Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
HAVE A NIGHT, NALYSSA SMITH! #wnbaplayoffs
The Athletic NBA Daily Host | No Offseason: The Athletic WBB Show Host | NBC Sports Bay Area Warriors Host & Analyst | CBS KPIX Valkyries Analyst
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HAVE A NIGHT, NALYSSA SMITH! #wnbaplayoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
5 star on MaxPreps easy
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Me trying to keep up with NBA Media Day quotes while WNBA playoffs are happening…
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Phoenix deserves ALL of the praise. They just did what Minnesota to them in Game 1. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Marisa Ingemi (@mingemi.bsky.social) reposted
We don’t talk enough about Sami Whitcomb
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Whitcomb airballed the first shot and then escape side-dribbled and pulled up to hit the second. Wow. #wnbaplayoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
SAMI WHITCOMBBBBB BABYYYY
terryhorstman (@terryhorstman.bsky.social) reposted
25-9 PHX run since the 5:45 mark in the 3rd
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Why do I feel like every mic in the world found Michael Porter, Jr. once he got traded to Brooklyn?
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s killing me. They literally got up big last game off of FORTY TWO PAINT PTS.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Courtney Williams’ playmaking in transition tonight has been pretty.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Sabally…drive girl. Drive.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Ofc, the time that the Liberty fire their head coach 2 years removed from a Finals appearance and 1 year from a CHAMPIONSHIP, our resident NY Liberty expert @benpickman.bsky.social is hitting PRs at the Berlin marathon. 👏🏾 Don’t worry all. He’ll be back on No Offseason with all the deets soon!
Ben Pickman (@benpickman.bsky.social) reposted
New No Offseason Ep! I'll be back on the show on Thursday, but the great @brendanglasheen.bsky.social stepped in like an elite Unrivaled relief player to join @sabreenajm.bsky.social and @zenakeita.bsky.social talking WNBA playoffs, Unrivaled Year 2, CT Sun and more www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ww...
Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) reposted
Love the decision, love the playcall, love the throw. Dan Campbell forever.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
This game is WILD
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
All good! That’s why I clarified.
The Athletic (@theathletic.com) reposted
A'JA WILSON 🏆 ◽️ 23.4 PTS (led league) ◽️ 10.2 REB ◽️ 2.3 BLK (led league) The @lvaces.bsky.social star is the first player in WNBA history to win four MVP awards.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
(This is a picture of Jackie Young rebounding over the much taller Seattle Storm.)
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Valkyries fans having flashbacks right now… #wnba #playoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
YES NATE TIBBETS.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Agree with this ⤵️
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
People talking about Napheesa will want retribution for not winning MVP. Or Alyssa Thomas. We need to be talking about Kelsey Mitchell! This is an MVP worthy performance on the road…in the MVP’s house. 😮💨😮💨😮💨 #wnba #playoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Two blown layups for the Aces early in the game. Think there’s a bit of extra adrenaline pumping through them. #wnba #playoffs
Meghan L. Hall (@itsmeghanlhall.bsky.social) reposted
NEWS: The Seattle Storm have parted ways with Noelle Quinn. They will not renew her contract for 2026.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Ok Indiana Fever Bigs starting strong!
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
It still blows my mind she got this. Whew.
Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) reposted
One of my boomer opinions is I miss TVs on airplanes. I don’t want to watch movies and tv on my own device! Don’t make me!
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
🚨NEW NO OFFSEASON POD 🚨 @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I stayed up late to break down these CRAZY games around the #wnba #playoffs! #2 Atlanta stunned by the Fever Aces barely weather the Storm Lynx end the Valkyries’ historic yr TAP IN: 🎧: podfollow.com/no-offseason 💻: youtube.com/@No-Offseason
Mitchell Hansen (@hansen13.bsky.social) reposted
The first two games of the #WNBAPlayoffs semis: Game 1 — Sept. 21 - #6 Indiana at #2 Las Vegas, 3pm ET on ABC - #4 PHX/#5 NYL at #1 Minnesota, 5pm ET on ESPN Game 2 — Sept. 23 - #4 PHX/#5 NYL at #1 Minnesota, 7:30pm ET on ESPN - #6 Indiana at #2 Las Vegas, 9:30pm ET on ESPN
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Man. Sports are really crazy.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Las Vegas lost the offensive boards battle 4-9. Seattle had 9 second chance pts off those offensive rebounds while Vegas only 2… Jackie Young’s putback to put them up 74-73. Wow. #wnba #playoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Unreal play.
