Podcast Summary: "GOOD FOLLOW – Aces Have 8 Days Off, Are The Liberty Running Out Of Time?, US Open Storylines & More"

Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode Date: September 2, 2025
Hosts: Roz Gold-Onwude & Angel McCoughtry
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

Episode Overview

This episode marks a special occasion as Angel McCoughtry officially joins the "Good Follow" show as co-host. Roz and Angel dive deep into the biggest WNBA headlines: the red-hot Las Vegas Aces and their unique 8-day break, concerns around the New York Liberty’s form and embrace urgency, and the top storylines from the US Open, including standout performances and controversies. The episode is rich with behind-the-scenes perspectives, player insight, and empowering dialogue around women in sports.

Section 1: New Beginnings & The Significance of Championship Rings

Timestamps: 00:53–05:37

• Roz welcomes Angel as a new permanent co-host, noting her Hall of Fame credentials and deep ties to the WNBA community.
• Angel jokes about Roz’s visible "bling" on social media and reveals her own pursuit of a championship ring.
• Roz shares an emotional story about receiving her New York Liberty championship ring as a broadcaster, reflecting on her mother’s influence and her journey from being a young Liberty fan to working for the team:

  “Like, we’re very regular, degular people from Queens. ... As a New Yorker, I think of my mother. ... I got a chance to be with this team and hold the first ring in the history of this franchise. It means a lot.” (03:49–04:32)

• Angel reflects on her own Finals appearances and how Roz’s journey shows there are many paths to winning a ring in the sports world:

  “It’s showing that you can have a ring, not just by playing basketball. ... You giving me new ideas that, hey, I still have a chance to get a ring.” (05:03–05:10)

Section 2: The Aces’ 8-Day Break—Rest or Rust?

Timestamps: 05:37–13:38

Key Points:

• The Las Vegas Aces are riding a 12-game win streak but now face an 8-day layoff before facing the Minnesota Lynx.
• Roz and Angel debate whether this downtime is a benefit or liability.
  • Angel’s Perspective:

    “Eight days, guys, is a long time. ... From my experience ... your legs are going to feel like you’re in mud.” (06:27–07:20)

    • Emphasizes the risk of losing rhythm and "getting sluggish" with so long away from game action.
  • Roz’s Perspective:
    • Highlights the benefits of rest during a punishing schedule, especially given player fatigue and lack of practice time:

      “What a luxury ... condensed schedule … there’s very little time for practice. ... To practice, not only to focus on beating the Lynx, but get ready for playoffs.” (07:42–08:24)

• Discussion on the Aces’ recent trajectory:
  • From being outside the top four to a 12-game win streak and becoming the #2 seed.
• The upcoming Aces-Lynx matchup is framed as a litmus test, especially since the Lynx handed the Aces a 53-point defeat earlier in the season.
  • Angel calls out the narrative:

    “Knowing Asia, oh, she ain’t forget that game. That is the game that is marked.” (12:54–13:07)

Section 3: The Liberty’s Worries—Can They Find Their Swagger?

Timestamps: 13:38–18:26

Key Points:

• After a heavy loss to the Mercury, Brianna Stewart sounds the alarm for the New York Liberty:

  “It’s not going to get us where we want to be. This is not championship level basketball at this point, and everybody needs to recognize and understand that.” (14:09)

• Roz and Angel analyze Stewart’s public challenge:
  • Angel:

    “If she didn’t say that, I would be worried. That’s what a leader’s supposed to do.” (14:09–14:39)
    “Guys, remind yourself you are still the champions as of today. ... But right now, you guys got to start playing like it and have the swag.” (14:38–14:49)

  • Roz:
    • Acknowledges that Stewart’s rare outspokenness signals genuine concern.
    • Raises concerns about lack of practice, new injuries, and a team lacking urgency and health:

      “Talent goes a long way, but I think so does momentum. So does health and good habits. And that matters heading into any kind of tournament.” (15:20–15:54)

• Ongoing issues are identified: inconsistent effort, rebounding struggles, and a lack of healthy rotation.
• Angel expresses faith in the Liberty’s ability to rally but underscores that effort is a non-negotiable:

