3x WNBA Champ Alysha Clark on Why Atlanta is so Dangerous

0:00 That I love about this final series is that, like, whoever wins is for the culture. For the culture. You know what I'm saying? Like, because if it's Atlanta, like, the way Atlanta's about to show out and the city and what they're about to... Crazy.

0:12 Crazy.

0:12 The way if Golden State wins, the way the Bay is about to do, like, crazy.

0:17 Violet gonna be skating up and down Autumn Street.

0:18 You know what I'm saying?

0:21 Too short an E40 gonna be out there.

0:23 Yeah.

0:23 What's my favorite word? Okay.

0:24 Okay.

0:24 Okay. It's either that or ATL Ho. We never know. They were chanting that.

0:30 You can hear it on the TV.

0:32 Oh my.

0:33 ATL Ho. No way.

0:43 What's up, everyone?

0:44 Gangs all here yet again. Welcome back to Everyone Watches Women's Sports. Today we have a fun packed day because we're in the thick of WNBA Finals.

0:54 Okay.

0:55 It's been exciting. We're going to talk about that. We're going to break it down with our sister, Alicia Clark.

1:01 Love her so much.

1:01 We're going to womanifest some things and we've reached out to you all for the Watch Stars segment. We're going to talk about that. See how we rate y'all's takes. Make sure you like, comment, subscribe, all the things because you get.

1:14 Us every week.

1:15 And right now we are barely here because last night was so fun.

1:21 So fun. Boots on the ground.

1:24 Literal boots.

1:25 And we didn't plan it. We all had like high heel black boots so we could be boots on the ground for you guys.

1:30 It was great.

1:31 Yes.

1:31 And I'm tired, but I'm so excited to talk about it.

1:34 Well, first of all, get into the environment because obviously we've been spoiled. This final series between Valhalla and State Farm, crazy, right? Just when you think it can't get better. My little millennial heart was so full. We got Quavo. We got Scrappy. We got them Franchise Boys. We got T.I.

1:58 T.I. alone.

2:00 What did we do to deserve this greatness? I got my life.

2:03 Yeah, they were both going crazy. I like to claim Gen Z. Thank you. We saw and, and.

2:11 We got to make you privy because ain't no way you weren't lean with it and rocking with it.

2:15 I was.

2:16 Okay, come on.

2:18 Y'all cute.

2:20 No, it was the funnest game I've ever been to. I'm not going to lie.

2:23 Yeah.

2:23 It literally felt like we were at some sort of music festival alongside a basketball game.

2:28 Yeah.

2:29 And also... I just got to say, their mascot had more outfit changes than Ellie.

2:34 Well, to be fair.

2:35 Oh, not too much.

2:36 Hold on.

2:36 To be fair, that was the hawk for the Atlanta Hawks. We got to get on it with a dream. Hey, bring back the mascot. I remember the mascot vividly, not vividly, faintly from 10 years ago.

2:46 I'm like, bring them back.

2:48 Yeah, it was fun.

2:49 They got to figure out something. Bahala is very West Coast. They be bouncing and stabbing and jigging out there.

2:55 Violet skates across.

2:56 100%. But man, Atlanta has culture.

3:01 It's so good.

3:01 The culture runs so deep. And to have the stars popping out. I mean, Kerry Washington, I love you.

3:08 It's giving motion. I love you.

3:11 Okay, girl.

3:12 And if you want to come on, everyone watches Women's Sports because you be watching Women's Sports.

3:15 She should.

3:17 We saw you present.

3:18 Official invite.

3:19 But I mean.

3:20 I think Atlanta just really understands that. Angel Reese said after the last game in Valhalla, Atlanta better show up, and they absolutely did. They did.

3:28 They came out.

3:29 Mind you, it was a weeknight.

3:30 It stars everybody.

3:31 Yes. It was a weeknight. A school night.

3:32 A school night.

3:34 8 p.m. game. It wasn't even like a 6.30, 7 o'clock game. It was the night of night. But that's how you know you have motion in real life. And yeah, we talk about the music festival of it all, but they came out balling like the Monstars.

3:45 I have seen.

3:46 I have seen.

3:48 The school squad.

3:49 Literally.

3:51 When I tell you, so Jaycee, right? Great point guard, multiple time champion. Her handles, crazy yesterday.

4:00 Crazy.

4:02 Then you got Angel, who's developed some type of rivalry in her head and took it out on her poor opponent. It was just so much motivation. And then Ryan just pickpocketing like she does best. I was so impressed comprehensively by the dream.

4:19 It was insane.

4:21 And it was from the tip. to the end. They put together 40 minutes last night and that was really, really impressive because I remember talking to you in the first quarter, I was like, dang, it's six to zero and it's five minutes to seven seconds on the clock. Golden State didn't get a bucket and it was a free throw.

4:39 It looked like a base.

4:39 But you know what?

4:40 Six to zero is a testament to both teams. They're both defensively sound. But we anticipated a little scoring, but Atlanta ended up running it up because their offense looked like the offense that we had known them to be going into finals.

4:52 Right.

4:53 You have two teams.

4:54 Okay.

4:54 I talk about this all the time.

4:55 Two teams that are one and two in defense in the league. You have two teams that are one and two and three point shooting efficiency.

5:02 You have.

5:03 One and two in momentum. And they were just rotting off all these, these traits for them. But it, like the first game, both of them struggled from three. I think the first, one was 17%, another one was 24%. When they started getting a shooting the way their normal shooting identity is, it's, it's nuts.

5:18 I knew, and you know, listen, I'm, Fair to anything happening, because go to state is definitely a fourth quarter team. But I knew it was up when Angel Reese hit that three from the wing shot. And then another one, I believe, was the top of the key.

5:31 I said, oh, it might be over, y'all.

5:32 And then Nas hit him with a back-to-back, too.

5:34 I'm like, I said, oh, everybody hot.

5:37 We making it rain.

5:38 We making it rain. Making it rain.

5:41 No, Angel got a steal and was grinning ear-to-ear. And I'm like, it's scary hours. You don't want her smiling.

5:47 Nuts.

5:47 Whenever you're that confident and you tell Kia, get back in the game. How you looking to the bench and say, get back in the game?

5:55 Girl.

5:56 But that's the mentality you need to have. You need to have a cutthroat. You can't guard me mentality saying, how you want it? Show me my opponent.

6:03 Shout out Prophet Lil Wayne. But like, it is what it is.

6:07 Like, that's a championship mentality. And then her energy is so contagious. That's what her teammates always say. Her energy is contagious. She makes us want to be better. You saw that with the rook, Izzy Borlase.

6:16 Oh my goodness.

6:17 Izzy had herself a night. Both ways.

6:21 Both ways.

6:22 And before the series even started, I talked to her about being clutch because she has had very great clutch moments within the regular season and even in the playoffs. But Izzy came and said, I don't care who this is. I'm going to take the ball down the court. I'm going to get the nice layups. I'm going to shoot from distance. I'm going to give you every part of the game.