Dana Holtzbert (@danaholtzbert.bsky.social) reposted
What the fuck??? The lights went out on the last shot. #WNBA #SEAvsLV
Across the Timeline (@acrossthetimeline.com) reposted
# of WNBA Playoffs games with 35+ PTS and 5+ STK (STL + BLK): A'ja Wilson: 2 All other WNBA players: 2 u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-TnvDW
The Athletic (@theathletic.com) reposted
JACKPOT 🎰 Las Vegas is heading to the semifinals in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs.
Eric (@nemchocke.bsky.social) reposted
Kelsey Mitchell spent YEARS playing on some bad, bad basketball teams. Could have left or asked to be traded. But she stuck around, got the recognition she deserved, and now she's led the Fever to their first semifinals in a decade. Love this for her.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Nneka and Brittney Sykes finding their offense at just the right time… …time to stress me out.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
That’s all we’re thinking about in the Bay…
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
*whispers* Are we gonna see the #2 and #3 seed go home in the first round? 👀
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
I officially have no idea what to expect in this Vegas-Seattle game.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Wow.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
BACK TO BACK NIGHTS OF STRESS
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Kinda cool that Aliyah is on the floor with 38 years of combined WNBA experience right now. Indiana rolling with their vets.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
God bless LaChina Robinson trying to assess this Boston-Jones tie-up 😂
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Indiana has GOT to unlock Aliyah Boston in the 2nd half. More touches, more clear outs with her in the post, more her taking it herself, period.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
At the half, ATL currently has the advantage in the paint 40-16, yet IND is only down 7. How? IND’s FT attempts are up 16 to 5 & Indiana has hit 2 more 3s than ATL. If ATL keeps attacking the rim & stops fouling…it’s gonna be a quiet plane ride home for Indy (or whatever the commercial says)
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Allisha Gray looking particularly bouncy tonight.
Sabreena Merchant (@sabreenajm.bsky.social) reposted
DPOY voting breakdown: A'ja Wilson and Alanna Smith: 29 votes each Gabby Williams: 9 Alyssa Thomas: 3 Napheesa Collier: 2
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
Literally. It gets worse by the day.
Kerith Burke (@kerithburke.bsky.social) reposted
I love this framing! Happy to see it! Consider how infrequently male athletes are compared to greatness of female athletes.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
CONGRATULATIONS to the Golden State Valkyries on a historic year! Feeling unbelievably grateful to have been their lead analyst. Thank you to CBS KPIX for trusting me with the special role & to Vern, Layshia, Brian & the whole crew for a fun season! Appreciate anyone & everyone who tuned in. 💜
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Minnesota has taken the lead 73-72 off a drive from Kayla McBride followed by a Napheesa Collier long jumper and now GSV enters panic mode. 1:24 remaining to keep their season alive.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Minnesota brings it to within one point off a DiJonai corner 3. Minnesota now winning the 4th 20-7, shooting 64% from the floor in this quarter, including two huge 3s
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Talk about CLUTCH. Sound goes out for the ESPN broadcast, and ESPN sideline reporter Brooke Weisbrod is filling in, doing play-by-play right now.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
11-0 run to open the 4th by MIN cut by Ceci Zandalasini. Second time she’s done that tonight.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Dog’s name is Diva and she belongs to influencer Brittney Elena! She’s a regular at Ballhalla (Diva and Brittney) #importantreporting
Across the Timeline (@acrossthetimeline.com) reposted
The 2025 Playoffs has now seen 7 of 8 teams win a game, the first time that has happened since 2015. The only WNBA postseason to see 8 teams win a game was 2008. The Valkyries are the one remaining team without a win.
Mitchell Hansen (@hansen13.bsky.social) reposted
Here come the #Lynx. Minnesota opens the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run to narrow Golden State's lead down to just five. It's 63-58 Valkyries with 7:12 to play in Game 2. #WNBAPlayoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
3rd: GSV 63 - MIN 49 GSV able to withstand a MIN run in the 3rd and win the 3rd 22-21 after allowing 28, 30, and 32 in the 3rd qtr the last 3 outings against the Lynx. GSV now up to 10/20 3FG on the night, something they’ve only been able to do once this season against the Lynx.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
MONIQUE BILLINGS WITH THE MISS FOLLOWED BY THE AND-1.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Collier “fouls” Janelle Salaun on a 3pt attempt…and Minnesota doesn’t have a challenge to review. Tough.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Huge corner 3 from Ceci to slow the Minnesota momentum. Once again off a paint touch drive from Burton.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
Exactlyyyy
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
That was not a smart challenge.
Daniel Thompson (@dr-thompson.bsky.social) reposted
Coach Nakase's belief>>> A genuinely compelling mid-game interview.
