GOOD FOLLOW - Aces Have 8 Days Off, Are The Liberty Running Out Of Time?, US Open Storylines & More

Summary

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Olivia loves a challenge. It's why she lifts heavy weights and likes complicated recipes. But for booking her trip to Paris, Olivia chose the easy way With Expedia. She bundled her flight with a hotel to save more. Of course, she still climbed all 674.

[B]

Steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

[A]

You were made to take the easy route. We were made to easily package your trip. Expedia made to travel flight inclusive packages are ator protected.

[B]

You're listening to DraftKings Network.

[A]

Hey, what's up, everyone? Welcome to Goodfellow show, presented by DraftKings. I am Roz Gold on wood. And today, guys, I am bringing out the bell. The bell is back, y', all, because I am here with the great Angel McCaughrey. What's up, Angel? How you doing?

[B]

What's up, man? Oh, look at this bell, man.

[A]

I only bring the bell out for special occasions. You know, guys, she's been a friend to the show and we love her here. She's been on before, but we are making it official. Okay? She is going to be a regular on good follow show, joining us as a co host and being here more regularly with us. And especially with WNBA playoffs coming up, what better than having a future hall of Famer here to give insights and break it down. Like, it couldn't be better timing to have you here.

[B]

It's the best time. I'm so happy to be here with you, Roz. We go way, way back and you guys can catch new episodes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please continue to, like, subscribe. We love your comments and thank you for having me here.

[A]

Oh, you a pro. We gave angel, like one or two scripted lines and she was nervous about that.

[B]

I was like.

[A]

And she was nervous about that. And you crushed.

[B]

Did I just crush my line?

[A]

Oh, it was natural. Nobody would have known.

[B]

We here, man.

[A]

We hear nobody would have known. Okay, angel, at this point of the show, what I usually do is just take the audience through the menu for the show. So here's.

[B]

Let's do it.

[A]

Here's what we've got in the lineup for you today. We are previewing the matchup of the week. It's the Links Aces matchup. And the Aces have eight days between their last game and this one. Is that a good or a bad thing? We'll discuss. And Brianna Stewart. Stewie rings the alarm.

[B]

Ring it.

[A]

She rings the alarm for the New York Liberty. Are they running out of time? Are we concerned? And then, hey, it's the U.S. open corner. We're in New York we're going to tap in with the US Open as well. It's a nice show.

[B]

Let's go.

[A]

It's a nice show.

[B]

We here.

[A]

So are you ready to get into the show?

[B]

Let's get into it. We got some stuff to talk about.

[A]

What we talking about?

[B]

So I saw something on your ig.

[A]

What's up?

[B]

I saw some bling.

[A]

Bling, Bling, bling, bling.

[B]

I would have never thought, guys, that Roz would get a WBA championship ring before me. Okay, I'm not hating, but that ring was huge.

[A]

Look at that blank. Look at that.

[B]

So, Roz, what does it feel like? Because at the end of the day, I did watch you from high school. You put a lot of work in, so you do deserve a ring.

[A]

What does it feel like to have a ring, man? Oh, my gosh. First of all, I'm so glad my manicure was ready for the moment. I'm so glad my nails is ready for the moment.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

No. I'm so honored, man. The Liberty are such a classy organization to honor their broadcast crew with a ring. It makes me think about my mom, you know? Yeah, she's very sick. She has full blown Alzheimer's, dementia.

[B]

Sorry about that.

[A]

Yeah, can't talk, can't walk, like, out of it. And she was the one that, when the WNBA started, took us to the New York Liberty games, got us jerseys as a kid. As a kid, we talk in 97 and like, she really just wanted to put a passion for us. And it's crazy. Like, we're very regular degular people from Queens. Like, just, you know, that's just something my mom thought would be cool for me to see and like to think that all of that has turned into this and I got a chance to be with this team and hold the first ring in the history of this franchise. Like, it means a lot. As a New Yorker, I think of my mother. And also, you know what? It's my third ring getting as a professional, actually.

[B]

What's the other two?

[A]

Um, when I was sideline reporter with the Golden State Warriors. Wow.

[B]

Okay. Roz got rings, y'. All. She got rings. Roz, you gonna have to pull out these rings and bring them in the studio one time.

[A]

All of them. They're in a safe. Actually, to give realty, I actually have four rings. What? I have a Super bowl ring, too.

[B]

Oh, my God. Bruh. Y', all, Roz is too modest. She's too modest up in here. But actually, it's amazing that you're modest.

[A]

I just Completely bragged on all the rings that I had.

[B]

But we didn't even know you had four rings.