6:43 That you need to get.

6:44 And just to back that up, in her 26 minutes, she had 12 points. She was five for 10 from the floor, one for two from three, hit one of her free throws, had five rebounds, two assists, one block, and plus 21 on the night.

6:59 Plus 21 on the night. That's extremely efficient. She was.

7:03 One of the best rookies I've seen, girl.

7:06 Yeah, no, she showed up.

7:06 She put on a freaking show. I mean, obviously not perfect, but to stick it out even... I find sometimes rookies or people who are newer in the league can get down. Couple shots not going. We made the wrong read, maybe. Maybe you turned it over, whatever it is. It didn't matter. And also what I love seeing is Angel and other people really pouring into her. Like, okay, you missed that.

7:29 Who cares?

7:30 Get back at it. Then she made this nasty layup. I can't remember what quarter it was, and they called the timeout. Her entire team was just surrounding her and supporting her and pouring into her. I mean, it was beautiful to see.

7:43 You know, she has the green light, though. And that's what I love about the Atlanta Dream. They don't get down on themselves because they have the green light to keep shooting. And honestly, if you didn't have the talent that you had on that team, that could be detrimental to your fate. But because they all have the capability to shoot, And they're very defensively minded.

8:03 And they have Angel Reese to crash the glass. You have the opportunity.

8:08 You have the privilege of continuing to shoot without worry of your teammates not having your back.

8:14 I'm not going to hold you guys, though. I'm honestly shocked that Golden State didn't come out hotter. Because we were all in the press conference ahead of time with Natalie. And the way she was speaking, I'm like, oh, Gabby's going to drop 30 on their heads.

8:28 Yeah.

8:29 And so I was a little bit shocked with their performance and obviously the whole lack of sleep and not a lot of time in between. But I don't know. I'm just curious about, obviously Atlanta had, they were all out of their minds, but I'm interested your guys' takes on the way that Golden State showed up.

8:46 Yeah, we were all in that press conference, I believe. And I think the biggest thing that stuck out to me is Coach Nat has a way to make you feel like, yo, I'm going to run through a wall for you. Like she said, it's win or die. And after that, I was like, oh, I know she gave her team the business or whatever works to motivate that team.

9:06 And unfortunately, I just feel like it kind of mirrored the last game where they came out a little flat. And unfortunately, Atlanta was really hitting their stride. Like everyone was involved for Atlanta. And for them, it kind of felt like, Okay, this didn't work out. Then this didn't work out. Then they got frustrated. Then they got down.

9:23 And I was actually shocked. Me and Ari, we were talking about this. We actually anticipated a comeback for that fourth quarter because they are.

9:29 They're one of the strongest fourth quarter teams.

9:32 Fourth quarter teams, absolutely.

9:33 And so to see them not be able to punch back. I mean, the third actually, didn't they tie it in that third?

9:39 So the third was very, it wasn't.

9:42 Golden State is characteristically not the strongest third quarter team.

9:46 They're one of the top fourth quarter teams.

9:48 Natalie wants them to put together 40 minutes of a game and empty the tank, right?

9:54 But that's very difficult when you.

9:55 Have an Atlanta Dream team coming off momentum off a game to win back in their home. a sold-out crowd, the environment that that has is nuts. Also, Golden State has the privilege of being deeper, right? So they want a more equal or even contribution of scoring.

10:11 Obviously, they play tethered defense, so it's more of a team.

10:16 Type of defense as opposed to Atlanta, which is very different. But that's, you know, that's in the, we did things that basketball never did it all. But what they needed to do is see their offense more fluid from jump. And that just wasn't the case. And because Atlanta came out punching, I see a lot of Natalie and Angel Reese similarities.

10:39 The difference is Natalie's not on that floor.

10:41 Yeah. So they need, they need that personality on the floor. And Gabby has historically been a great leader. She still is a great leader and she knows how to be vulnerable for her team.

10:51 She knows how to calculate for her team.

10:53 I just, I want for Golden State to have a little bit more of that dog in them when it comes to like, hey, these people are attacking us. They're attacking, they're playing aggressive. They're punching first. They know what's on the line. I want a fight back in the form of basketball.

11:08 Yeah, yeah.

11:10 And last week I said, that would be fun. I did say that one of the reasons I love watching Atlanta play is because it does remind me of that New York street basketball where it's like, if the offense isn't working, just play basketball. And I think that's what golden state's kind of missing right now, where it's like, if they don't get the perfect offensive set, then they're kind of like, Oh shoot. Like just skip. I feel like you just got to get up and down that court. Like, I don't know. I don't know if you agree.

11:37 Which is interesting because they thrive in transition, though.

11:39 Yeah, but last night it seemed like they were just living and.

11:42 Dying by it.

11:42 Shots were not falling. I think I definitely agree with your Liberty assessment because if the Liberty offense ain't going well, you know Brianna Stewart going to come out there and get a bucket. I was looking to Gabby Williams to be that person to go out there and get you a bucket, but unfortunately they just weren't falling for her.

11:57 And that's... just the disheartening part of basketball, sometimes your shots just sometimes don't fall. We saw that in game one. It just so happened to be in Golden State's favor.

12:07 Because Atlanta was shooting a little worse.

12:10 But like, sometimes you don't see your shots falling. But what is frustrating, if I'm Gabby, knowing that my full team has the capability and their shots aren't falling either. But we have to realize this is against an Atlanta Dream team who is so sound defensively.

12:26 Yeah.

12:27 They're not going to let anything be easy to you. They're going to not only get in your pockets and pick the ball, but they're going to get in your head. Atlanta is a get in your head type of team and wear you down. They have just as many threats. It's just like, I mean, imagine being frustrated because your shot's not dropping and then you have... Two of them saying too small. Then you have, you can't guard me.

12:48 Then you have bum.

12:49 At this point, I don't even know if I.

12:51 Can emotionally regulate. So shout out to them for keeping it. They did run it up.

12:56 It wasn't a breakaway until the fourth quarter. And it was uncharacteristic for them. But if I'm Atlanta, I'm riding the momentum. I'm keeping the energy because you know you can wear them down.

13:08 And if it's not physically, it's mentally. And if it's not mentally, it's physically. It's both.

13:13 It's both.

13:14 They have to weather another storm in State Farm. Ain't no telling what that concert is going to be like on Saturday.

13:21 Ain't no telling who's going to show up in the building.

13:23 I'm like, okay, so last night was late. We had all the rappers. It's late at night. I'm like, Who performing at 2 p.m.? Watch Elena's show. I'm excited to see.

13:32 They're going to wake up out of the bed.

13:34 And come to the court and perform.

13:36 Because, you know, rappers love to wake up.

13:38 Listen, Soulja, you hear this?

13:40 You know what's crazy, Soulja?

13:41 Okay, turn my swag on.

13:44 No, but, you know, they wake up late.

13:47 So they can just roll on over to the court. But Elena has to give the keeps on giving. So I'm getting my hold.

