Stephanie White, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston | Connecticut Postgame Media Availability - video Dailymotion

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00:00Let's dive into a detailed breakdown of this incredible post-game analysis.

00:06Let's begin by discussing Kelsey Mitchell and her remarkable performance today.

00:10It truly left us in awe. To put it simply, she had a challenging first half,

00:15going 0 for 7 and only scoring 4 points. However, she turned things around and carried the team on

00:20her shoulders. She consistently made crucial shots and executed significant plays. Rather

00:25than settling for less, she maintained her aggressiveness and truly willed the team to

00:30victory. Now when we consider the resilience of this group, it's difficult to articulate without

00:35feeling emotional. At the core, they are genuinely good people. They exhibit selflessness and toughness,

00:42showing that they are not concerned about who receives recognition or whose moment it is to

00:47shine. There's an innate quality within them that cannot be taught. They inspire one another,

00:52which enables us to navigate through the incredibly challenging situations we face,

00:57always striving to give our best. I am immensely proud of the team for their unwavering belief

01:02and their ability to come together and rise to the occasion. Each individual on this roster plays a

01:08crucial role in our success, contributing to our victories regardless of their playing time.

01:13Their dedication to the team is commendable, and I am grateful for this group. In terms of our

01:19performance on the court, particularly during the comeback, we made significant improvements.

01:24We began setting effective screens and took better care of the ball. In the first half,

01:29our turnovers led to transition opportunities for the opposing team, which we needed to address.

01:34By focusing on ball security, we created a chance for ourselves. We maintained proper floor spacing

01:40and remained aggressive when attacking the basket. This approach forced the opposing team to defend

01:46against multiple offensive actions, which was key to our success. I believe we are starting to see

01:51Odyssey become more at ease on the court, and her teammates are also adjusting to her presence.

01:57The decisions made during the game were quite effective, and our level of activity was impressive.

02:02We focused on the finer points of our defense, which is essential for our success. Additionally,

02:07we managed to make crucial shots when it mattered most, and secured important defensive stops at key

02:13moments. I was particularly impressed with Bree Turner's defensive performance. She came in during

02:18the second half, and provided us with both length and versatility. Overall, we concentrated and executed

02:24our game plan effectively. This game felt significant. While I understand the importance of taking it one

02:30game at a time, the tight standings certainly added pressure. Did you sense that urgency during the game,

02:35knowing how critical it was not to let this opportunity slip away? Well, perhaps some of that tension was

02:41present, even before the game started. I'm not sure. In our locker room, we discussed how crucial this

02:47game was for us, especially since Connecticut is our biggest rival. We need to focus on the present

02:52and not get ahead of ourselves as we don't have that luxury. It's essential for us to remain

02:56concentrated on the moment. When Sophie got injured, it felt like another setback, a real blow to our

03:02morale. It took us some time to recover from that. Thankfully, we managed to regroup during halftime and

03:08reinforce the idea that we have enough talent to succeed. We emphasize the importance of sticking

03:13to our defensive strategy, which is vital for our success. This focus allows us to transition

03:19effectively, and our players stepped up and made significant plays. Do you have any updates on Sophie?

03:26No. Do you have any updates at the moment? We need to wait. Could you elaborate a bit more on that?

03:30Yes, I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow. I apologize for interrupting, but I need to ask something

03:35quickly. What thoughts are running through your mind when you see her in that condition while

03:39you're jogging over? My initial reaction is one of shock. I mean, especially considering the way she

03:46fell, the way she was positioned, and the evident pain she was experiencing. At that moment, it feels

03:53overwhelming. When I reach her, my primary concern is to help her calm down and regain her composure.

03:59Then, my focus shifts to finding solutions. It becomes a matter of figuring out how we can

04:05position ourselves to succeed. I think my instinct to tackle problems head-on is how I cope in these

04:11situations, but I must say, this team is truly exceptional, and I feel grateful to be part of it.

