Why Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Mitchell's Futures Are In Question

Game 2 is here, and the pressure is on! After Atlanta and Golden State landed the first punches in the semifinals, the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces now face a must-answer situation on the road. Chantel, Annie and Sabreena break down what’s at stake as New York and Las Vegas look to steal a road win and even their respective series. Can either team flip the momentum, or will Atlanta and Golden State protect home court? Before diving into Game 2, the trio discuss Napheesa Collier’s uncertain future with the Lynx following Minnesota’s early playoff exit. Could Napheesa explore other options this offseason? Then, they turn to Kelsey Mitchell’s experience with the Indiana Fever, exploring the contrast between her on-court success and the challenges she continues to face from fans online — and how those experiences may be shaping the way she approaches free agency and her desire to put herself first. To wrap things up, we make out Game 2 predictions and break down the biggest matchups that could determine who takes control of the semifinals. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/news... 00:00 Intro 01:36 How does the Lynx’s early playoff exit impact Phee’s return? 03:35 Cheryl Reeve addresses Phee’s free agency 05:22 Has the current Lynx era run its course? 08:02 Kelsey Mitchell becomes UFA who cannot be cored 09:26 The ups and down of Kelsey Mitchell's fan interactions 16:09 Fever face salary cap decisions 17:39 NBA hires firm to find next WNBA commissioner 20:57 Dream take down Liberty 92-82 in Game 1 23:37 DeWanna Bonner’s vocal leadership key to Dream’s win 26:49 Why couldn’t the Liberty capitalize against the Dream? 29:31 Liberty need more from Jonquel Jones 31:46 Valkyries defeat Aces 71-60 in Game 1 32:02 Where did things go right for the Valkyries in Game 1? 35:56 Jewell Loyd exits Game 1 with leg injury 39:55 How can the Liberty flip the script in Game 2? 43:40 Can the Aces steal one in Ballhalla? 45:42 Game 2 predictions Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7651... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7656... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7656... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7660... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7660... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7660... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7661... Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [  / tanooffseason  ] -TikTok: @no_offseason [  / no_offseason  ] Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Layshia on IG: @layshiac -Annie on X: @anniecostabile -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sport... Full Episodes Playlist:    • Full Episodes | No Offseason: The Athletic...   Shorts Playlist:    • Shorts   Thumbnail: Jordan Bank / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Ezra Shaw / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Bobby Goddin / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images