[A]

Yeah, I kept it quiet. I kept it quiet.

[B]

But the point is, it's showing that you can have a ring, not just by playing basketball. So you giving me new ideas that, hey, I still have a chance to get a ring.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

So. And for that.

[A]

Yes. And that should help you in your next therapy session because I'm sure you're still working through.

[B]

Still working through.

[A]

How many WNBA Finals you playing?

[B]

Four.

[A]

You played in four?

[B]

Four. So I got three with Atlanta, one with Aces. So I could have just as many as you.

[A]

So wait, and you don't have one?

[B]

Not a one, but damn, I can still get one. You show me. I don't have to play basketball to get one. I can get one another way.

[A]

So absolutely.

[B]

We here.

[A]

Yes. And that was the point of this conversation.

[B]

That was. Yeah, I love it.

[A]

These people are going for a ring themselves.

[B]

Yes, that. That.

[A]

Aces links matchup. So Vegas is going. The Links are going to Vegas.

[B]

To Vegas.

[A]

They're going to play the Aces on Thursday. This Thursday. It's a big matchup and both teams already secured a playoff spot. But this is going to be one to watch. And the reason why that I think it's interesting is between the last Aces game, which was their 12th straight win. So they are red hot.

[B]

They are hot.

[A]

And this game against the Lynx, they have eight days in between it. Mind you. Mind you, the Links in that same span have played three games.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

So I think that's so interesting that they got this kind of break in the schedule before seeing the number one team in the league as they are now the number two team in the league, riding a 12 game win streak. Is the eight game win streak a good thing or a bad thing? Angel?

[B]

First let me say I come into Aces. They came out of nowhere to be number two. Did they not just come out of nowhere? How did they get to number two? I don't even know. It just happened so quickly out of a cat. Commend them for that. Eight days, guys, is a long time. From my experience, I know that coach is going to give them two days off. It's the end of the season. You need to rest, clear your mind, get ready. But if I'm coach when they come back, okay, I know you can't practice too hard, but y' all playing pickup. We playing games like it's a real game. I'm getting the practice boys 40 minutes on the clock, subbing in like A real game, treating like a real game. Because if you don't do that, when you come back, your legs are going to feel like you're in mud. It's just something about that long time that you just feel sluggish and just. You're just. Your timing is off. I don't know what it is about it. So coach, you know what to do.

[A]

So you actually think you'd be more concerned about rust versus the rest?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You're not crazy about an eight day break.

[B]

It's eight days and the other team is playing three. They just gonna have that, that oomph, that timing, that spark. I swear, from my experience, that long of a time during the season, you gotta, you gotta play.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Have to play. The rust will build up. You'll just get sluggish. It's just something about it. Three days, you're sluggish. Okay. That's all it takes.

[A]

Okay. And I appreciate that perspective. Right. Because I'm on the other side of it. I'm like, what, What a luxury.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

In a season like this where you think about this condensed schedule where there's been so many injuries pile up, you have players publicly criticizing the schedule and saying like, they're tired, they're fatigued. And also within this, that also means there's very little time for practice. So there's slippage happening through this and suddenly the Aces have eight days. And I know some of those might be given off or this and that, but to practice, not only to focus on beating the links, like, sure. For sure. Yes. Right. But there's four games or so left to playoffs. This is a great period to get ready for playoffs.

[B]

This is a great period, but you still need to be playing. You need that momentum going into playoffs. We don't have time for Russ. You lose, you go home.

[A]

But they get.

[B]

I'm gonna have more than eight days going home.

[A]

A lot of teams are gonna head into playoffs with whatever they got. I cover the liberty. They barely have practice. They are barely healthy. They're trying to get it together and they're running out of games. So that's true. So, like, for them, it's kind of like hopefully their veteran and their IQ and their, you know, versatility can help them put it together in real time.

[B]

In real time.

[A]

But you're looking at the Aces with eight days to practice sets and tighten up on things they've been making mistakes on and all sorts of stuff. And also, and also this schedule actually has made scenarios that work out really nicely for like Asia to step up. Right? So they were on an 11 game winning streak and then their last game was against the Atlanta Dream, the number two seed.

[B]

Number two seed and it was really.

[A]

A slugfest for the two spot. So not only did they win and slide into the two seed, Asia plays well especially in winning time. And now the MVP case is going. Now look at their next game. Face up with the number one team in the league and it's a chance. I think I'm an, I'm an mv. I'm a postseason award voter.

[C]

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[A]

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[B]

It makes it hard. And I haven't seen a team do something like that ever. I don't even think. 13 game winning streak. And go from what were they like number six, seven, or maybe lower than that?