13:54 Our next guest is the three-time WNBA champion and forward for the Dallas Wings and everyone's favorite vampire, Alicia Clark.

14:02 Bam. Welcome to the show.

14:04 Welcome, Mookie.

14:12 My stomach is being disrespectful. Why? Because it needs Alicia Clark's food.

14:16 Because you eat the girls up.

14:17 You eat the girls up and we need... That was good.

14:21 Our chef.

14:23 You been in the kitchen, Buki? Still? Yeah, I'm still in the kitchen. I'm currently looking at my newly renovated kitchen.

14:30 Oh, period. So we're going to need a video after this.

14:34 Thank you. What do you mean?

14:35 If you want a video, I want a dish.

14:37 I want to be there in person.

14:38 Oh, yeah.

14:38 Fair, fair, fair.

14:39 Come on. Come on and see.

14:40 Keep saying these things, Alicia. I promise you, you're going to see me.

14:44 That's the thing.

14:46 You were in Dallas.

14:47 And didn't hit me for a meal.

14:50 Okay, that's fair.

14:51 Even after I said, let me know.

14:54 You know what?

14:54 You ate that one little thing.

14:56 Alicia, you need her location so you can just pull up on her.

14:59 That's really what it is.

14:59 And I would share it.

15:01 And that's really what it is.

15:02 Until it turns off randomly.

15:03 You have been off for a little bit.

15:05 This ain't about me.

15:06 This is about Alicia Clark, the basketball analyst who is joining us.

15:11 I mean, she's spoken into existence. Hello, now you're a whole analyst. We love that for you.

15:16 Post the thread.

15:17 Come on. Come on. If you want anything, post about it.

15:20 And you know what?

15:21 Angel Reese said, I'm going to finals. In almost a year to the day, they're in the finals against the Valkyries.

15:30 Oh, that just gave me chills.

15:32 She did.

15:32 She threaded about it. We just going to say threaded. She threaded about it. She put that online. She said, I'm going to the finals a year later in the finals. And Alicia, you have been able to witness this whole series as is everybody else. It's the the highest performing series or the most watched series ever.

15:52 Right?

15:53 So from your eyes, what do you see this contributing to the electricity of this series?

16:01 I just think, um, when you look at these two teams, because they are both like their identity is their defense and their ability to play out of their defense. Um, to me as a basketball fan, I'm excited to see how the other team is going to like break that down and still get to their spots and be able to score. So it's like, I'm intrigued from like a IQ level of, okay, well, how is, you know, Gabby going to get to her spots? How's Ryan going to get her looks? How's Alicia going to get downhill? You know, like all of those things. is what makes me excited about this series. But I think for everyone else just watching, it's just so much good basketball. You know, I've been joking about it on threads. Like, I want seven games,

16:43 double overtime, and game seven with a game winner.

16:45 It's Alicia's fault, not mine. They always try to blame me. Yes, we are blaming Ari. OT, OT, there's never much love when we go OT, but it's actually Alicia.

16:53 No, Ari's the reason. But I just love this time of year. And You have these women out here playing the best basketball, you know, of their seasons right now. And, like, I want to see every single minute that I can see of it to be able to watch. And so, jokingly, I'm like, okay, I want seven games. Obviously, like, that would be amazing. But I just want– it's just fun watching.

17:15 It's great basketball. Agreed.

17:17 Yesterday someone asked who I'm going for, and I said seven games.

17:19 Go sports.

17:20 So, however, whatever team is playing that can make that a reality, that's what I want.

17:24 Whatever you got. Just get it done.

17:26 Yes.

17:27 All right.

17:28 I hate to be the contrarian.

17:30 Uh-oh.

17:31 She said actually five games.

17:32 I really don't think we're going to make it to seven. The way that the Atlanta Dream has been playing, we may get six.

17:40 We may get six.

17:42 And honestly, it wouldn't shock me if we end up with five. But speaking of historic, we have Ryan Howard, who's the first player in WNBA history to have five steals in back-to-back finals games. What do you think has led to that? that kind of historic stat. Thievery. She's a thief.

18:03 In the night, baby.

18:04 She's a thief, honey.

18:04 She'll steal those cookies.

18:06 She's a Tennessee girly, duh.

18:08 Oh, my God.

18:09 Who you in Tennessee with? No, honestly, I think it's her ability just to have an effect on.

18:19 The game when she's not scoring.

18:22 And I think.

18:23 I think she really took it personally when people were saying that she doesn't play defense. I think you saw a shift in her and being like, okay, well, you're not about to play with me. Like I may not be out here. Like that may not be my main thing, but like I can play defense. Don't play with me. And so she is like, she's one of those defenders.

18:39 Like she's super long and she's, she's not like a rah-rah in your face. She kind of like lulls you to sleep as a defender and then boom, she's there in your space and gets a steal or whatever. she's there for a contest or like you just, I mean, even the weak side block that she had last night, she was on the complete other side.

18:55 It was a step step.

18:57 Like it literally called it literally volleyball. Yeah.

19:02 But like that, she's just like that sneaky type of defender where it looks like, Oh, she's not there. And then she's there. Like she's so athletic. And so I'm just super proud of her and the way that she's showing up in these finals. And, you know, even when her shot's not falling, she's affecting the game and in all the other areas.

19:20 And that's what.

19:21 Something I love when I watch these younger players. And I can say younger because she's a lot younger.

19:25 You mentioned age, not us.

19:27 Just to be clear, you mentioned.

19:29 Age, not us.

19:29 I didn't give an exact age, but I'm just saying like with these younger players, a lot of them have come up in a time where it's like offense, offense, offense. And if your shot's not falling, oh, you're not. you know, you aren't good to the game or like you're not effective or valuable. And I think what Ryan has been able to do is show that you're just as valuable even if your shot isn't falling because.

19:50 She has gravity.

19:52 If she's aggressive and, you know, she's getting downhill attacking, like teams are, you have to help. And so that's gravity. And so for her to be aggressive, but then still, you know, do what she's doing on the defensive side, I think it's just, I think it's amazing. And I love that it's being shown on this big scale right now.

20:08 Yeah, let's keep going with who you've seen, because first of all, let's address the Ryan of the situation, right? I think that people misconstrue her demeanor for lack of work ethic, and that's just not the case. And also with players who know how to contribute, like I look at Akia Stokes, who had no points but 16 rebounds in game one, right? And has just been crashing the glass and contributing to why Golden State has had these extra opportunities to score. But then when you talk about year-over-year improvement, I look at Jordan and Canada.

20:43 And, Alicia, you played with her.

20:44 And you know how hard she's worked and how much she's improved. What excites you most about JC and how she's been able to grow.

20:53 Her game and contribute to a championship run?

20:58 I think you're just seeing, like, her ability to lead a team. You know, when I played with her, she was playing behind Sue and– you know, being able to soak all that up and now to be in a position where this is her team and this has been her team and watching her lead this team, I think has been really, it's been really great to watch just her leadership. Um, and then just to, for her offensive side of it, like how she's grown, like being able to shoot the three at a consistent right now. Um, she's still quick as ever, like watching her last night, get the ball and go.

