Inside the abrupt ending to A'ja Wilson's historic MVP season, via @katiebarnes.bsky.social
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialAlexa Philippou
@alexaphilippou.bsky.social
ESPN women’s college basketball, WNBA reporter. Posting on here and, for now, X | IG: alexaphilippou_ESPN
@alexaphilippou.bsky.social@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialThe Dream’s stunning sweep of the Liberty laid bare questions about New York’s future — not just what roster changes they need to get back to the top, but whether Chris DeMarco can get them there.
Thoughts from Stewie, Sabrina, Jonquel and Leo:
@alexaphilippou.bsky.social@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialThe two teams that combined to win the past four WNBA titles got swept in the semifinals. Two teams that have never before won a WNBA title -- one of which is an expansion team in Year 2 -- will meet in the Finals. The 2026 WNBA season. Just as we all drew up.
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialStewart also spoke extensively about this being a missed opportunity, the team's inconsistency being an issue this year and at one point said, "this is not like cramming for a test. You gotta be ready to go from the jump."
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialJonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart were asked about whether they'd want Chris DeMarco to return as coach next season. They answered it in different ways. All acknowledged it's not up to them. Ionescu at one point, "I don't know what's going to happen."
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialChris DeMarco said it is his expectation that he will return as New York Liberty coach next year
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialBreanna Stewart left the floor at Barclays with a towel around her head. This is the first time in her career she has been swept in the WNBA playoffs.
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialThe Atlanta Dream are heading to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013 following a semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty. The quest for their first-ever championship remains alive. ATL has won 10 straight dating back to the regular season
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialAngel Reese registered her first career postseason quarter with 10+ points, thanks in large part to a pair of 3-pointers. Atlanta is 12-0 this season when Reese has made a 3 in a game.
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialA statement via a WNBA spokesperson:
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialAtlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko said Allisha Gray is progressing but “in the interest of caution” she’s been ruled out for today
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialBreanna Stewart re: Reset Timeout Gate: "In order to have respect, you need to build trust. And building trust comes with being honest. Putting me in a position to question my integrity is really disappointing."
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialChris DeMarco, asked about the staff's responsibility to track timeouts: “We know the rules. We should have pushed harder, and it's just an unfortunate situation. And I think we all saw what happened. And we move on and focus is on tonight. It has to be. So we don't want it to be a distraction."
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialSabrina Ionescu said she was confused in the moment on Wednesday about what the Liberty’s reset timeout situation was. “I heard someone say yes. I heard someone say no. It should have been me who honestly stopped the game and was like, ‘What's the answer?’ I'm taking the blame for that as well.”
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@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialAngel Reese might be appearing in her first WNBA playoffs, but it sure hasn’t looked like it:
"She's the motor. She brings the toughness. She brings the umph. We feed off her, and she gets us going every single game.”
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialAtlanta Dream star Allisha Gray is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow's semifinals Game 3 in New York
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialA league source told ESPN the league received New York’s official inquiry into the reset timeout situation yesterday and will follow the proper protocols to look into it.
@alexaphilippou.bsky.socialJust another night in the WNBA