[A]

I don't. Yeah, I mean, they were. They were definitely outside the top four.

[B]

Outside the top four. And to get to number two, like, especially the right timing who meshes well during. Right before the playoffs, that's when you know, like, they're coming. I would be scared to play the Aces right now. And it's eight days.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You get your reward, you get your two days off. But be ready to come back and work now.

[A]

Now check this out. They also are. This is a litmus test in many ways. The last time that they saw the Links.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Was when they got beat by 53 points to the Links. It was. It was horrible.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Becky Hammond was questioning their heart and their effort. And like everybody, I mean, all of us were just kind of like, okay, the Aces dynasty is done. And then from that loss to the Links, they have now won 12 straight. Oh, and now they see the Links again as the number two seed in the league and have a chance to face off and see what it is. I mean, there's so much drama to this game.

[B]

And from being an older Lynx player, that's not links basketball. We don't lose by 50. You get what I'm saying? But knowing Asia, oh, she ain't forget that game. That is the game that is marked. We have games that we mark on the board. Like, we want that game.

[A]

Yes. I also think on the other side that Nafisa Collier and the Lynx have an opportunity to shut this whole conversation down, snap their win streak at 12, and Fee could come out and be brilliant. And we could just say, okay, as we all thought. Yes, Fee's the mvp.

[B]

Yes. My only concern with that is Fee with injury. How is she feeling? She's feeling 100%. Is it still lingering?

[A]

She looks good. She's been putting some good games together. She has missed 10 games, but that is a matchup. We will see. Let's move along. Let's move along. There's. There's more to talk about.

[B]

So much more.

[A]

How about the New York Liberty? How about the Liberty? Is it time to be worried about them? This. This past weekend, the New York Liberty loss on the road to the Mercury by damn near 2017 point loss, 80 to 60. 3. After the game, Brianna Stewart had this to say about their performance. 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. Bam. Stewie is ringing the alarm. With four games left in the regular season, is there enough time for the Liberty to mesh?

[B]

I'm actually not worried about the Liberty. Honestly, if she didn't say that, I would be worried. That's what a leader's supposed to do. She's rallying her team. Get your mind right. The playoffs are coming. We know what it feels like. We've won a championship last year. We have a target on our back. Don't forget our identity and who we are. And that's what she's reminding her team right before the playoffs. If I'm playing the championship team from the year before, I want them. Yeah, I want them back. So you got to know you have a target on your back. Don't forget. Guys, remind yourself you are still the champions as of today.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

But right now, you guys got to start playing like it and have the swag. Like, we're the champions today. Nobody else is the champions right now but you guys. Where's the swag at? Come on, New York.

[A]

Where's the swag at?

[B]

Come on.

[A]

So I'm so glad you said that, because my first reaction was, damn, the Liberty have really missed Stewie. What? I thought that was on. On time leadership from her.

[B]

Very.

[A]

She doesn't usually do that, but she picked her spot right there. That was a challenge to her team in the press conference, publicly challenging them to urgency and calling out, you know, non, non champion behavior.

[B]

Yes. And we know that Stewie is a quiet leader. If she's opening her mouth saying that, y' all better get your act together.

[A]

Yeah. And I appreciated that from her. And listen, if Stewie is expressing concern, then I too am concerned. Who am I not to be concerned if Stewie has concern? And no, but seriously, the Liberty or Liberty running out of time. I think in my years of playing basketball and covering basketball at every level, like, 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, playoff setting and right now, four games left, I expected to see the Liberty healthier and more complete. And they're still banged up with, like, new. New injuries coming out.

[B]

New injuries. They are still banged up. But for some reason, I feel that these last four games, they are going to get it together and they're going to be in.

[A]

Well, here's the thing about those last four games. There's no clumps in their schedule of days together, either in New York or on the road. So guess what? Still no practice for the Liberty. You still have new players who have. Who have had three to four times more games than they've had practice in. Emma Meesiman, Stephanie Talbot. You know, every other. You get a player back, and one leaves.

[B]

One leaves.

[A]

And so you can't even figure out rotations.

[B]

Yeah. So that. That hurts a little bit because you can't get that momentum and figure out the rotations. But we're pros. You gotta go out there and figure it out and find ways to win. That's what makes you great. You figured out through all the mess. Every season's not perfect. And that's why Stewie said what she said, what we gonna do? What we about to do, y'. All.

