Summary — GOOD FOLLOW: Napheesa (Fee) & Kathy, Aces Lead 2-0 in WNBA Finals & More

Overview

• Episode focused on two main storylines: the Aces taking a 2-0 lead in the WNBA Finals over the Phoenix Mercury, and escalating public tension between WNBA players (led by Napheesa “Fee” Collier) and Commissioner Kathy Engelbert amid CBA negotiations and calls for transparency.
• Hosts (Angel McCoughtry and Roz) break down on-court matchup dynamics, X‑factors for Game 3, and new reporting about the Collier–Engelbert exchange and league financial transparency.

Key points & main takeaways

• WNBA Finals (Aces vs. Mercury)

  • Las Vegas Aces lead series 2-0 after dominant home performances; bench and “big three” depth are key differentiators.
  • Phoenix blew a chance in Game 1 (costly turnovers: 14 turnovers → 20 points) and was overwhelmed in Game 2 (trailed by as much as 22).
  • Matchup issues: Asia Wilson is giving Alyssa Thomas problems (size/finishing over her); Chelsea Gray is controlling games both emotionally and statistically (near triple‑double impact); Jackie Young has delivered big scoring bursts.
  • Primary recommendation for Phoenix: reset emotionally — Alyssa Thomas must stop carrying the emotional weight of the team, “let go of Game 1” and approach Game 3 fresh. The bench (DeWanna Bonner, Sami/“Sammy” Whitcomb if healthy) must produce.
  • DraftKings Pick of the Week: hosts back Phoenix to win Game 3 at home (calls it a “must-win”).

• CBA / Collier–Engelbert drama

  • New ESPN reporting: players have requested league financial data and say they haven’t been provided it. Under current CBA, players receive ~9% revenue share vs. roughly 49–51% in the NBA; larger revenue sharing kicks in only after the league hits certain revenue thresholds — thresholds the league says have not been met after years of losses.
  • Players want transparency to verify the league’s revenue claims; lack of data fuels distrust.
  • Napheesa (“Fee”) Collier publicly disclosed a private conversation with Kathy that many players viewed as inflammatory; Kathy’s on‑camera answers were inconsistent:
    • A non‑denial to Malika Andrews’ question about an “on their hands and knees” remark (left room for interpretation).
    • A clear denial regarding alleged comments about Caitlin Clark’s off‑court earnings (“Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player…”).
  • Collier canceled a planned follow‑up meeting after Kathy’s press conference — framed by hosts as a deliberate strategic “chess move” that undercut Engelbert’s attempt to signal repair.
  • Collier reportedly acted alone in releasing the recording; she did not coordinate the timing with the Players Association.
  • Caitlin (Kaitlyn) Clark publicly validated Fee’s points later but said Fee never told her about Kathy’s alleged comments.
  • Wider reactions: some call Fee’s move brave; others (e.g., Steph White) have called Clark a “pawn” in broader narratives. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighed in, praising Engelbert’s role in league growth but acknowledging relationship and economic issues to be fixed.
  • Hosts warn that focusing solely on Engelbert could create a scapegoat — real decision‑making includes owners, investors and partners, and those actors may be the ones limiting player demands.

Notable quotes & insights

• “You are letting Game One affect Game Two and affect Game Three.” — Angel McCoughtry on Alyssa Thomas’ emotional burden.
• “To me, A.T. is 0‑0. Let it go. Fresh new game.” — Prescriptive coaching mentality for Phoenix.
• “Where there is smoke, there is fire.” — Host comment on the Collier–Engelbert discrepancy.
• Kathy Engelbert (quoted): “Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league.” — clear denial on Caitlin Clark remark.
• Strategic framing: hosts repeatedly call the public back‑and‑forth “a game of chess,” praising timing and leverage on both sides (Collier and Engelbert).

Topics discussed

• WNBA Finals game analysis (games 1 & 2): player matchups, emotional/tactical mistakes, bench production.
• Game 3 outlook and DraftKings betting pick.
• ESPN reporting about player requests for revenue data and transparency.
• Napheesa (“Fee”) Collier’s public disclosure of a private conversation with Commissioner Kathy Engelbert.
• Kathy Engelbert’s press conference: mixed responses and denials.
• Player unity, strategy in labor disputes, and Caitlin Clark’s role/narrative.
• Comments from Adam Silver and league/ownership dynamics.

Action items / Recommendations

• For Phoenix Mercury (on-court)

  • Reset mentally: Alyssa Thomas must stop carrying previous game errors; treat Game 3 as 0‑0.
  • Reduce Chelsea Gray’s game control (limit her emotional and statistical impact).
  • Improve bench production—get more from DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb (if healthy).
  • Focus on turnover control—Game 1 mistakes can’t repeat.

• For players / union / league (off-court)

  • WNBA leadership should provide requested financial data to increase transparency (revenue, team valuations, jersey sales revenue, etc.).
  • Consider tangible fixes players suggested: revenue from jersey sales, changes to overseas fines/restrictions, clearer revenue-sharing timelines.
  • NBA leadership involvement: encourage NBA execs (e.g., Adam Silver) or NBA reps to attend CBA talks to ensure listening and leverage.
  • Players should continue strategic, coordinated engagement but clarify when actions are individual vs. union-wide to preserve unity and negotiating leverage.

Bottom line

• On the court, the Aces own momentum (2‑0) but Phoenix has a chance to change the series at home if it resets emotionally and gets bench help.
• Off the court, distrust persists between players and league leadership; the core issue is lack of financial transparency and perceived misalignment over revenue sharing. The Collier–Engelbert episode has intensified public scrutiny and shifted negotiating dynamics — both strategic play and accountability are now at center stage.