Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird

Episode: Marina Mabrey & Aaliyah Edwards on Crash Outs, Unrivaled 1-on-1, and Their Close Teammate Dynamic
Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This lively episode of Bird's Eye View features two of women’s basketball’s fiercest competitors: Marina Mabrey and Aaliyah Edwards. Sue Bird dives deep into their recent exploits with the Lunar Owls, their impact on and off the court, their unique teammate chemistry, personal game highlights (including Marina’s record-setting performance), the intensity and tactics of the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament, and the infamous “crash out” moments. The conversation spans behind-the-scenes insights, the changing energy around the women’s game, candid reflections on competitiveness, and the growing openness of WNBA personalities via social media.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Philadelphia Game Experience

[04:54–09:43]

• The Owls broke records in Philadelphia with 21,000+ fans—surpassing even the Backstreet Boys’ Millennium Tour and Michael Jordan’s last game attendance.
• Aaliyah (on atmosphere): “It kind of gave, like, final four atmosphere... It was really loud. I had my little Drake moment with the intros, walking down from the concourse.” [06:22]
• Marina notes seeing unexpected friends/family in the crowd, emphasizing the surreal buzz and intensity.
• Both guests highlight the electric crowd, fans’ engagement, and a level of support that feels transformative for the league.

2. Marina’s Record Night: The Anatomy of a Heat Check

[09:43–13:25]

• Marina recounts her historic “47 points, 10 threes in 21 minutes” performance:
  • Marina: “Me and my dad showed up the night before... I was telling him, like, I'm gonna go fucking crazy tomorrow.” [10:02]
  • She was fueled by social media negativity and doubts about her team: “I saw, like, a lot of people on social media talking about, like, oh, the Owls shouldn't be in this. Like, trade them… That kind of hit me.” [10:30]
  • Aaliyah confirms “you need something to get you going,” and could sense Marina’s energy before tip-off.
  • Playful banter ensues about “trash talk as motivation”—suggestions that teammates should stir up drama just to fire each other up.

3. Teammate Chemistry, Roles, and Adjustment

[15:29–20:49]

• Both reminisce about Aaliyah joining Marina midseason in Connecticut:
  • Marina: “I was impressed with the professionalism of a very young player being traded mid-season... identifying what the team needed—discipline, energy, rebounding.” [16:08]
  • Aaliyah: “You were actually really funny. I thought you were gonna be more standoffish, but you weren't—pretty chill, like a sister type vibe.” [17:43]
• Their connection has carried into Unrivaled; both appreciate the trust in each other during high-paced 3x3 play. They discuss instinctively switching between ball screens and isolation depending on matchups and rhythm.

4. 3-on-3 and 1-on-1: The Strategy, Physicality, and Fatigue

[19:52–29:33, 26:26–34:30, 34:30–35:51]

• The duo explains the unique demands of Unrivaled’s 3x3 format:
  • Less rest, constant movement, more exposure when matched up on an “island.”
  • Emphasizes sub patterns, fatigue, and “always being involved” on both ends.
  • Marina: “If you’re tired [in 5x5], you can go guard the person in the corner... But [in 3x3] you have to box out every time, you have to hold them, you’re in every action.” [27:17]
  • Aaliyah: “Three on three is really hard on your body… you have to have energy on the ball because that one moment you take a break, somebody's either taking the ball the other way.” [26:51]
• Sue and guests fondly reference the tough 1v1 practice drills from college—“defensive drills that never end.”

5. Individual Growth, Opportunity, and Unlocked Potential

[29:33–34:30]

• Both players credit Unrivaled’s structure for allowing more playing time, responsibility, and leadership, particularly with stars missing due to injury.
  • Aaliyah: “I've had to step up. It's put me in a great position to not only be a leader, but also just help facilitate. I'm kind of getting into my bag... being able to showcase that I'm a scorer.” [33:15]
  • Marina compliments Aaliyah’s growth as a decision-maker, predicting it will benefit her career in the WNBA.
• Both acknowledge greater pressure in 3x3 and 1-on-1 ISOs, knowing every mistake or highlight is amplified.

6. Crash Outs: Accountability, Edge, and the Balance of Intensity

[38:32–43:28]

• The infamous “Crash Out Jar:” a fun accountability tool for Marina’s competitive outbursts.
  • Marina: “I want to hold myself accountable because it's not really, like, who I am... sometimes I'm so competitive—the wires just go a little nuts.” [39:40]
  • She describes the distinction between edge that fuels her vs. moments that go too far (e.g. the viral “Caitlyn thing'): “That was too much... you need to find that range. Stay in that sweet spot.” [41:29]
• Teammates and Sue joke about everyone having crash-out moments—in basketball and life.