[A]

Yeah. And so I cover the Liberty, Right? So they had a good win, a gutsy win against the Mystics, where they had eight players available, and role players stepped up, and you felt like, all right, cool. Then they go and play the Mercury.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it was a big game. Everybody knew what was on the line. It was seating on the line. It was tiebreaker implications on the line. And the Liberty put a flop out there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it was. The whole season. This, especially this end part, there have been a lot of, like, deflating bad losses. And even some of the wins have been kind of not great.

[B]

Not great.

[A]

And actually, Stewie called this out. We didn't put that in the quote, but, like, she called out that this has been going on a while. And so throughout this season, the Liberty have had effort and urgency issues. Yeah. Throughout, where they've had slow starts, where they're playing from behind. Even their rebounding issues. The rebounding is a dish. And so much of that is. Are they willing to commit?

[B]

Really just sounds like effort. And that's one thing as a coach, as a player. We don't teach. We don't teach effort. That comes from right here. This heart. I got to teach that. And I'm a reigning champion. So have you guys got a little lax because you got the championship before? We don't do that. I want five rings if I can. That is the way you supposed to think. But it seems like there's some relaxation, like, oh, you know, we won the championship before, and, oh, we're a little banged up. No, go get another one.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Roz, I want you to get your. Your second ring.

[A]

Do it for Ross.

[B]

Could you imagine? You know what I'm saying? Do you organ you have people that work so hard for you guys don't. We should never talk about effort. That's one thing we don't talk about. We might have to teach the kids that. But pros will and teach an effort.

[A]

Yeah, come on. I think there's enough time for them to turn that effort.

[B]

Turn it up.

[A]

You can change that. You can control that.

[B]

It's here, y'. All. Turn it up.

[A]

Turn it up. Turn it up. We'll see if they can do it with these remaining games. They play the Valkyries tonight as of taping. All right, we got to take a break. Coming up, we make our Draft Kings pick of the week. We'll be right back. Welcome back to Good Follow y'.

[B]

All.

[A]

Good Follow is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. It is now time for the DraftKings Pick of the Week presented by DraftKings. I'm looking at this Thursday's upcoming matchup between the Minnesota Links and the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces come into the game on a 12 game winning streak. They are red, red, red, red hot. The Links are the top team in the league and have been all season. It is a battle of the very best in the world as Nafisa Collier and Asia Wilson headline their respective teams and as always, are competing for league MVP. They are currently tied for first in the league in points per game at 23.4. Asia's number one in the league in blocks and number two in rebounds. Fee is number three in steals. Fee has missed 10 games this season, opening the door to asia Wilson's growing MVP case. As during this 12 game winning streak, she's averaging a near 30 point double double and has led her team up the standings to second place and has clinched a playoff spot. Ultimately, I think the Links are an incredible team and that's been with or without Fee on the court. They are incredibly well coached and 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. So grab your popcorn, y'. All. This segment is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. The crown. All right, so we're almost out of time here and we are in New York where the US Open is happening.

[B]

I saw you went. How was that experience, by the way?

[A]

Oh my God, it is such a good time in Queens. Just all the activations, the tennis, the. The honey deuces. I put a little fit together. I was giving tennis girly.

[B]

Oh, okay. But the experience was just Arthur Ash Stadium, right?

[A]

Yeah, Arthur Ash Stadium. I actually saw Taylor Townsend play. I saw Djokovic play. It was awesome. Um, and. But you know, that. That mounted into a lot of energy around the US Open. Probably the biggest match for many people just happened between Naomi. Naomi Osaka.

[B]

I was gonna ask you about that.

[A]

And Coco Gauff. And so look, Naomi won in two sets in dominant fashion and moves on to the quarterfinals. Her first quarterfinals in a Grand Slam since 2021.

[B]

Right. So what you watching the game? Like, just tell me your perspective on the game and how you felt about just the atmosphere and everything and, like, just this rival. It's been a lot going on with women's tennis. Like. Yeah, let's talk about that. Like.

[A]

Yeah, no, I mean, first of all, just looking at the Naomi and Coco matchup. Yeah, I'm happy for Naomi. I feel like it's cool to see her smiling and happy and confident. And she dealt with some mental health. She's dealt with a lot.

[B]

So much.

[A]

She's. She's actually dealt with, like, I felt like there's been a lot of, like, you see her just distressed a lot.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Whether it's mental health or her physical health or taking time away from the game.

[B]

It's been a lot.

[A]

Or coming back from maternity leave or changing her coach, and it's just been sticky and so juggle. Yeah. And so it's really nice to see her, you know, back in some ways. And for me, I take a lot out of her win. Like, I think in life we go through seasons and you just got to keep pushing through. And sometimes, like, you've got to let go of old versions of yourself in order to get through in this new breakout. Because in life, I say this all the time. I think there are multiple glow ups in a career and in a life. So Naomi won four Grand Slams between 2018 and 2021. She's not that same girl.