Sabreena Merchant (@sabreenajm.bsky.social) reposted
this is just a real bummer for Stewie
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
That is how every single coach interview SHOULD happen. RIGHT before the 3rd qtr starts. Quickly.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Temi’s last minute scratch—while unfortunate—has forced a different approach to the bigs. Starting Iliana, a capable 3 pt shooter, passer & screener - 2-2 3FG, 3 AST Mo off the bench bringing energy & defense - 4-6 FG & keeping Jess Shepard to 0-3 And with both in, Ja can play the 3. BIG lineup
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Half: GSV 41 MIN 28 GSV defense keeps MIN to the lowest first half pt total of the 2025 season (previously 30 vs LVA, 6/17) GSV shooting 55% FG (16/29 on 14 AST) and 64% 3FG (7-11) MIN shooting 34% (12-35 on 8 AST) and 15% (2-13 3FG) Now for the ever important 3rd Quarter…
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
These Valkyries closeouts are impeccable.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
3:17 remaining in 2Q… Shepard and Hiedeman held scoreless.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Mo Billings with the block on Phee and then the finish down low in traffic, forcing a Lynx timeout. She played a total of 4 minutes last game. In 10 minutes tonight, 3-4 FG, 2 RB, 1 BLK Huge.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
I agree with that!
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
1st Qtr: GSW 27 MIN 19 GSV 5-6 3FGM (83%) GSV winning bench battle 9-1 (they had 17 total last game Everyone that played for the Valkyries has scored. Kate Martin had 5 pts in 1 minute. Lynx w/ 3TOVs for 7 GSV pts.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
CECI ZANDALASINI WITH THE ASSIST!!!!! Wow.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
Well, I could show you a few drag screens from Phee that would have you saying the same. I think the refs are calling it fair.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Ok…here’s the thing to watch. 3:33 in 1Q. 14-14 Enter Lynx’s Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard. Let’s see what happens.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
This particular play has had a lot of success for the Valks when they need an easy bucket. A flare screen for Veronica Burton and in this case, Carleton goes under and recovers, but Veronica sets her up for the rescreen from Iliana and…BOOM. We’ve seen Burton cross over and drive off this, too.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Valkyries finding success off shooting the gaps at the top of the key. Two steals into two easy transition baskets.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
WOW.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
First observation: BALLHALLA IS LOUD.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Jackie Young is so surgical with these drives…whew 😮💨
Marisa Ingemi (@mingemi.bsky.social) reposted
Tiffany Hayes rules OUT for tomorrow vs Minnesota
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
Oh wow. That’s unfortunate.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Her face alone…Allisha is not known for being confrontational or easily agitated. I really wonder what that man said, but on her face alone, I’m happy he was removed.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
WOW. Lexi Hull with the dagger at the end of the 3rd to put Indiana up 59-44. (And Boston got fouled on the layup before, Gray’s arm was around her hip 👀.) #wnba #playoffs
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
@sabreenajm.bsky.social called it. This Bri Jones-Aliyah Boston matchup is 🍿🍿🍿🍿
CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) reposted
The Aces are terrifying
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
That Nneka and Chelsea confrontation was the most civil you’ll see in sports. I think I caught a “that’s my bad” from Nneka and a smile from Skylar. 😂 #veterans
Marisa Ingemi (@mingemi.bsky.social) reposted
“That’s why I got a T, because at what point is it going to be fair?” Natalie Nakase was unhappy with officiating again in Game 1 blowout loss in Minnesota | @sfchronicle.com www.sfchronicle.com/sports/artic...
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
They’re playing like a travel team playing local tournaments to prepare for nationals. Bouncy, relentless, laughing and EVERYBODY is eating. Everyone who has played has scored AND gotten a rebound on the Aces. Everyone.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social) reply parent
Exactly. The Aces being lackluster overall at that point didn’t help. I think many, including me, were forgetting how poorly she was used in Indiana and Dallas.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Yeahhhh… Nalyssa Smith is the most impactful in-season acquisition in the W.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Aces just playing shell drill on defense against the Storm and getting the stop…a lot. Storm have GOT to get into the paint.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Indiana just got called for five fouls in less than 1 minute. 8:15 Steph White Tech 8:11 Odyssey Sims Tech 7:47 Natasha Howard Personal 7:38 Natasha Howard Offensive 7:24 Brianna Turner Personal #wnba Aliyah Boston getting her 4th and 5th foul set Indiana was a game shifter.
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Valkyries open the game with an 11-4 run, including 2 threes from Veronica Burton and 2 buckets at the rim from Temi
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
🚨NEW NO OFFSEASON POD 🚨 Dropped a little later so that we knew all the PLAYOFF MATCHUPS! The WNBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW you need is below with me, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and @benpickman.bsky.social! TAP IN: 🎧: podfollow.com/no-offseason 💻: youtube.com/@No-Offseason
Zena Keita (@zenakeita.bsky.social)
Did y’all see how she just hyped up Courtney Williams after that block? Selfless.