Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston

Episode 9: Fever vs. Aces Game 5, Alyssa Thomas-Napheesa Foul Debate & JuJu Watkins Out for Season

Release Date: September 30, 2025
Hosts: Candace Parker (A) & Aliyah Boston (B)

Episode Overview

In this episode, WNBA legend Candace Parker and Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston dive into the dramatic WNBA Playoff semifinals: Indiana’s wild series vs. Atlanta and their historic matchup with Las Vegas, a heated debate over the controversial Alyssa Thomas-Napheesa Collier foul, surprising WNBA coaching changes, and reactions to JuJu Watkins' season-ending injury announcement. The show also features signature laughs, candid player talk, generational ribbing, and the always-popular fan question segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Fever Playoff Journey & Corgi Predictions

[02:48–05:20]

• Fever lost Game 1 to the Atlanta Dream but bounced back to win Game 2 (77-60) in front of an electric home crowd, their first home playoff win since 2016.
• Game 3: The Fever trailed for almost the entire game but took their first lead with 7.4 seconds left, thanks to Aliyah's clutch layup, ultimately winning 87–85.
• Aliyah had a stellar double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists), tying the record for most assists by a center in a WNBA elimination game.
• “All the experts picked Atlanta advancing, of course. And here we are. You all just have the corgi.” – Candace (05:16)
• Aliyah finished 6th in MVP voting, which surprised her (05:36).

Playoff Parity & Coach Firings

[05:54–10:10]

• 3 of 4 first-round playoff series went to a decisive Game 3.
• Candace highlights the drama, especially the Aces-Storm thriller:
  • “Jackie Young, she's a beast on the offensive rebound. Big time put back, which was huge for Vegas.” – Candace (07:10)
  • Surreal moment: Lights unexpectedly go out in the Vegas stadium during a pivotal shot (07:27).
• Discuss the firing of Liberty’s Sandy Brandello (most winning coach in franchise history, just won a championship) and the only Black woman coach in the league, Noelle Quinn, from Seattle, sparking concern about job security.
  • “It's wild. You can be on top of the podium one year before and the next be out of a job.” – Candace (10:10)

Alyssa Thomas-Napheesa Collier Foul Debate

[11:58–14:12]

• Critical semifinal moment: Alyssa Thomas runs through Nafisa Collier. Context and controversy over whether it should have been called a foul.
  • Candace leans toward clean play but understands Lynx gripes since Collier got zero free throws.
  • Notable Quote: “If I'm Nafisa, I want that call…especially who Nafisa is.” – Candace (12:37)
• Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve’s postgame meltdown (“dropped s’ more F bombs...”) led to a suspension for game 4 (14:12).

Fever vs. Aces: Generational Battle & Boston Making History

[15:39–19:24]

• Indiana Fever shocked everyone, stealing Game 1 in Vegas (first time since the Aces’ relocation) and pushing the series to Game 5.
• Aliyah Boston surpassed Candace Parker as fastest player in WNBA playoff history to 50 points, 50 rebounds, and 25 assists (16:15).
  • “Yo, chill out. Passing these guys. Dude, chill out.” – Candace to Aliyah (16:16)
• Game 4: Boston’s monster 24-point, 14-rebound, 5-assist performance forced a deciding game.
• Candace lauds Aliyah for her defensive effort against A’ja Wilson and her textbook post play:
  • “I saw you just back up and double bury and put your elbows up and show your numbers. It was textbook.” – Candace (18:10)
• The “Gamecock legacy” (Boston vs. Wilson) is explored, with both hosts discussing how South Carolina is becoming synonymous with elite post play.
  • “It's great for the game just being able to compete at a high level…regardless of who I'm playing, that's the goal.” – Aliyah (19:03)

Coaching Trends & Shifting WNBA Landscape

[08:22–10:10]

• Examination of coach turnover despite recent success:
  • “Coaches have a five year shelf life. And then after that, teams don’t listen.” – Candace, quoting Dr. Buss (09:51)

“You Got This” Segment: Kahlia Copper’s Big Moment

[22:12–26:50]

• Candace gives the weekly Adidas “You Got This” shoutout to Kahlia Copper after she led Phoenix to the WNBA Finals, scoring big in critical moments.
  • Quoting Copper: “I had to remind myself who I was and what I’m capable of doing for this team. Seriously, like, it’s just important for me to be aggressive and be confident and trust the work that I put in all season.” – Kahlia Copper (24:44)
• The importance of trust and mental resilience in playoffs discussed at length.