7. Unrivaled 1-on-1 Tournament: Formats, Strategies, and Hopes

[47:47–54:38]

• Aaliyah reflects on last year’s finals run as an underdog, revealing her mindset:
  • “You have to punch first, because if you don't and the other person's on, like, a heat check, they could just run with it.” [48:31]
  • Notes the grueling “best of three” in the finals and shares thoughts on possible rule tweaks.
• Marina is making her 1-on-1 debut and is excited about the chance to turn quick rebounds into instant threes—showing her shooter mentality.
  • Advocates for fewer “tactical fouls” and a more honest, entertaining product: “Let's put a good product out there... We don’t need to foul on the ground every time we get beat.” [51:43]
• Both agree there may be small mismatches (e.g. posts vs. guards), but feel “it is what it is.”

8. Personality, Openness, and Social Media

[56:02–58:11]

• Both guests praise Unrivaled’s emphasis on player personalities and authenticity, especially via TikTok and YouTube confessionals.
  • Marina: “In Unrivaled, they're encouraging it... be exactly who you are. That’s been really good for players who maybe don’t know where their niche is.” [56:32, 57:25]
  • Aaliyah: “The YouTube confessionals are so cute... It feels like we're on a reality TV show, and it's really like, whatever we want to say.” [57:39]

9. Notable Stats & Achievements

[29:33–31:19]

• Aaliyah: 5th in scoring (21.4 PPG), leading league in rebounds (13 RPG).
• Marina: Leading league scoring (26.8 PPG), set single-game record (47 points).
• (Playful debate about how to “properly” get 40+ points—post moves vs. threes & free throws.)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marina on Motivation:
  “I was telling [my dad], like, I'm gonna go fucking crazy tomorrow... I saw people on social media saying trade the Owls... so I was like, well, that’s not happening today, bro.” [10:02–10:30]
• Aaliyah on Energy:
  “It was great. It kind of gave, like, final four atmosphere... Philly really brought the energy.” [06:22]
• On Crash Out Culture:
  “The wires just go a little nuts sometimes... Just allowing fans to be in on it. I mean, you’re all crashing out at your jobs, too.” – Marina [39:33–40:09]
• On Social Media in Unrivaled:
  “They're encouraging it, like, be exactly who you are... That has been really good for players coming out of themselves.” – Marina [56:32]
• On Tournament Strategy:
  “You have to punch first, because if you don't and the other person's on, like, a heat check... they could just run with it.” – Aaliyah [48:31]

Other Memorable Banter

• “Do you even know who the Backstreet Boys are?” – Sue [05:06]
  (Cue in-studio singalong and generational confusion)
• “Hooty Hoo!” [Multiple, especially at episode close, 59:27]

Key Timestamps

• [04:54] — Philadelphia game & attendance records
• [09:43] — Marina’s 47-point performance deep-dive
• [13:25] — Favorite heat checks & guard-post banter
• [16:08] — Teammate dynamic and first impressions
• [19:52] — 3-on-3 strategic insights and adjustments
• [26:26] — The challenge of fatigue and smaller rosters in 3x3
• [29:33] — Statistical leaders and injuries update
• [33:43] — Aaliyah reflects on increased opportunity & growth
• [38:32] — Deep dive into “Crash Outs” and balancing edge vs. over-the-line
• [47:47] — 1-on-1 tournament prep, pet peeves, and rules
• [56:02] — The role of social media and player branding
• [58:11] — Congrats and acknowledgments (Ring of Honor, records)
• [59:27] — The “Hooty Hoo” signoff

Tone & Style

The episode is equal parts competitive, candid, and comedic. Sue leads with curiosity and humor, Marina delivers brash honesty and introspection, and Aaliyah brings measured intensity and wit. The chemistry is natural, with friendly jabs, mutual hype, and relatable vulnerability—offering listeners a courtside feel into elite women’s basketball camaraderie and culture.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed this week’s Bird's Eye View, you missed an electric, insightful conversation with two of the WNBA’s most engaging and dynamic stars. You’ll get the inside scoop on what motivates a “certified crashout,” how elite athletes manage the edge between competitive fire and composure, and how deep trust makes great teammates. Plus, you’ll learn about the evolution of women’s pro ball culture—from jam-packed crowds in Philly to viral TikToks—and catch some of the most entertaining banter in the game.