. We need a new vote.

That's right, Marsha. Let's go, Marsha. My youngest daughter has special needs. She's 33. She loved the WNBA experience in Phoenix, and she posted a picture with her hugging Shakira Austin. We love it. Much love and admiration. Keep up the great work, Marsha.

Thank you, Marsha. Thank you for passing that along. And yes, that is a little nugget in there. 2025 All-Star, it was announced that it's going to be an indie. I just want to say that we were right because I love coming on this microphone and saying when we are correct, that is always a wonderful feeling. You will never hear me when I say we were wrong. Yeah.

But can I say this? I know, right? We're never going to say we're wrong. We're never going to say we're wrong. Is anyone surprised? I'm not surprised. I know we talked about it could be Seattle. And once we started talking about that, I was like, dang, it really could be. And I was thinking about that logistically. But yeah, I don't know why they didn't just immediately say it at All Star. Maybe they were still kind of working some stuff out. But I am not surprised. We called it.

And yeah. Yeah. But shout out to you, Marsha. You playing with Cheryl Miller. Saying that our Cheryl should be top 20. And you are right about that. Thanks for writing in.

We appreciate you. Marsha, you're good in my book. You're good. Feel free to send us the highlight video if you're like in a women's league right now at age 60. We will cheer you on, Marsha. Let's do it. Amazing. Okay, that was our listener mailbag delivered by Prime from streaming to shopping. It's on Prime. Visit amazon.com slash prime to get more out of whatever you're into.

When we come back, we're going to give out some flowers. All right. Welcome back to Queens of the Court. And before we keep going, I looked up an action shot of Marsha back when she was with the Aztecs. She was like a hooper. She got the long socks up to her knees. She's got it's definitely an and one. She's driving. No doubt.

Marsha was a hooper. I just had to shout her out. Marsha looked like you had some hops too. See you, Marsha. We are. Yes. Y'all don't sleep on Marsha. I'm surprised you didn't put your chat line in the email, but if you still got them, let us know. Yes. Yeah. You should get. I feel like she was giving herself some flowers and we're just giving her some more flowers when we looking up her action shots. But speaking of. Yes, we are.

It's time to give out a few bouquets. And that means it's time for Giving Flowers presented by AT&T. Miss Cheryl Swoops, would you like to go first? No. I'm going to start flipping a coin. Okay. I know. You go first this time. I'll go first. I feel like really quick.

Or no, we talked about Monique Billings, and I don't know if that is someone on your list, so I don't want to take that. She's on my list. Okay, then we can talk about her in a second. But you can. Okay. I want to give flowers to one of my favorite basketball players of all time who just had her record broken, and that is my girl, Tisha Pinochero. I feel like we...

I can go on and on about how much I love Tisha Pinochero growing up in Sacramento, being a Monarchs fan. But I think a lot of her name was tossed out this weekend because Kaitlyn Clark beat her rookie assist record that she made, by the way, in 1998.

It has not been beaten since 1998, 224 assists in a season and Caitlin Clark beat it. But I just want to give flowers because I know that when we talk about records being broken, sometimes it's more about the now and not so much about the player who said it and

And so Tisha, I love you. I grew up idolizing your handles, your passing as a point guard. So I'm hope that with Caitlin Clark passing and,

We talked about the fever just getting off to a great start. Kaitlyn played great this weekend. We're watching those highlights, but then everybody goes back and watches Tisha Pinnachero highlights to know just how much of a beast and a boss of a point guard she was. So giving my flowers to Tisha Pinnachero. I love that. Listen, yeah. Tico was the truth. She was something nasty with the ball in her hands. I just...

You know, I know today people give Chelsea Gray the point God title, rightfully so. But I'm gonna go back in my day when Tisha played and say Tisha was a point God for sure. That was a good one. Yeah. Thank you. Really, really good. Okay.

So I have three, but two of them go together. And that would be Odyssey Sims and Monique Billings. And the reason why I'm giving the two of them flowers is because they have been the ultimate professionals. Like I've never had a seven day hardship contract, but the fact that they stay ready.

Right. You have you're on a seven day hardship contract with with Dallas. You know, stuff happens. It's business. They don't hang their heads. They stay ready. And to be able to watch.

Monique Billings play for Phoenix Sunday night and just she looked like she'd been with the team the entire season. Yes. Right. She fit right in. So happy for her. I just I love watching her play. So I'm giving her a bouquet and Odyssey Sims. You know how I feel about. Oh, I hate it to see her go from Dallas. So happy LA picked her up.

It's just a matter of time before she figures out where she fits and belongs with that team, but definitely wanted to give them flowers for always staying ready so they don't have to get ready. And the last person I want to give flowers to, I'm not going to get emotional, is De'Arica Hamby. No, it's De'Arica Hamby.

Listen, there's a lot being said on social media, right? Everybody has thoughts and opinions on what happened, what didn't happen. And none of us were there. So none of us know. I don't even know. But the reason why I'm giving her flowers is because to have the courage to stand up and do what she did and continue to

to be a professional, do her job, play. She deserves flowers because what I do know is that that can't be easy. And I'm sure she's getting a lot of ugliness thrown her way, social media, whatever. I want to give her a big bouquet of flowers and say, stay strong, hang in there. We see you. And here are your flowers.

I wish I could have physically given her flowers after that Aces game when, you know, we talked about it. There were some boos in the crowd every time she touched the ball. And then after the game, she goes and just hugs her daughter. And I wish I was there to just give her a day of flowers, literally. Yeah. Because I'm sure that was a lot and emotionally taxing. That was a good one. That was a really good one. She got through it.

She got through it. She got through it. Great, great flowers. Great choices. We love, we love this segment of giving flowers. Oh, our producer, James, Marsha, we got your stats. Sorry, we're going back to Marsha. Let's go.

We're giving flowers to Marsha. Yes, we are. Top 15 on the all-time women's SDSU scoring list. Yeah, you are. Also fifth all-time on the women's assist list. Okay, Marsha. Marsha, were you a point god back in your day? Yes! Oh, Marsha. This is my favorite development. I know you probably heard it. No wonder you probably heard it.

It's always Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. Because you was getting bucket and dishing out dung. Yeah, her teammates were probably saying that. Oh, wow. Thanks, James. Yeah, James. San Diego State. Okay.

Well, this has been a very eventful giving flowers segment presented by AT&T. I love this. Be like Marsha and rate, follow, review us and send us your personal accolades because we will give you flowers and look up action shots of you. So send us questions, stories, feedback, whatever you

you want to our listener email address at queensofthecourt at odyssey.com. Yeah, be like Marsha and say, wait a minute, I need some flowers. Give them to me. Well, thanks, Marsha. That was cool. That was fun. And y'all know where to find us on social media. You can find me at airsweeps22 and she, her, Jordan is at HeyJordanR. She took all those Y's off, by the way.

Okay. Queens of the Court is an Odyssey original created in partnership with the WNBA. The show is produced by the one and only James Jackson. The executive producers are Asha Thalousia, Maddie Sprung-Kaiser, and Leah Reese Dennis. Social media assistance from Isabella Apple. Music from T-Storm Battle. And like always, a very special thank you to Lena Moss Glazer and Alex Ozzie.

And court is adjourned. Is adjourned.