BallHalla Energy, Upsets, and WNBA Semis Heat Up

The playoffs are here, and we’ve got plenty to talk about.

In this episode, Monica and Sara dive into the first round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs and all the chaos that’s unfolded since. From the Golden State Valkyries making history in their inaugural season, to the Liberty’s shocking early exit, to the Fever pulling off an upset without Caitlin Clark, it’s already been a wild ride.

They also get into:

 💬 The Liberty press conference drama and Sandy Brondello’s sudden exit
 👀 A’ja Wilson’s MVP run and what it means for the Aces
 ⚡ Lynx vs. Mercury going down to the wire (and the officiating that has everyone talking)
 🌟 Alyssa Thomas vs. Nafisa Collier — two legends pushing each other to the limit

It’s a passionate, mid-playoffs check-in full of hot takes, tough losses, and so much love for the W.

Fact Check Notes

✅Valkyries’ Head Coach

The Golden State Valkyries’ head coach is Natalie Nakase, who was named 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year.

✅Liberty Coaching Change

Sandy Brondello led the Liberty to the 2023 semifinals, the 2024 championship, and the 2025 playoffs. Despite that success, she was let go immediately after the 2025 playoff exit.

✅WNBA Hardship Exception

The “leasing players” description in the episode refers to the hardship exception, which allows teams with multiple injuries to sign additional players beyond the 12-player roster limit.

✅A’ja Wilson Awards

A’ja Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to win four MVP titles (2020, 2022, 2023, 2025) and added her third Defensive Player of the Year award in 2025.

✅Alyssa Thomas & Napheesa Collier Stats

• Alyssa Thomas set new marks for double-doubles and continued her record pace from 2023 into 2025.
• Napheesa Collier achieved the rare 50-40-90 shooting season in 2025, only the second in WNBA history.

Episode Transcript