21:30 I'm just like, It's so impressive to me.

21:33 I had no idea how shifty she was.

21:35 I was like, oh, we're doing this.

21:37 Okay, great. The one where she went.

21:40 And went behind. I was like, Jordina.

21:44 Jordina!

21:46 Yeah.

21:49 Um, but yeah, it's funny cause that came from, it was a package she had delivered back in the day when we were in Seattle and it said Jordina Canada on it. And I was like, Jordina. And literally that's why she saved in my phone is Jordina Canada.

22:03 Like that's all I ever call her.

22:05 Um, but no, I think just being able to watch her be able to lead her team, you know, whether it's like, get this play, get the ball to this player in this moment, or this is my time to attack and be aggressive. Or here I am on the defensive side leading and being a pest in this way. So it's been really cool to watch just her evolution over time and just watch her continue to expand. And she does it so quiet. This low key might be the quietest.

22:29 Team in the final.

22:30 Like this might be the quietest team except for Angel.

22:33 I say you say that and it was quiet.

22:36 But when you look at like these players that are here, like everybody is just like a silent assassin in their own lane.

22:43 And it's been really cool to watch.

22:45 Okay, we talked a lot about the Atlanta Dream. I do want to talk about Golden State. Golden State came out flat. They didn't score their first point until 5.07 on the clock, and it was Kyle Charles hitting a free throw. What do you think has contributed to their slow start, and what can they do for game four to not have that happen again?

23:02 Yeah, the thing that, like, Golden State thrives on is moving the ball and, like, getting downhill and kicking for threes.

23:10 Yeah.

23:12 I don't know.

23:14 Honestly, I can't speak to what caused their slow start yesterday, but what I can speak to is the way that Atlanta came out of the gates and just being able to play out of their defense and play at a really quick pace. I think it put Golden State on their heels from the jump. And when you are used to being able to have driving lanes to be able to create And Atlanta did a really good job of taking those away yesterday. They made it really difficult. They were making the Golden State players go, you know, east and west instead of north and south.

23:43 And so I.

23:45 Think for them in this next game, like, they have to match that intensity from the beginning. Like, you have to come out and match that intensity. And I don't know whether, I mean, it could have just been fatigue. Like, who knows what it was. But I think Atlanta came out from the jump with just like this cleared energy.

24:07 And when you're on the road, you can't dig yourself a hole. It's already hard enough to win. Like anytime we're on the road, it's like, just automatically assume this score is 10-0. Like that's how you're starting the game. And so being able to come out of the gates and, and maybe that's playing, maybe picking up the defensive pressure a little bit, you know, that's something that they do really well is be able to disrupt. And I think Atlanta felt really comfortable early. And once, You know, that team, once I see a few go in, it's going to be a long night. And so, yeah, I think their bench did a great job. Like, you saw Ja and Tip come in and just really make an impact.

24:41 But I think for their starters, it's going to start with VB.

24:45 Like, I don't even know how many shot attempts she finished with, but I know at one point throughout maybe like the mid-third quarter, she only had three shot attempts.

24:53 She was one for seven from the field and one for four on the three.

24:57 And how many assists did she end up with?

24:59 Four. Four.

25:00 Yeah, so for her, four assists is still fine, but she's like a seven, eight assists a night girl, and.

25:06 She's going to be aggressive. One stat for her, Alicia, she had three turnovers, and.

25:13 It's known whenever they play Atlanta that she turns the ball over significantly more. So something about that matchup just doesn't align with the way she plays.

25:22 Yeah, I think it's honestly the length that Atlanta has. They are so long, and they're able to switch. I mean, low-key, they switch one through five, when you can have Angel, you know, you're, you're five out there guarding the point guard of another team and actually like guarding, like that's such a luxury to have. And so I think that that length bothers her a little bit. You know, when you look at patterns over a series and like in particular with this, but for her, I think just continuing to be aggressive, like she has to be aggressive for them because when she's aggressive getting to, or trying to get to her shot, that's when people collapse. And that's when she's now finding her shooters. And I think, Um,

26:00 you know, she had a hard time doing that yesterday. So I think they just come out. If I'm, I'm going to stay, I'm not like, I'm not tripping if I'm being honest, because we know our identity and, you know, tip and Gabby talked about it in their post game presser last night. It was like, we were just doing things that were uncharacteristic of us. We weren't disciplined. And when you think of the golden state Valkyries, like you think of discipline. And so I said it yesterday, like that was the most out of sorts I've seen them look, but if I'm them, I'm like, I'm not worried. Like I know we played a crappy game. Atlanta did what they were supposed to do on their home court. And now it's like, okay, we re regroup and come back

26:33 out and get ready for game four and, and come out with a lot more energy.

26:36 I just think they didn't match their energy.

26:39 Yeah.

26:39 And the talk of this final suit, obviously golden States bench. So as a player, who's one of their bench players where when you play against them, you're like, Oh, they're a dog, but they're not getting enough media attention or someone to look out for.

26:53 Um, honestly, I think you can, you can look at any of their bench players, but in particular, Kyla Charles, for me, she was the X factor for golden state in game one. Like tip is tips going to play hard. She's going to compete. She's, you know, she's going to fight for everything like tips, a dog in that way. So, you know what she's going to do, but I think when you can have another player that maybe people aren't expecting, um, but if you've been watching them all season, if you've watched Kyla and just the way that she's able to impact games and just her ability defensively, to me, I'm like, that was the X factor.

27:26 And so when she can come in and have the.

27:28 Type of impact she had in game one, I think they're a completely different team. And, you know, she does a lot of the unsung hero type of things, the intangibles. And, you know, when she's up pressuring their guards and we saw it and she like ripped it away at the top of the key from, I forget who it was, but she's so long and strong. She's able to guard the post players. And when you can have somebody that can do that, Um, and she's found her confidence from outside.

27:52 Like she's not known as a knockdown three point shooter, but she's found her confidence. And so now she's getting to the rim. She's shooting threes at, you know, at a, at a good percentage. And so, um, I would say look out for her. Like, I think she can, she can really sway this series for them. Um, if she's able to have the impact that she had in game one.

28:11 I just got chills. Like, you got chills earlier about Angel because she was on a hardship contract last season. And, like, to go from that to them being the X factor in the finals, like, I just got chills for her.

28:22 Yeah.

28:22 Listen, I have a soft spot.

28:24 Okay.

28:25 Yeah.

28:26 No, I have a soft spot for players in this league that have been cut or– maybe aren't, you know, don't get the opportunity that they, that they should. And when they get to a new, new environment or a new team and they're given that opportunity and they.

28:39 Thrive, I love that because I mean, for me, it's like my journey.

28:43 And so like when I can, I see that in other players and when it, when they get rewarded for it and when they get celebrated for it.

28:49 I'm over here like.

28:51 Yeah.

28:52 Yeah.

