Pitch Mr. Perfect

Allisha Gray is a superstar for the Atlanta Dream, but at heart, she's just a kid from Sandersville, GA. I wanted to learn more about Lish the person, so I turned toward those who know her the best including Lish herself, A'ja Wilson, Dawn Staley, & her dad. This is becoming Allisha Gray. #WNBA

By the way, I'm tackling the basketball insider column for @theixsports.bsky.social this week. I have some exclusives on Game 6 on how we got here, when the planning started, and reactions internally and from various partners. I recommend signing up for free: www.theixsports.com/newsletters/

His defense has been so damn impressive this season. Stock is up.

The Memphis Grizzlies are 4-0

I love defense! Don’t put in the newspaper that I don’t love defense! #WNBA

My dog asks me “do we have a run in us” every day too, Karl. #WNBA

For those keeping track - the lowest total for points scored in Dream history is 50 (twice!) in 2022 and 2024. The fewest scored in the Karl Smesko era is 55 last year against Dallas. #WNBA

Best league in the world

On the pod, Jackie and Howard asked me what the key was for the Dream to keep the momentum up after Game 3. I said “pushing the pace, above all else.” And, well #WNBA

Kiah Stokes with a big three. I asked her after Game 4 about getting more involved offensively in the game after attempting 5 FGs in the first quarter and if it was intentional. Here’s what she said. #WNBA

We are not commending ourselves to you but are giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in offensive stat sheets and not in the heart. -Natalie Nakase, a sicko, answers all y’all side-eyeing the score, quoted in 2 Corinthians 5:12 #WNBA

Barden University is set in Atlanta, Georgia. There’s still time to book a killer halftime show Thursday, Dream. Make it happen. #WNBA @fbi @tacobell @longjohnsilvers @magiccity @mookieblaylock

I criticized the move. Spoke to multiple people in the Valkyries front office and told them during the season, “I was absolutely wrong about Kiah. What a signing she turned out to be.” They smiled and said,” you’re about the fifth media member to tell us that.” #WNBA

Kiah Stokes, #WNBA Finals MVP is fun (if they win).

I love a defensive battle. My favorite brand of basketball. This has that. But it feels like the exhaustion is impacting the game beyond that with the little things.

Fine, I’ll say it. This game is ugly as hell. #WNBA

The SEC is LOADED this year. We broke it down on this week's podcast. THE SEASON TIPS OFF ON SUNDAY. LET'S GOOOOOOOO. #NCAAWBB

Listen, it's not THE trophy, but it's a trophy at the #WNBA Finals, right?

Jordin Canada is the engine that runs the Atlanta Dream, but the engine behind the engine? That's assistant coach Camryn Brown. I spoke to Brown last night about the season that Jordin is having and the part she played to get her there. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

From @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social: How Camryn Brown helped Jordin Canada become the engine of the Atlanta Dream www.theixsports.com/features/how...

Thanks for the shoutout & loved hearing you raving about my girl Tessa Johnson 🙂‍↕️

NBC gets the Finals 3 times during the 11-year agreement - including this year. The next time they get them will be 2030. They have to be FURIOUS. #WNBA

I can confirm ESPN's report. Game 6 of the #WNBA Finals will be 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. An initial source "couldn't confirm or deny." A secondary source confirmed that Game 6 will indeed be at 12:30 p.m. with the Hawks playing at 8 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

Jordin Canada is the engine that runs the Atlanta Dream, but the engine behind the engine? That's assistant coach Camryn Brown. I spoke to Brown last night about the season that Jordin is having and the part she played to get her there. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

Listen, it's not THE trophy, but it's a trophy at the #WNBA Finals, right?

The SEC is LOADED this year. We broke it down on this week's podcast. THE SEASON TIPS OFF ON SUNDAY. LET'S GOOOOOOOO. #NCAAWBB

This week on The IX Sports Podcast College Basketball Edition, our hosts @thecoachmelissa.bsky.social and @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social walk though the SEC in an effort to determine which teams will rise to the top and punch a ticket to March Madness. www.theixsports.com/features/the...

Yeah, Luka had 52. Big deal. Ty Jerome plays soon.

By the way - shoutout to John, man. Didn’t get a chance to chat with him yesterday, but he was at the WNBA Finals game AND the Hawks game. Now he’s on OKC. He knows - and loves - ball.

One thing I can say for a fact about the arena issue is that parties were waiting to see the outcome of yesterday’s game before really drilling down. Convos happened, of course but after yesterday’s loss, when Game 6 was guaranteed, is when everything unpaused. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

The Atlanta Dream fell short of meeting the Golden State Valkyries' aggressiveness in their 67-62 Game 4 loss. They now prepare to head back on the road with the series all tied up at 2-2. @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social explains their lack of intensity/ www.theixsports.com/features/atl...

The Atlanta Dream fell to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals 67-62, evening the series at 2-2. @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social has more. Watch: youtube.com/shorts/qMPMm...

There is no place like Atlanta. Motherfucking BIG BOI

There is no place like Atlanta. Pastor Troy during a second quarter timeout. #WNBA

The adjustments have been made by the Valks so far. We'll see how the Dream adjust in quarter two (and if we get some consistency with the officiating for both sides). Golden State leads after one, 16-11. #WNBA

Entering Game 4, Kiah Stokes attempted 10 field goals in the series. She already attempted 5 in the first quarter. That's been one of Natalie Nakase's key adjustments so far. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

Atlanta loves Angel Reese, man. #WNBA

Here is that fascist bigoted transphobic grifting piece of shit from Outkick during the anthem btw.

All-WNBA first- and second-teams were just released. Here were my first and second teams that I submitted my ballot for. Gabby Williams was robbed. #WNBA

Looking for a preview of #WNBA Finals game 4 before the action starts at 1pm? @howardmegdal.bsky.social and I spoke to @michaelwaterloo.bsky.social to understand how the Dream got out to such a commanding lead. Also, what's been going on with the Golden State Valkyries? We dive into it all here:

Allisha Gray rocking the “Potion 22” A’Twos today. They just dropped yesterday. #WNBA

The Valkyries have turned the ball over 17 or more times 6 times this year - 4 of them were against the Dream. I asked Karl Smesko about what his defense is doing from point of attack to all levels that makes them so successful at causing those turnovers. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

Those waiting for the first- and second-team all WNBA teams won’t have to wait much longer. A source tells me they are being released today. The Dream have two players who made it on the second team, per source. #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

It’s a white out today at State Farm Arena. Game 4 tips off at 1 p.m. ET #WNBA I @theixsports.bsky.social

Have yourself a Game 1, Jonathan Aranda

He was at practice for both teams today asking players and coaches about this. These fascists are literally grasping at anything they can. Fuck Outkick forever. #WNBA

If you're looking for any media hits or podcast appearances ahead of Game 4 tomorrow or Game 5 Monday, let me know! #WNBA

Per source directly in the know: a venue for Game 6 - if the #WNBA Finals goes that far - has not been decided yet. The Dream are working with the Hawks, the NBA, and the Cleveland Cavs to explore options to move the game to State Farm Arena on Thursday, October 29. @theixsports.bsky.social

I'm personally inviting Kerry Washington to attend Game 4 tomorrow of the #WNBA Finals, too.