Unfiltered Fan Questions

[26:50–31:34]

• Preparing for Playoffs ([27:05])

  • Aliyah emphasizes obsessive film study and sticking to positive self-talk routines in the postseason.
  • “I have my coaches cut up the film right after the game…then I watch the film and get on the court and work on exactly what we just watched.” – Aliyah (27:16)

• Candace on Aliyah’s Record-Breaking Stats ([28:03])

  • Candace jokes about being replaced in the record books:
  • “It’s kind of annoying…would love for you to chill out a little bit. Leave one stat for me!” – Candace (28:14)
  • Gives Boston real props for her all-around impact: “The stats capture it, but really, basketball peers and people that watch the game, realize your impact is far greater than any of those firsts and only since.” – Candace (28:47)

• JuJu Watkins Out for Season ([29:12])

  • Both hosts wish JuJu a full recovery and stress the importance of truly healing before returning to play.
  • Candace draws from personal experience of rushing ACL recovery:
  • “I came back in five months and I’ve had knee problems since. I tore everything in my knee.” – Candace (29:48)
  • Generational jokes:
    • “I wasn’t even born.” – Aliyah (30:27)
    • “We’re even potty trained. That’s crazy.” – Candace (30:36)

• Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show ([30:38])

  • Candace enthusiastically approves:
  • “There could not have been a better choice for halftime. The environment, the vibe. I think it’s a no brainer…” (30:49)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Generational Passing of the Torch:
  • “All the records I pass or tie, it has Candace Parker attached to it. I don’t know, I don’t know what you want from me.” – Aliyah (16:19)
• On Playoff Physicality:
  • “Alyssa plays that way. She plays aggressive and physical consistently...I just feel as though sometimes they let her get away with a little bit more…” – Candace (13:32)
• On Sustaining Confidence:
  • “When you get to this point, people want it so bad…when shots don’t go in, you start doubting yourself. You start questioning if you’re doing things right.” – Candace (25:06)
• On Youth and Evolution:
  • “I think yesterday you woke up and realized your team needed you…I say that, yes, in the stats, but defensively, your ability to guard Asia Wilson and make things difficult for her.” – Candace (17:14)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:48] - Fever’s playoff comeback vs. Atlanta
• [04:22] - Boston’s game winner: only lead in Game 3
• [11:58] - Alyssa Thomas–Napheesa Collier foul debate
• [15:39] - Fever shocks Aces in Vegas; series to Game 5
• [16:15] - Aliyah Boston breaks Candace’s playoff record
• [18:10] - Parker’s technical breakdown of Boston’s post-up
• [22:12] - “You Got This” – Kahlia Copper’s playoff breakthrough
• [27:16] - Aliyah’s playoff film routine
• [29:21] - Reaction to JuJu Watkins’ injury announcement
• [30:49] - Candace on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance

Tone & Vibe

Candace and Aliyah blend insightful basketball analysis with playful banter, generational ribbing, and authentic behind-the-scenes perspective. The episode is packed with high-level basketball talk, advice for younger athletes, and the camaraderie of two pros who respect and challenge each other—with space for real talk about league politics and cultural moments.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a must for fans seeking a front-row seat to WNBA playoff drama, candid athlete insights, and the unique sisterhood of women’s basketball. Candace and Aliyah give honest, sometimes hilarious, always thoughtful commentary that unpacks both the on-court action and bigger off-court stories shaping the league right now.

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