28:53 Give the girls a flail.

28:55 But not only does she do these things, she likes to do them. And I think Golden State is full of utility players that have no ego. They just want to produce and do the things that a lot of people wouldn't want to do.

29:10 And it changes night after night.

29:13 Natalie said, Kyla Charles is, everybody wants a dose of her and pour it down our throat. And so shout out to pouring Kyla down your throat.

29:23 I heard you're going to be in the building this Saturday.

29:26 I sure am, baby. You pulling up? I am. We outside.

29:31 Yes.

29:32 I can't wait. I'm so excited. Like, to be a fan at the game, I'm so excited.

29:38 No, Alicia, you don't understand.

29:39 You don't understand.

29:40 Understand.

29:40 You're an analyst.

29:41 The atmosphere is made for us. Millennial women.

29:44 We get our life in Atlanta.

29:46 I have the time of my life.

29:49 I have the time of my life in game three. It's a party.

29:53 It is real.

29:55 I mean, watching it at home, I was sitting here on my couch, but watching it at home, I was like, oh, this is lit.

30:01 Did you see Quavo and T.I. and Scrappy and them Franchise Boys?

30:05 I didn't know that was during a timeout. I would have been able to focus. I would have been able to focus. I would have been over there like. Yeah.

30:12 She didn't see any of that. Y'all at home don't understand.

30:17 Wow.

30:17 Y'all don't understand.

30:19 The fan experience is definitely 10 out of 10.

30:21 We caught it in Snap.

30:22 Caught it. It was definitely a 10 out of 10. We said this before at the top. Culture, Atlanta, they got it.

30:33 Yeah.

30:34 And that's what I love, I'm going to say, but I love about this final series is that whoever wins is for the culture. For the culture. You know what I'm saying?

30:41 Period.

30:42 Because if it's Atlanta, the way Atlanta's about to show out and the city and what they're about to- Crazy. Crazy. If Golden State wins- The way the bae is about to do, like, crazy.

30:52 Violet gonna be skating up and down Autumn Street.

30:54 You know what I'm saying?

30:56 Too Short and E-40 gonna be out there.

30:58 What's my favorite word?

31:00 Okay.

31:00 Okay. It's either that or ATL-ho. We never know. They were chanting that ATL-ho.

31:06 You can hear it on the TV.

31:08 Oh my God.

31:09 ATL-ho.

31:09 I'm like, I blame that announcer.

31:11 He started that. I couldn't believe he said that on the mic.

31:15 Again, I was at home like, yeah. I'm like, this ain't even about you, but ATL, yeah.

31:20 ATL.

31:21 ATL. Oh my God.

31:24 It's so funny.

31:26 I love it.

31:27 I would love to know your take about Nat playing war music or not music, but like sound effects in practice. Like has that ever happened? Have you ever seen that side of her? Like, is that surprising to you? Like that, that's crazy.

31:42 One, it's not surprising to me because I know Nat, she is a psycho.

31:45 In the most like positive way.

31:48 Like she is a psycho in the most positive way. So it's not surprising.

31:52 But no, I have not experienced that.

31:55 I've been in.

31:58 When we were in.

31:58 Finals, like we had just music blaring in and like just different sound effects blaring in the gym when we were practicing. Honestly, like for all the championships, the three championships that I won, I remember vividly like in the gym, we had just stuff blaring because The environments are so different than what you played in. And so just to be able to kind of acclimate to that and force you to communicate, really, because you got to be able to get people where they need to go and make sure everyone's on the same page. And the only way you can do that is by trying to recreate that type of environment. So it's not surprising to me that Nat did that.

32:37 She said win or die.

32:38 You know what I'm saying? And that's what I love about her. She is so... Nat loves basketball and she's not ashamed of it.

32:46 And like she eats and breathes like that is that is.

32:49 Who she is. And she's not like she doesn't apologize for it. And but that's what makes her so great is because she she cares so much and she wants to be so great. She wants to make her players great. She wants everyone around her to be great. And she's going to do whatever it takes to do that.

33:05 So, yeah, I just.

33:06 It's literally working.

33:07 It's literally like she has wheeled her her willed and wheeled. her second year team into the finals. And unprecedented, historic. And that was a manifestation of her. So let's get into our woe manifestations, okay? This is where we speak things into existence that we want to see in game four. So this is no pressure. We'll let Alicia go first.

33:30 Cause she looks like she's ready. Cause she looks like she's ready.

33:34 Alicia, you are.

33:37 My script literally said, we'll let our guests go first.

33:39 You're so sweet.

33:43 Alicia, what are we wo-manifesting? Why do these words?

33:46 No, no, no. You ate that. You had it.

33:48 You already answered the made-up word.

33:55 Rubbed hands like mermaids.

33:56 Yeah.

33:57 You know what? I am going to woman-fest that.

34:02 Oh, I'm going to do something for like.

34:03 One of my people.

34:07 I'm stuck between two.

34:08 I'm going to woman fest that Kia is going to have a double-double in game four.

34:12 Shout out Kia.

34:13 Yeah.

34:13 That's my double.

34:15 Get her a little point. That's right. Miss Kia sucks.

34:18 What you got, Ari?

34:20 Okay.

34:21 I want another record broken.

34:24 Let's get Rye five more steals.

34:26 I was going to say that.

34:26 Let's get.

34:27 I want Gabby to get 35.

34:33 Oh, we could do more than one?

34:34 Yeah.

34:35 It is our world.

34:36 Don't run through all the players.

34:41 Leave some for the rest of us.

34:42 I want DB, three threes. Deep ones.

34:49 For me, I'm going to go, I think Caitlyn Chen needs to show off her Princeton skills when she was tormenting the league. So I think she's going to go four for four from three.

35:00 Wow.

35:02 I love Kacey.

35:04 I'm going to agree. I think Rai goes for five or more steals again and creates history. I need Angel to give me another 30-piece Lemon Peppa all flat. What's up?

35:13 Going.

35:16 And I also want to say DB, I think is going to hit a deep three.

35:21 That's what I'm saying.

35:22 I'm giving her three deep threes because I think she's going to go on fire and then we're going to see Angel run up to AT and dab her again in the middle of the game.

35:29 Listen, I was like, Angel, you're not real.

35:34 Give her cinema.

35:35 Honestly, that was insane. I ain't never seen nothing like that before.

35:40 I'm like, Angel, that's why I freaking love watching that game.

35:42 That was my moment of the night last night, if I'm being honest. That right there.

35:46 I was like, there's no, like that to me. I love it. I love it for me. I love that kind of set.

35:51 It literally, you can't, you can't, you want people to watch. She gives you good buckets and entertainment.

35:58 Literal cinema, literal cinema.

36:00 Well, I'm going to throw another woman fest station in there. Um, VB.

36:06 Yes.

36:07 It's gonna, it's gonna have VB is going to get 15 and, Okay.

36:15 And six.

36:16 Okay. You know what?

36:18 And two and ones on top of that.

36:20 Okay.