04:17Coach, returning to our earlier discussion, I want to highlight a particular play that may not have

04:22received as much attention as it deserves. I believe her crucial shots during the fourth quarter and

04:27overtime were significant. Contribute significantly to the team. It's evident that she possesses a

04:33unique skill set that makes her an asset. Her talent for penetrating defenses and driving to the basket is

04:38impressive, and she excels at creating opportunities for both herself and her teammates. As a scoring

04:44point guard, her role was something we recognized as essential for our success. Initially, when she joined

04:50the team, it seemed like she might have been a bit apprehensive, possibly showing signs of nervousness.

04:55However, I want to acknowledge the support she received from Karima, Austin, and Bree, who coached her during

05:02her time in AAU. Karima, in particular, played a crucial role by having discussions with her about embracing her

05:08identity as a player and emphasizing her potential impact on our team's success. As she has settled in, she has become

05:15increasingly confident and has continued to enhance her contributions on the court. She played a crucial role for us not only

05:22because of her ability to create plays and drive to the basket, but also due to her impressive stats of 19 points

05:28and 7 rebounds. Her skill in making the right decisions, managing the game clock, and handling critical moments in the

05:35fourth quarter and overtime was significant for our success. We rely on her, and it's clear that she is continuing to

05:42develop in her position with our team. When I received such a warm welcome, it truly meant a lot to me. There are so many

05:49wonderful individuals here and countless cherished memories that I hold dear. Whether it was walking

05:54through the casino or moving through the hallways before the game, seeing so many familiar and friendly

05:59faces in the crowd really touched my heart. I felt immense gratitude. Although I didn't get a chance to

06:05speak with Jin, just seeing her from a distance reminded me of how special this place is. I am thankful for

06:11the time I spent here and for all the experiences I had. When I took the job in Indiana, I was surrounded by

06:17many familiar faces, particularly the staff I chose to bring along with me. This included individuals

06:23like Keith, who hails from the area and has a strong connection to his hometown. The bond among the staff,

06:29especially with Austin and Keith, was significant. Their presence made the transition smoother for me.

06:35To begin with, they are exceptionally skilled in their roles. Coaching in our league involves numerous

06:39complexities and subtleties, and they excel in navigating these challenges. I genuinely believe that we

06:45have three head coaches on our sidelines. Both Bree and Austin are destined to become outstanding head

06:51coaches in this league when their time comes. As for Keith, I was uncertain if I could convince him to

06:56leave Connecticut, as he is truly invaluable. The focus on player development and the transition into

07:02coaching roles is crucial. I have a deep-rooted history and a strong sense of trust with everyone

07:06involved, particularly with Kareem. My connection with Kareem is significant because it introduced me to Austin

07:12and Bree, forming a solid foundation of trust among the three of them. I have complete faith in their

07:18abilities. Additionally, I am committed to helping Keith evolve into a coaching position, while also

07:24depending on him to assist our players in their improvement. He has established an excellent rapport

07:29with the players and possesses an effective communication style, along with a meticulous approach

07:34to his work. We are fortunate to have a fantastic team. When discussing our team's resilience,

07:40it's important to recognize our staff as well. We have a cohesive group that supports one another,

07:45leads by example, and has faced numerous challenges together. The situation that these athletes are

07:51experiencing in our league is quite significant. We have first-hand experience in this environment.

07:56We have participated in it, faced injuries, and encountered various challenges. Therefore,

08:02I remain deeply appreciative of the individuals I am fortunate to be around.

08:06To elaborate, when a team has to rally back from a challenging game and ultimately wins in overtime,

08:11it can be quite impactful. If I recall correctly, your next game is scheduled for Friday.

08:16How advantageous is it for your team to have this time to recover and prepare?

08:20How does this affect your players' ability to be aggressive on the court?

08:24This is immensely beneficial. When we examine the standings, we notice that we have played one or two

08:29more games than many other teams. Our schedule was somewhat front-loaded, which means we have had a busy start.

