Beyond the Bleachers

Round 2 of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs did not disappoint. While the Las Vegas Aces had a dominating performance against the Dallas Wings, the New York Liberty had possibly their worst performance I this season as the Connecticut Sun dominated on both ends of the floor. Joslyn and Samantha were LIVE for it all on Instagram and recapped both games in this episode. Then, both ladies shared their thoughts on whether the media votes for the WNBA awards should be public or anonymous while noting that the narratives created by the media have led to skewed perceptions of the game. Finally, both of their breakout stars have huge shoes to fill this season and put on dominant performances to start the second round.

Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! Also, be sure to catch us LIVE on Instagram for every playoff game throughout the remainder of the season!

Samantha and Joslyn recap week one of the finals. They have some tough criticism for the Atlanta Dream and applaud the Las Vegas Aces for clicking on all cylinders just as Joslyn has expected. Their main topic takes them a little away from the W as they discuss LA Sparks guard Zia Cooke’s decision to not play overseas this season. This discussion led to the bigger discussion of the player opportunities we would love to see stateside as we consider the growth of the game. Lastly, they couldn’t end the episode without highlighting some stars that have been shining in the playoffs, as their light has only gotten brighter as the stage has gotten larger. Join us as we continue the discussion (and continue to go LIVE!) on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow, like, comment, or DM us!

It's playoff time!!!!! The W is kicked into high gear as we get ready for the first round of the playoffs. Samantha and Joslyn reflect on some of the most memorable moments from the end of the season and transition to predictions for the first round and some of the end of the season awards. We feel an upset brewing in the first round. Let us know what teams you think will make it out alive and who you think will upset. Stay tuned for a special announcement at the end of the episode that you won't want to miss! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!

The playoff picture is shaping up, but as the regular season winds down, new revelations cause a stir around the league. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert seems to be moonwalking back on her travel accommodations promise to the players and a couple players have things to say about it. This only highlights the bigger, overarching problem: the lack of care and regard some people have for actually growing the game. It's all in the product for us. As fans, we're here to stay, but when it comes to the players we wouldn't be surprised if a strike were to happen. Can't say we didn't warn you! Also, Joslyn highlights the Las Vegas Aces recent redemption win after back-to-back losses, but Samantha forces her to backpedal a little and reflect on not only their loss to the Washington Mystics, but their most recent loss to the New York Liberty (AGAIN!). Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! Let us know which teams you'd like to see grab one of the remaining playoff spots!

Joslyn tried to start on a high note by giving her flowers to A'ja Wilson for tying for the most points in a WNBA game, but Samantha had to cut her at the knees and remind her that her defensive minded Washington Mystics recently beat Wilson's Las Vegas Aces, putting Las Vegas dangerously close to giving up the #1 seed. Then, Joslyn and Samantha continue their off-podcast conversation and talk injury. When is it worth it to rehab and when is enough enough? They specifically discuss three current players and their ongoing bouts with injury while highlighting their many talents off the court. Plus, their back to putting more people in TIMEOUT, and this time one of their timeouts goes to a coach!

Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We would love to hear your thoughts on the playoff picture that's currently shaping...who's locked and loaded and who is in trouble! Let us know!

The Las Vegas Aces have finally lost at home, and the Los Angeles Sparks are you who we have to thank. While Joslyn felt the Aces were almost unbeatable, Samantha shares the teams she felt were built to beat them, LA included. Joslyn adds a new segment and puts two plays (both from the LA/Vegas game) in TIMEOUT! Speaking of the Sparks, the conversation leads us to talking about Liz Cambage and her interview that has the world talking. People love to hate her and hate to love her, but she doesn’t plan on leaving us without a few words of her own. Joslyn and Samantha finish with two new breakout stars that are leading the charge to the playoffs!

*BONUS EPISODE* Samantha and Joslyn are BACK with a BONUS EPISODE and discussing the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces. These two teams squared off twice already in the month of August and the ending was less than stellar for the Aces and quite anticlimactic overall. They discuss what went wrong, and keeps going wrong, for the Aces and what the Liberty are doing to capitalize on all their mishaps. While New York has gotten hotter since the All-Star break, Las Vegas has cooled off and found themselves needing to make some quick and meaningful adjustments. It’s a full episode dedicated to the hottest rivalry in women’s basketball right now! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! Tell us if you think the Aces stand a chance against the Liberty and whether you think both teams have what it takes to make it to the finals!

The Connecticut Sun are shining bright, and all their hard work on defense is paying off. Samantha gives a huge nod to Briann January for bringing her defensive skills as a player to her new job as an Assistant Coach. Meanwhile, in the wake of Candace Parker’s indefinite absence, the Las Vegas has signed some new talent that has everyone excited, Joslyn included. The tide quickly shifts as Samantha and Joslyn have a bone to pick, and they aren’t sure if they’re more upset with mainstream media, so-called fans, the league, or individual teams, but they are OVER Black women being villainized in the league so they talk about it head on. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Chennedy Carter are two of the hardest working players of today and have never strayed away from speaking their truth. It’s about time they got the respect they deserve. Listen up! The ladies have spoken! Lastly, Samantha and Joslyn’s breakout stars have become X-factors for their respective teams, and Joslyn and Samantha share why. Be sure to join us on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ and follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We would love to hear your thoughts!

P.S.-If you're in New York City any time through August 20th, Samantha highly recommends you check out Flex at Lincoln Center Theater! This all-Black female cast tells the story of five high school basketball players with big dreams of making it out of rural Arkansas and into the WNBA. First, they have to be willing to get out of their own way as they juggle the pressures of being young, Black, and female in their small town.

*trigger warning* In this episode, Joslyn and Samantha discuss the seriousness of domestic violence (DV). Beyond the Bleachers does not condone DV of any kind, and we send our prayers to all those that may be involved in situations of DV. If you are in need of support related to DV, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org/ to live chat with a support person.

The Aces have found themselves in the midst of hot topics once again. Samantha is lamenting over the news that her girl Candace Parker is out indefinitely after having left foot surgery, and Joslyn and Samantha have a touching conversation on domestic violence in lieu of Riquna Williams recent arrest. Then, we are joined by another Sophisticated Spectator-Joy Tharrington, the new Director of Player Development for East Tennessee State University. She shares her thoughts on a little bit of everything-NIL, the NCAA transfer portal, her transition from player to coach, and the players that she looked up to in the W. We love a Maya Moore fanatic! Joy has nearly a decade of coaching experience under her belt and it shows in how she talks about the game! Lastly, Joslyn and Samantha were on the same wavelength with the same breakout star of the week-Kayla McBride-who showed that sleeping on the Lynx is never a good idea! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!

The second half of the season is underway! Some teams have gained momentum, while others still struggle to find their ground. Samantha and Joslyn received a special request to give our thoughts on a new Sophisticated Spectator's favorite player, which led us to talking about the new Unrivaled league being started by two WNBA superstars and UConn alum. How does this league match up with the already established AU Pro Sports women's professional basketball league? Plus, our breakout stars will have you craving for more as they both work their way back from injuries but are quickly finding their way and making waves. Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!