36:21 I can see that for her.

36:22 Yeah.

36:22 Because they need her to be aggressive.

36:25 Pow Pow gets in the game. She contributes. She contributes.

36:29 Now that's just like manifesting 700 different scenarios.

36:31 That's fine.

36:32 This game is going to be like 120 to 115 at this rate. Technically, mathematically.

36:37 Girl, I'm going to need you to rub on me or something.

36:40 I need to put my.

36:42 Pow, pow.

36:43 Because you know Coach Carl.

36:45 Pow, pow.

36:46 He played them starters 35 plus.

36:48 And then he's going to say, hey, my bench. I'm going to utilize my bench more.

36:54 All right.

36:55 Similar to the Valks.

36:56 No, he should, he should because his bench came in big yesterday. Listen, I'm an advocate for using your bench.

37:04 Don't get me started. I'm about to go on a tangent.

37:07 Like you got people that can, you know what I'm saying? That can like help him play. And I get, you know, I understand coaches feel comfortable with their rosters and whatever, but it's like when you have capable people that can actually help and continue having a You know, keeping the game competitive. Like, use that. Use the bench. Use it.

37:26 Who said that?

37:27 You know what I'm saying? So I'm like, use your bench. And last night proved like, hey, yeah, put them in there.

37:34 100%.

37:35 In the pregame, he mentioned, because someone actually brought it up, that he places starters a lot of minutes while Coach Nat has the luxury of going deep. And he was like, his starters have been doing this this whole time. And they were made for that. That was his response, and I understand it, but I agree with you, Alicia, when you say you have a very capable bench.

37:56 They also haven't done a seven-game series with those names.

37:59 They haven't done a seven-game series. They ain't never been here before.

38:01 And against a defensively sound team like that, where is that from?

38:05 That's my point. This series is because both teams are so good defensively.

38:09 Yeah.

38:10 Like, find pockets to get rest your soul. Even if it's just like a minute at a time, just find a little pocket here and there.

38:16 I mean, Izzy boy is going to go in there and be like, mama.

38:19 Izzy had 26 minutes, child.

38:20 She said, rest my girls. Rest my girls. I got your back.

38:23 Izzy was playing start a minute.

38:27 Oh, look, look. We could talk to you all day, Alicia. I love you so, so much, girl.

38:30 Yes, thank you.

38:31 I can't wait to see you Saturday.

38:32 Boots on the ground.

38:33 Boots on the ground.

38:34 We'll add another A. We'll add another A. A.

38:37 Quadruple A.

38:39 A's and A's.

38:40 A's and A's. A's and.

38:45 A's.

38:45 Let me pick a cute outfit.

38:46 Okay.

38:47 You got to match your shanties like.

38:49 This, girl.

38:49 Oh my gosh. Okay, I need y'all to start sending dress codes with these interviews because when.

38:54 I did yesterday, I got in there.

38:56 With Chanae and she's all in a gala fit. I come on here, you all booted and suited. Give me a little memo.

39:04 Look, we got you.

39:05 Just know.

39:05 The face card.

39:06 Okay. Show up skin proper.

39:08 Obsessed with the hair, by the way.

39:10 It looks so good.

39:12 We love you so much.

39:13 Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much, Alicia, for joining us, girl. We love you.

39:24 So much. We love you. Damn, damn, damn. Now, it's time to get into.

39:28 What, everyone?

39:30 Watching.

39:32 Wow.

39:32 I hope we didn't blow your ears out.

39:34 We're adorable.

39:35 Give me some jazz hands.

39:37 Spirit fingers.

39:39 Girl, what are we watching?

39:40 The girls are stomping down the Victoria's Secret runway. Trinity Rodman found more time in her day because the girl just can't stop.

39:47 And I love that for her.

39:49 To be walking Victoria's Secret, specifically the pink section, as she should. She opened the pink section. And despite us not being able to really see it on the TV, we know you did it, girl.

39:59 We saw you through Cat's Eye. She looked good.

40:00 We did.

40:00 We saw you through Cat's Eye. The body was tea. We love you, downtrend. Keep walking. Keep stomping. Keep giving it to us. All the best things. And then follow... by Natalia Bryant, Childhood Festies. We love that.

40:13 We love a little sports moment.

40:14 I love it.

40:14 I love it.

40:15 Angel Reese is a trendsetter.

40:18 Y'all girls like Angel. Listen, one of the first, or the.

40:22 First, professional athlete to walk the Victoria's Secret runway. And I love that because it opens doors that allows people like Trinity Rodman to walk down next. And I think that is so dope. I want to see more women walking. More women athletes walking down the Victoria's Secret.

40:37 Yeah, absolutely.

40:39 It used to be that it was Sports Illustrated, right? And Sports Illustrated is one of the highest honors of a job. And love you down at Sports Illustrated if you ever want to contact us.

40:48 Well, manifestation.

40:51 I am manifesting us being in Sports Illustrated. Anyway, that's my swim. Please. Anyway, the point is, the point is, and this is not about us right now.

40:57 The point is, yes, Angel got her wings... All pun intended. Last year, Suni Lee walked pink last year. And now we have Trinity Rodman and Talia Bryant. And I think that Victoria's Secret gets it. They give the girls what they want.

41:09 Yeah.

41:09 And honestly, the whole show gave me 2000s nostalgia. I think I cried a little. I cry every show.

41:16 Yeah.

41:16 Every Victoria's Secret show because it's literally like a dream.

41:18 Well, and like, I love, and we see this now with Kyla Charles, but like muscles are sexy.

41:22 They're so hot.

41:23 You know, like I love that we're showing off the muscles.

41:27 You know.

41:28 Well, since you mentioned it. Fine on fine crime here.

41:34 You see that go bring it up?

41:36 Oh my God. Okay. We all saw it.

41:37 We all saw it. Kyle and Charles, Ryan Howard.

41:40 They was playing music to the background.

41:42 Right.

41:42 Baby making music to the background. They literally said fine on fine crime. They're arguing over who's pretty.

41:47 And honestly, let me tell you something. All them chocolate girls look.

41:52 And Zoom. All of them. You in the battle? You in the battle?

41:56 I'm in the battle.

41:57 Don't play with me. Don't play with me.

41:59 All right, my favorite sugar cookie.

42:01 I am a chocolate patty. That's what I'm standing on. Leave me alone.

42:06 Yes, yes. All right, what else are we watching, Aaliyah? What else are we watching?

42:09 So, something that I just really, like, didn't even know existed that much. So, I was in my hometown, and my piercer, like, I got a new earring. He does gravel. Cycling and he goes, the fems and the woman's side is like the most fun to watch. And I looked into it. Talk about muscles. They have muscles on muscles.

42:29 Tell us everything.

42:30 So it's, um, cycling, but on, on gravel and they go for hundreds of miles. Talk about athletes, hundreds of miles. And then afterwards they like rave party, but then it's so cool. Like if you look into it, it's like cycling is hard enough, but then you're on gravel.