[B]

Right, right, right.

[A]

She's actually a very different woman. She's a different girl.

[B]

She's had a baby. She's going through a lot.

[A]

Absolutely. And so for me, it was just motivational that, like, you water the grass that's right here in front of you, you keep pushing and the breakthrough comes. And so, like, I think that's something a lot of people can take away from that.

[B]

Absolutely. You can take away from that. You just put one foot in front of the other. And you just keep going. You just got to walk through the fire. And a lot of people see the fire and they get scared, but you have to walk through it to get to the other side of the promised land.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And Naomi is a great example of that. Like, she's gone through so much. Take example that story, guys, and see how she just kept going through all the adversity, being pregnant. Mental health is all the pressure. I mean, look at what she's doing.

[A]

You know, you can even see it in her expression of self, the labo boos and all of the different. Like, she's out there being joyful, and we love to see it. Another. I want to also shout out other players and tennis, you know, stories that have come out. Yeah, how about that? Taylor Townsend. So just to take you through all that happened, she's been an absolute force.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She upset number 25, Yelena Ostapenko, in the second round. They had a confrontation after the match. We saw all of this. She told her, had no class, no education. There was finger wagging. And then later. So the recent update is as the Panko took to social media to apologize. And this is the apology. Hi, all. I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said during the second round singles match. English is not my native language. So when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette.

[B]

That sound like perfect English to me.

[A]

Right, right.

[B]

That sounds like better English than some people I know who speak English. First language. I mean, I think you understand what you were saying when you say etiquette. That's good English.

[A]

Yeah. Like, you know, just first of all, before I want to shout out, there's been so many great, just. Black women have been shining at the US Open, whether it's Venus at 45 doing her big one, the comeback, you know, or Naomi, you know, getting her groove back. Or now Taylor, who. This is what stands out to me in that moment of adversity publicly. It's her moment. She won the match.

[B]

Won the match.

[A]

And Ustapenko is sitting there wagging the finger and. And downgrading her, talking about the finger, face in the face and the edge, talking about her education. And like, in that moment, I'm so glad for the fan perspective because it allowed us to. We could hear what she said.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

She said, great job, great play, thank you. And, like, hit her with the smile. And so in real time, the amount of grace and discipline, I guess she was able to show because it would have been easy to curse or be demonstrative and have them both looking crazy. But it's often the case where, like I feel like black women are having. In her own moment, having to show grace.

[B]

Have to show grace.

[A]

And taking the high road.

[B]

Because Ross, if it was flipped, the roles were flipped. You know, Taylor would have got so much more backlash.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Then Yelena. Is that. Say her name correctly.

[A]

Yelena.

[B]

I feel like Elena didn't get enough backlash.

[A]

No. And this apology that she released is barely an apology. It's lacking. It's lacking in accountability. It hides behind a language barrier. And then she actually doubles down on. I was talking about etiquette, babe. Etiquette. You are the loser of the match. You are the one that showed poor etiquette and sore loser behavior behaviors and tendencies by harassing the winner.

[B]

There you go. And you start an apology off with, I want to apologize to Taylor and her team. Don't apologize to us. That's what it sounds like. You're doing it for us and that ain't it. And I hope we don't see that kind of behavior anymore. Congratulate people when they win.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That shows that you are the ultimate competitor.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And people respect you and look up to you for that. You know what? You beat me. Congratulations.

[A]

I'm happy for Taylor Townsend to get this spotlight on her and not only just for the controversy, but to shine. To beat a top 25 player. Then she beats the number five player after that. And driva.

[B]

Let's go.

[A]

An 18 year old. It was a big stage. Did that big one. She's out now, but she continues in the doubles. On the US Open stage, she's the number one doubles player. And the more we find out about her, the more we love her. Her Grace. She's a mother.

[B]

She's a mother. I didn't even know that.

[A]

Yeah, she's pretty incredible. And so we'll be rooting for her. But dang, we be running out of time on the show.

[B]

We have so much more to talk about. But first episode down in.

[A]

In this capacity, welcome Angels. Show her some love in the comments and. And whatever. She'll be joining us regularly as a co host here. Angel, you did great.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

So good to see you and for all of you. Subscribe, share, comment, engage all the things cause Good. Follow is presented by DraftKings. We drop two times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and we'd love to see you there. All right, Angel, I'm out. Yeah, bye.

[B]

I gotta go. Enjoy New.

[A]

D.