  "Really just sounds like effort. ... That comes from right here. This heart. ... I want five rings if I can. That’s the way you’re supposed to think." (17:33–18:01)

Section 4: DraftKings Pick of the Week—Aces vs. Lynx & MVP Race

Timestamps: 18:58–20:30

• Roz previews the Thursday matchup: “It is a battle of the very best in the world as Nafisa Collier and Asia Wilson headline their teams and are competing for league MVP.” (19:07)
• She breaks down their individual stats and current MVP standings, noting Fee’s missed games and Asia’s surging case.
• Roz predicts the Lynx will snap the Aces’ win streak:

  “I think the Links will come out and get this W and snap the Aces win streak at 12. I just hope that we are treated to a heavyweight battle between two of the best players in the world and Fee and Asia.” (19:44–19:58)

Section 5: US Open Corner—Comebacks, Controversy & Black Women Shining

Timestamps: 20:30–26:44

Main Topics:

• Roz shares her excitement about attending the US Open and its vibrant scene in Queens.
• Discussion of Naomi Osaka’s win over Coco Gauff and Osaka reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021.
  • Roz celebrates Osaka’s resilience both on and off the court:

    “It’s cool to see her smiling and happy and confident. ... In life, I say this all the time, I think there are multiple glow ups in a career and in a life.” (21:25–22:32)

    • Angel echoes the theme of perseverance:

      “You just put one foot in front of the other. ... You have to walk through it to get to the other side of the promised land.” (22:49–22:59)

• Taylor Townsend’s run is spotlighted:
  • Townsend upset #25 Yelena Ostapenko, led to a post-match confrontation and a viral “education” remark by Ostapenko.
  • Roz and Angel dissect Ostapenko’s apology, calling out the lack of accountability and the double standard Black women often face:

    “It’s often the case where Black women are having, in her own moment, having to show grace.” (25:20–25:21)
    “If it was flipped, the roles were flipped, you know, Taylor would have got so much more backlash.” (25:23–25:29)

• Roz celebrates Townsend’s composure and continued doubles success, and they briefly shout out other Black women performing at the US Open, including Venus Williams.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Angel on rest vs. rust for Aces:

  “If you don’t do that, when you come back, your legs are going to feel like you’re in mud. ... Your timing is off. ... I’d be more concerned about rust versus the rest.” (06:27–07:19)

• Roz on her Liberty ring and her mom:

  “It makes me think about my mom, you know? Yeah, she’s very sick. ... She was the one that ... took us to the games. ... To think that all of that has turned into this—it means a lot.” (03:34–04:32)

• Stewie rings the alarm:

  “It’s not going to get us where we want to be. This is not championship level basketball.” (14:09)

• Roz on Osaka’s evolution:

  “She’s not that same girl … she’s actually a very different woman.” (22:32–22:35)

• Angel on sportsmanship:

  “Congratulate people when they win. That shows that you are the ultimate competitor. ... You beat me, congratulations.” (26:13–26:20)

Section 6: Closing & Looking Forward

Timestamps: 26:44–27:25

• Roz and Angel wrap with mutual praise for each other and invite listeners to subscribe and engage.
• Angel is officially welcomed as a regular co-host.

Episode Takeaways

• The Las Vegas Aces’ eight-day break sparks an intriguing debate on the balance between rest and rhythm heading into the playoffs.
• The New York Liberty’s struggles center on effort, leadership, and the challenge of maintaining momentum through adversity and injury.
• The US Open segment underlines the importance of resilience, representation, and grace—both in tennis and beyond.
• Roz and Angel’s dynamic provides insider insight, witty banter, and uplifting reminders about finding success in various forms in the sports world.

For New Listeners

This episode is a vibrant, insightful rundown of key WNBA playoff storylines and US Open drama, all delivered with candid storytelling, great chemistry, and empowering energy. Angel’s addition as co-host and Roz’s personal updates add depth and relatability, making "Good Follow" essential listening for sports fans seeking both analysis and authentic connection.