42:46 Is this the same space?

42:47 Yes.

42:48 I don't know how to ride a bike.

42:49 We'll fix that.

42:52 I guess it's not a safe space.

42:53 Well, I did sign us up already because I said- To what? I said AAA will be out there.

42:57 Whoa.

42:57 I can run next to you.

42:58 I told him.

42:59 I said AAA will be out there.

43:01 I don't know why you lied to this man.

43:03 I signed no paperwork.

43:04 I can't even turn a left on a bike.

43:05 No, because we need to start this little like- AAA on the ground trying niche sports.

43:10 If you're going to make me cheer. Yeah, surfing and skydiving. I didn't sign up for cycling.

43:13 Oh, hey.

43:14 Riding a bike.

43:15 What?

43:16 Those are my sports.

43:16 Surfing and skydiving. I'm over here like basketball and volleyball. I didn't sign no paperwork.

43:23 I can't ride a bike, but I can surf, so.

43:25 Okay.

43:25 Let's teach you though, for real.

43:26 No, I'm scared.

43:27 What?

43:28 Did you put skydiving?

43:29 Yes, that's so safe.

43:30 That's crazy.

43:32 That's crazy.

43:33 Moving on. But no, they have a big race, I think they call it, this Saturday in Australia, so.

43:40 So next year when you do that, next year when you do that, I will be cheering for both of you.

43:44 Shout out to my double A's.

43:45 Hey, I never signed up for the hundreds of miles. I just said, we'll be like on the ground and like maybe covering it, but maybe like doing like a little bit of cycling, but not hundreds of miles.

43:58 Well, in less crazy news, I've been watching y'all.

44:02 What's up?

44:03 China became the first nation to beat the U.S. women's gymnastics team at a world championship in 16 years. Let me read this all. In a world championship team final that will go down in history, China ends USA's seven title streak to win their first gold medal in 20 years. And on top of that, Japan won bronze to earn its first medal in 60 years. The girls are popping out.

44:30 And listen, I'm a... I am a faithful gymnastics watcher. I really am. So to hear that China won, it shocked me, but also China's been really, really good for a long time. When I say, I heard all kinds of crazy things. Like they have young girls and boys from like little, little in training. Like they've been prepared for this moment. So congrats to China and they're heading to LA 2028 Olympics.

44:56 They're definitely a specialty sport type of country and- when I look at this new world's team, it's a very young and new team. Um, Hesley Rivera would have been the only returning Olympian and.

45:08 She pulled out.

45:09 So, uh, this is, this is promising for the USA. I think sometimes you need to be shocked a little bit to recalibrate. Um, obviously we've had the luxury of having Simone Biles who, I mean, there are five moves named after her, right?

45:24 Like there are five skills named after Simone Biles individually.

45:27 And so we've had the luxury of, you know, being able to operate from ahead with that cushion. But now there's a lot more parity within the world. There's a lot more like a new turning of events with gymnastics. And with gymnastics as a sport like that, there's no room for error. But the way elite is, is you can compound skills to continue to build on your score.

45:51 It's not out of 10, right? Like you have a difficulty value and you have an execution value.

45:56 So like you can build and build and build. Simone has been like in the 15s and 16s.

46:00 You know what I mean? Typically for like a Olympic level, you'll be 13s and 14s.

46:05 So we don't have the privilege of having that scoring when it comes to these championships.

46:12 So I'm interested to see LA 28.

46:13 Yeah, girl.

46:15 I don't anticipate us, you know, being in the silver for long.

46:19 Like I just.

46:20 I don't anticipate that.

46:21 One thing about America.

46:22 Yeah, but also something going into the last Olympics that was a little concerning was the health, because we saw injury after injury at trials, and so that was terrifying.

46:33 Gymnastics is a dangerous sport, we know.

46:36 These girls are putting a lot of wear and tear on their bodies, so entering, when it is LA 28, if we're fully healthy, it's fine.

46:45 I agree, and to kind of tap back onto the parody. It's not even just gymnastics.

46:51 Basketball.

46:52 You see the way France came.

46:54 Back to basketball. When I say sports around the world is really developing and growing. And, you know, U.S. has been a leader in Olympics for years and years. And I think we're going to have some surprises in L.A.

47:08 28. I hope.

47:10 Are you a womanifestating?

47:11 No, no. I hope we get it all, child.

47:14 Every single time. Team USA.

47:16 Team USA. USA across the board.

47:18 The board.

47:18 Yes.

47:19 Okay.

47:19 But I do love a good competition.

47:22 I do too.

47:22 I do love seeing things.

47:23 Play at a high level. I like sheer and utter dominance. I'm sorry. I feel I don't like.

47:26 I like shaking things up.

47:28 I do.

47:28 I like a little- I like the drama of it all.

47:30 You like a blowout. So you don't care.

47:32 You like a blowout at all times.

47:33 I like dominance.

47:33 I like sheer dominance.

47:35 Period. Period. But as an athlete though, did you, when you were playing, did you enjoy smacking teams by 60 or did you like getting that win in a tough fought battle?

47:45 So I like, okay. I played volleyball.

47:47 Yeah.

47:48 I loved murdering them. Like I love annihilating the other team. I don't, I, I think it's exciting to be in close games. I think it's a great product when you're in close games. I like the thrill of it, but you know, I also like the thrill of Not letting anybody get a hit on me. I like a kill. I like a nice little quick set that catches them off guard and run it up.

48:10 I like a lot to a little.

48:11 I think I do enjoy crushing a team, but I think for me, the best feeling is you're playing maybe a team that's ahead of you. Or a team that might be right below you and it's a close game and you win at the freaking end because of executing or a good shot or whatever.

48:28 I don't like to play against trash teams, let's be honest. But I like annihilating the competition. I like cheering under dominance. That could be because of cheerleading, right? When you're cheering, you're chasing perfection. You're chasing that no error, perfect execution, packing a routine full of skill. And I just like to be packed full of skill in all the things.

48:48 But shout out to all the things that are going on this week.

48:51 Obviously, WNBA finals. We've been in.

48:54 The thick of it. Talk about that.

48:55 Into the thick of it.

48:56 I'm excited, though.

48:57 Into the thick of it. Into the thick of it. Okay.

49:01 At least that made sense.

49:03 Oh, my God.

49:08 No, and the fact that there's still so much women's sports that we– need to touch on next week. So next week will be fine. No, there's just so much going on.

49:15 We have soccer for you next week.

49:16 We promise. NWSL.

49:17 We promise soccer.

49:18 We love y'all. We got it.

49:20 Y'all. We needed to give it its moment to shine. So that'll be coming soon. Now, ladies, are you ready? We have our watch stars segment.

49:34 You said that so mysteriously.

49:35 Yeah, because we don't know what's coming. I didn't read ahead. So we'll have to see where we want to interact more with you all, the watchers and listeners. So you're going to leave us comments, hot takes, whatever it may be, and we're going to rate them. So we have zero stars, which is watch yourself. One star participation trophy. Two stars, okay, you're a little delulu, but kind of see your point.

