No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Episode: WNBA Finals Preview

Release Date: October 6, 2023

Introduction

In the "WNBA Finals Preview" episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keda, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman delve deep into the highly anticipated matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. This episode stands out with the inclusion of a special guest, Natasha Cloud, a 2019 WNBA champion with the Washington Mystics and a two-time All-Defensive selection, who provides insider perspectives and nuanced analysis of the finals.

Guest Introduction

[06:49] Ben Pickman:
“We're so happy to be joined by a 2019 WNBA champion with the Washington Mystics, a two-time All-Defensive selection, and to our knowledge, the biggest super fan in the WNBA of the Despicable Me movie that is Mystic star guard Natasha Cloud. Natasha, welcome to the show.”

[07:13] Natasha Cloud:
“Thank you, man. Thank you, Sabrina. Thank y'all for having me.”

Natasha brings a wealth of experience and a unique viewpoint, emphasizing her role not only as a player but also as an advocate for the sport and her community.

Matchup Analysis

[07:26] Ben Pickman:
“One of the reasons we're so appreciative of you joining us is your familiarity with both the Aces and the Liberty. These teams have shown incredible performances, especially noting that New York defeated the Las Vegas Aces twice in their recent playoff series.”

[08:10] Natasha Cloud:
“The biggest key beyond the star players Stewie and Asia is the supporting cast. Players like Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Banaja Laney play crucial roles that often go underappreciated. For instance, Banaja Laney is pivotal for New York, and without her, the Liberty wouldn't have reached the finals.”

Player Spotlights

Jackie Young and Banaja Laney as X Factors

[08:10] Natasha Cloud:
“The matchup isn't just about the marquee names. Jackie Young and Banaja Laney are true X factors for their teams. They often don’t receive the spotlight they deserve but are indispensable to their teams' successes.”

[10:17] Natasha Cloud:
“Banaja has worn many hats throughout her career, showing immense growth and adaptability. This season, her role has shifted significantly, demonstrating her versatility and clutch performances, which make her a potential Finals MVP.”

[12:51] Ben Pickman:
“I predicted Benjulaney as my Finals MVP, and it's great to see we're on the same page. If New York wins, Benaja Laney deserves the MVP honor.”

Defensive Strategies

[16:19] Natasha Cloud:
“To slow down teams like the Aces, you have to be extremely physical on the perimeter. Pressuring guards early and disrupting their offensive flows are essential. For New York, maintaining defensive intensity is crucial against teams that excel in transition like Las Vegas.”

[18:17] Natasha Cloud:
“Adapting to different defensive schemes, such as zone defenses, requires flexibility. Teams might switch between different defensive looks to disrupt the opponent's rhythm. For instance, New York may employ a 2-3 zone to force Las Vegas into uncomfortable perimeter shots.”

Bench Impact and Depth

[29:14] Ben Pickman:
“Observation during the postseason indicates that bench depth plays a significant role. New York's deep bench allows them to sustain performance across a stretched-out series.”

[31:16] Natasha Cloud:
“New York has a superior bench depth with players like Kayla Thornton and Steph Dalsen, which gives them an advantage. In contrast, Las Vegas relies more on their starters, making bench contributions less impactful despite the physical demands of the playoffs.”

Travel and Scheduling in the WNBA

[34:18] Natasha Cloud:
“Travel logistics, such as chartered flights, significantly impact player performance and recovery. Efficient travel arrangements allow players to maintain peak performance levels, which is crucial for back-to-back games in a tight playoff schedule.”

[39:17] Natasha Cloud:
“While I understand the league's rules on overseas play, there needs to be more flexibility. Supporting players to earn additional income without severe penalties is essential, especially for those who rely on additional revenue to support their families.”

Predictions and Final Thoughts

[36:07] Natasha Cloud:
“I predict the Las Vegas Aces will win the Finals, hoping that Asia Wilson gets the recognition she deserves. I’d love to see the series go to five games, showcasing high-level basketball and solidifying Asia's legacy.”

[43:36] Natasha Cloud:
“I’m excited to see who comes out on top in this physical matchup. Both teams have the talent and determination to make this Finals series historic.”

Key Quotes

• Natasha Cloud [08:10]:
  “The matchup isn't just about the marquee names. Jackie Young and Banaja Laney are true X factors for their teams.”

• Ben Pickman [12:51]:
  “Benjulaney as my Finals MVP. If New York wins, Benaja Laney deserves the MVP honor.”

• Natasha Cloud [16:19]:
  “Pressuring guards early and disrupting their offensive flows are essential.”

• Natasha Cloud [34:18]:
  “Efficient travel arrangements allow players to maintain peak performance levels.”

• Natasha Cloud [36:07]:
  “I predict the Las Vegas Aces will win the Finals, hoping that Asia Wilson gets the recognition she deserves.”

Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive preview of the WNBA Finals, emphasizing not just the star players but also the vital roles played by supporting athletes. Natasha Cloud's insights shed light on team dynamics, defensive strategies, and the broader challenges within the league, such as travel logistics and player compensation. Her predictions and passionate advocacy add depth to the analysis, making this episode a must-listen for fans eager to understand the intricacies of the upcoming Finals.

Notable Mentions:

• Stanford Head Coach Tara Vandiver
• Cheryl Swoopes, WNBA Pioneer
• Simone Augustus

These figures were acknowledged during the press conference discussed towards the end of the episode, highlighting the growing support and legacy-building efforts within women's basketball.

Stay Tuned: The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to follow Natasha Cloud on Twitter (@tcloud4) for live commentary during the Finals and to stay engaged with the evolving landscape of women's basketball.

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