5 Plays That Win WNBA Games

Ever wonder what goes into some of the WNBA’s most creative and effective actions on the court? Zena and Sabreena are joined by Nekias Duncan, host of The Dunker Spot, for a deep dive into the X’s and O’s shaping the league right now. They break down everything from the Washington Mystics’ high-low action and the Liberty’s press-to-zone defense to the growing use of double drag, the Fever’s dead-ball actions, and some of the league’s most dynamic pick-and-roll partnerships. Plus, the crew reacts to the Golden State Valkyries being awarded the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game, including how players have been eager to see All-Star Weekend come to the Bay Area. They also discuss the Toronto Tempo’s new mascots, Dot the Arctic Hare and Dez the Snapping Turtle. And finally, they reflect on the incredible career of Nneka Ogwumike, who announced she will retire at the end of the season after 15 seasons in the WNBA. 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 01:12 2027 WNBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND comes to the Bay 06:17 Brittney Sykes makes her return to action 07:02 Toronto Tempo reveal official mascots 15:15 WNBA trends to watch 17:47 How the WNBA uses the double drag 19:39 Why isn't the double drag more common? 21:56 Breaking down the high-low 29:58 Decoding the Aces' offensive actions 34:37 Dynamic pick and roll partnerships  43:24 How the Fever use dead-ball actions 49:24 Nneka Ogwumike set to retire after 15 seasons Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7521... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7524... 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