50:00 Three stars, neutral territory. Four stars, Ari's favorite, yes. And. And then five stars, watch star, perfect take.

50:11 No notes.

50:11 So, Ashanti, I think you should take one.

50:14 Gotcha. First one is, Brandon sent a take in and it said, Angel will score 30 points every game for the rest of finals. Okay.

50:24 Mm-hmm.

50:25 This comment was left a little early, okay? And while I want that to be true, right? It isn't because we've already had a game and she didn't score a 30. But I do want that for my good sis. That was my woman manifestation. So for this, I will give it a three. Mutual territory, not mad at it, not obsessed with it. I'm not obsessed because unfortunately it hasn't happened.

50:48 It hasn't happened, but I do think, yes, and. I think she will be the leading scorer the rest of the series. I can very much see that for her. And my butt attached to the end is Golden State is a great defensive.

51:02 Team that will lock.

51:05 They'll make adjustments accordingly.

51:07 Yes.

51:09 Obviously, the star player is going to score as a star player does, but they're going to make it very difficult for her game after game now. Dia said, Atlanta's selling out State Farm Arena is going to be more lit than Valhalla. Oh.

51:21 She sent in this take before game three.

51:23 Clearly.

51:23 And y'all know how I felt about game three. I have never been to a game that I've had more fun.

51:30 So five stars. Mind you, love Valhalla. Love the environment. Love the ownership that was poured into it. Love Atlanta. Love the culture.

51:40 It just feels like home to me. I am just the girl from the South. I had a time in my life.

51:45 Five stars. Five stars.

51:46 Call me Ari because I'm going to do another yes and.

51:48 So.

51:50 Um, last night was lit, but also I think, yes, I honestly, I can't, I wasn't in person, so I can't compare the two, but I just think both venues are absolutely insane. And my thing is they both have their own very set culture and they're all so heavy in the culture and I am obsessed with both venues.

52:07 So I agree.

52:09 All right.

52:09 Now I'm going to say neutral territory, three stars. I swear I'm not a contrarian. I promise. I promise. The reason is I wasn't there in person in Bahala.

52:20 It was great. It was lit. It was super lit. Everybody was hyphy, all the things.

52:24 And as a millennial, I know I may relate more to what's going on here in Atlanta. A lot of black culture.

52:32 And I'm black. Aaliyah's not.

52:37 For our listeners.

52:39 So, all seriousness, I can appreciate that it was so much freaking fun, but you do have to experience that kind of stuff in person. I haven't been to Bahala. I enjoy West Coast culture, so maybe I go there and also have the time of my life.

52:52 And let me be very clear with my five stars. This is a personal thing for me.

52:56 I can recognize that Bahala sells it out night after night, and there's nobody like that, right? There's nobody that does what The Valks do when it comes to packing out arenas and having that true, pure celebration all the time. They got the West Coast culture on lock. Me personally, I'm from North Carolina. Atlanta won't, nothing but a six hour drive from me.

53:18 So we have J Cole too.

53:22 But the point is, he claims New York.

53:24 He literally doesn't.

53:25 Nine Dime is always in his music.

53:29 Come here, camera.

53:30 Come here. He came to New York, sat on stage. He sat on stage.

53:34 He sat on stage. He's from New York City.

53:38 If y'all claim me, I rock with y'all. I just hope I'm your last favorite artist from New York.

53:43 From is crazy. He said that.

53:44 He's not from there.

53:45 From is crazy.

53:45 But he feels like New York is home. I'm going to find a tape.

53:48 It's 9-DOM all the time for him. It's 919 over here, though. And the fact that we in the what?

53:56 404?

53:56 Okay, period.

53:56 Okay, are you close?

53:58 Atlanta, this is your big one. Five stars, five stars, five stars. But yeah, yeah, yeah.

54:02 The three is because I just haven't experienced Baja.

54:04 No, you would think that Baja is a great environment.

54:07 It's super loud. The fans never sit down. Rally towels, Violet, the entertainment team, everything, the DJs, the performance, everything is great.

54:16 Violet. Violet. What about Violet?

54:18 No, the dance battle.

54:19 She owes me a dance battle.

54:21 Yeah, we'll run it back.

54:22 I mean, you dress for it.

54:23 Yeah.

54:24 I'm ready.

54:24 I've been ready.

54:25 Period.

54:25 She stays ready. She don't have to get ready.

54:27 No, but the fact that Valkyrie's fans were still so loud, I could hear them on the broadcast when they were down in game two, whole time, even after the final buzzer, cheering as if they won. And that's like, that's so special about Valhalla.

54:41 And I respect that. So I guess I'm a yes and.

54:43 You always an yes and.

54:44 I'm four stars.

54:45 I'm four stars.

54:46 Yes and. Okay.

54:47 Jonathan JT Williams posted on threads and said, Jordan Canada with the Canadian flag. Girl stepping Europeans. Fire emoji. Fire emoji.

54:55 With a meme.

54:57 Who's this?

54:58 He look familiar.

54:58 I don't know.

54:59 From wrestling.

54:59 Like WWE.

55:00 I'm sorry to that man.

55:02 I'm sorry to this man.

55:04 Okay.

55:07 I'm going to give that five stars.

55:09 Because it happened.

55:10 You can't argue with that. No notes, baby. It's the truth.

55:13 And Jordi Campbell, we talked about her handles. She's playing out of her mind. She's so fun. She's so entertaining. And she was here stepping on the groove. Agreed.

55:20 Also five stars.

55:21 Five stars.

55:22 No notes.

55:22 No notes.

55:25 I mean, we've occupied enough of your time, so let's get into what everyone's watching next. Obviously, the WNBA Finals game for Vox at Dream, 1 p.m.

55:33 Eastern time.

55:34 Also, make sure you tune in to the NWSL because the Kansas City Current plays the Washington Spirit on Sunday. That's a three-versus-four matchup, and we love our girlies on the pitch. And further down the table, the Portland Thorns play the North Carolina Courage, and Utah plays Seattle Reign today.

55:50 But both of these matches could have major playoff implications, so lock in. And the NWSL, six points separate 7th through 10th, so the top eight make playoffs is juicy enough.

56:02 It's going to get spicy. It is literally spicy.

56:06 Spicy. That makes a lot of women's sports to watch, so no excuses.

56:09 Yeah, and you can always watch us every single week wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube. So please make sure you like, comment, and subscribe. Everyone Watches Women's Sports is a production of Together and iHeart Women's Sports.

56:28 You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

56:32 Our producers are Tiara Rose, Karina Bucci, Haley Lane, Sarah Kelly, Kia Stone, Tanya Quadra, Sarah Nguyen.

56:41 And Kelsey Zarl.

56:42 Our executive producers are Kati Fernandez, Ben Myers, Jessie Katz, Christina Everett, and Grace Fuse. And we're your hosts, Ari Chambers, Ashanti Plummer, and Aaliyah Funshall.