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GOOD FOLLOW - Phoenix Force a Game 3! Should Stewie Have Played? We Have Co-DPOYs & More! with Khristina Williams
September 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special playoff edition of "Good Follow," Roz Gold-Onwude is joined by WNBA reporter Khristina Williams to break down the most electrifying storylines from the first round of the WNBA playoffs. With decisive Game 3 matchups looming, the duo offers unique perspectives on the Liberty-Mercury showdown, Phoenix's home-court advantage, the Valkyries' historic inaugural season, the ascendant rookie Dominique Malanga, and the unprecedented sharing of the Defensive Player of the Year Award between A'ja Wilson and Alanna Smith. This roundtable captures not only gameplay analysis but insider takes from press conferences and firsthand reporting from courtside.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historic Co-Defensive Players of the Year

• Background: For the first time in WNBA history, two players shared the Defensive Player of the Year award: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx (03:56).
• Voting Breakdown: Both received 29 votes; next closest were Gabby Williams (9), Alyssa Thomas (3), and Napheesa Collier (2).
• Panel Reaction:
  • Khristina Williams contextualized Alanna Smith's impact: “When you look at the impact that Alanna has had on Minnesota’s defense, they ranked the top in the entire league and she was the reason why... And Asia Wilson, that 17-game win streak was powered by Asia...” (03:56).
  • Roz Gold-Onwude emphasized Wilson’s all-around dominance: “Asia Wilson was at the core and center of the Aces, turning their season around. And it's kind of cool too, because Asia's now in a situation where she could win MVP as well.” (04:38).
  • Inspirational Angle: Williams highlights Smith’s career arc: "In 2022, Alana Smith was out of the league...now they’re sharing one of the biggest awards for the league is incredible... It can be inspirational. You might be the baddest player in the whole world...but you also might be Alanna Smith..." (06:18).

2. Transparency and Voter Challenges

• Showing Ballots: Khristina discusses her advocacy for open ballots. "For me, it's all about transparency. Of course, I think fandom has grown...This is the first year where I've gotten negative comments." (10:26)
• Social Media Fallout: Roz jokes about fans trolling voters on family photos: “Then in your comment section on your Instagram page, it’s a picture of you, your mother and your grandmother...and they in the bottom talking about you didn't vote so and so for second team all WNBA. This is a picture of my family, y'all!” (10:56)
• Roz's Perspective: Voting for women’s awards feels more "explaining yourself to the fans" compared to men's leagues, where voter pressure stems more from teams/organizations. (11:49)

3. Liberty vs. Mercury: Game 2 Breakdown & the Stewie Debate

• Context: New York Liberty were blown out by the Phoenix Mercury by 26, forcing a decisive Game 3. Brianna Stewart (Stewie) played through an MCL sprain.
• Medical Details: Stewie played with a large knee brace and electronic therapy devices, but looked clearly limited. (13:36–14:01)
• Should Stewie Have Played?
  • Khristina Williams: “I don't think that Stewie should have played...given how New York Liberty played, it wouldn't have made a difference whether Stewie played in Game 2 or not." (14:35)
  • Roz Gold-Onwude: “The reason you put Stewie in was to close it out, not to have to go and play a game 3. Especially with the starters and everybody just seeming so out of it, it’s a valid question.” (15:30)
  • Game Flow: Liberty starters only scored 32 total points, with lack of urgency and cohesion.
  • Tactical Mismatch: Mercury targeted Stewie’s mobility and isolated her defensively. Satu Sabally rebounded from a poor Game 1 to lead Phoenix with 15 points. (16:35)

4. Barclays Center Atmosphere & Fan Reactions

• Postgame Shade: Mercury commented Barclays was "quiet" and fans "left early." (20:04)
• On the Ground: Khristina verified: fans exited early, blaming rising ticket prices and frustration with Liberty performance.
  • Quote: “I did also see fans leaving at halftime...because the Liberty wasn’t really giving the fans anything to cheer for. And so people were leaving out of that building in second quarter, third quarter...The fans are just as fed up with how the Liberty are playing as everyone else." (20:23)
• Notable Names: Even a celeb-studded crowd (Spike Lee, Tracee Ellis Ross) didn't lift the energy. (21:36)

5. Valkyries' Inaugural Season & Expansion Impact

• Near Comeback: The Valkyries blew a 17-point second half lead versus the Lynx, who closed the series in 2. (24:43)
• Legacy Set:
  • Sold out all home games, including 19,000+ for their first playoff contest.
  • Coach Natalie Nakase named Coach of the Year.
  • “They’ve laid the blueprint out for expansion teams to come in the WNBA and I think they’re going to be on track for that five-year plan of potentially wanting to win a championship.” – Khristina Williams (24:43)

6. Dominique Malanga's Breakout Performance

• Rookie Watch: After getting blocked in Game 1, Malanga answered with a double-double and crucial and-one in Game 2, keeping the Storm alive versus the Aces. (26:50)
• Roz's Take: “She is the youngest player in the league right now and on the biggest stage against the best player...she has stepped up and helped to lead the Storm...The future is very bright.” (27:21)
• Contextual Comparison: Paige Bueckers wins ROY at 23, Malanga is just 19 with years of pro experience already.

7. Key Playoff Picture Heading to Decisive Game 3s

• Upcoming Showdowns: Both the Aces/Storm and Dream/Fever series are at 1–1 and headed to winner-take-all Game 3s. (27:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Co-DPOYs:
  "I think that speaks to Asia Wilson's greatness. When we talk about the best player in the world, it’s hands down right now, Asia Wilson..." – Khristina Williams (05:52)
• On Alanna Smith’s Journey:
  “In 2022, Alanna Smith was out of the league...now they’re sharing one of the biggest awards for the league...It can be inspirational..." – Khristina Williams (06:18)
• On Fan Feedback to Votes:
  "This is a picture of my family, y’all. Like, what?" – Roz Gold-Onwude (10:56)
• On Playing Stewie:
  “I don't think that Stewie should have played...” – Khristina Williams (14:35)
• On the Fan Atmosphere:
  "People were leaving out of that building and second quarter, third quarter, and it was really sad. Sad to see because usually when you’re at Barclays, it's packed." – Khristina Williams (20:23)
• On Valkyries' Year:
  “They’ve made history. They've laid the blueprint out for expansion teams to come in the WNBA..." – Khristina Williams (24:43)
• On Dominique Malanga:
  "This is the rawest that we will ever see Dominique play as a rookie because in years to come she's just only going to get better..." – Khristina Williams (26:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Co-Defensive Players of the Year Announced: 03:56–06:18
• Voter Transparency & Fan Reactions: 10:26–11:49
• Liberty vs. Mercury Game 2 Analysis / Stewie Discussion: 14:35–19:18
• Barclays Center 'Quiet' & Fan Issues: 20:04–21:36
• Valkyries Season Recap: 24:43–25:33
• Dominique Malanga’s Breakout/Critical Game: 26:50–27:56
• Playoff Picture/Appreciation: 27:56–end

Overall Tone & Style

The conversation is insightful but friendly, featuring both hard-hitting analysis and lighthearted banter about the realities of covering (and voting in) women’s basketball. Both hosts approach topics with empathy for players, fans, and voters alike, and exhibit real passion for the league.

For those who missed the episode:
This recap covers the essential playoff storylines, personal insights from courtside and the press room, and a lively examination of the people and moments shaping this WNBA postseason.