08:36Consequently, we really need this time for rest and recovery, especially since we have had players

08:41dealing with injuries. The team has been logging a significant number of minutes on the court,

08:46which is something we need to address. Additionally, we require some time to readjust.

08:51Following our game against Phoenix, we had a quick turnaround to determine how to adapt our play

08:56style in the absence of Ari and Sid. Now, we face the challenge of figuring out how to perform

09:02without self. We need to identify which players can step into specific roles and establish our

09:08substitution patterns. It's essential to consider what new strategies we can implement.

09:13The situation is not becoming any easier. Looking ahead, we have two games against Minnesota,

09:19which will be beneficial for us both mentally and physically, as well as emotionally.

09:24This also provides us with valuable practice time, which we will definitely need.

09:28In challenging situations, it seems that our team rises to the occasion. When we reached halftime,

09:34we focused on the importance of gradually making progress and maintaining our resilience.

09:39This season has truly been a journey for us. Despite facing challenges, we have managed to

09:44recognize the blessings that have come our way. For instance, even when we found ourselves trailing by

09:4921 points, we managed to rally back and compete fiercely. What really stood out was the way every

09:55player contributed to the game, making a significant impact. It has been a remarkable experience.

10:01Kelsey, you scored 34 points in the second half alone. That's impressive. Can you share what

10:06changed for you during halftime that allowed you to perform so well on the court? I believe it was

10:11largely about our collective mindset and mentality as we transitioned from the first half to the second.

10:17The first half was tough for me personally, and it wasn't great for the team either.

10:21However, the resilience within our group is undeniable. We face setbacks with players like

10:26S, Sid, Eric, and Cece, and those challenges only strengthened our determination. The key to our

10:33success has been our faith in God and the importance of maintaining a strong mental state to compete

10:38effectively. I believe that we have demonstrated remarkable resilience, especially considering the

10:44challenges we have faced. A significant part of this resilience comes from the support we provide

10:48each other as a team. By nurturing our relationships, we can achieve great things together.

10:54Regarding Kelsey, many of your teammates have been advocating for her to receive the MVP award.

10:59I find it hard to express just how deserving she is. When you observe her performance and the impact

11:04she has on our team, it becomes clear. In the second half of the game, she really stepped up,

11:09showcasing her skills and reinforcing her case for MVP. Kelsey not only excels in scoring but also

11:15plays strong defense and consistently contributes for the entire 40 minutes of each game. Her ability

11:21to maintain such high performance levels is impressive, and it raises the question of who

11:25else could possibly be considered for the MVP title, if not her. The MVP is truly impressive.

11:30I hadn't even considered that before. It's really exciting. What changes did your team implement

11:35defensively to manage their momentum when they started gaining ground? Well, in the WNBA you encounter

11:40exceptional players every night, and they will take some challenging shots. Both Tee and Marina

11:45are outstanding basketball talents, so we needed to disrupt their rhythm and make things a bit more

11:51chaotic. However, we also recognized their skill level. In transitioning from the first half to the

11:56second half, our focus was on tightening our defense and closing the gaps in their space.

12:02From a strategic standpoint, we aimed to be more aggressive, getting closer to them and being in

12:06their shooting range, particularly with Marina's shots. I believe our level of aggression shifted

12:12significantly between the two halves. In the second half, it appeared that your team was more

12:16assertive in taking shots. It seemed like you were really engaged with what was being communicated on

12:21the court. On the offensive end, it seems like you all have found the right approach. You mentioned

12:26determination, which is key. Can you elaborate on what you observed defensively that is essential for a

12:31successful attack? Certainly. We aimed to create more space on the court. When executing handoffs and

12:38ball screens, the opposing team was effective at congesting the paint. Their length and activity made

12:43it challenging to make those quick passes. However, by incorporating more movement, such as guard-to-guard

12:48and post-to-guard actions, we increased the complexity of what they had to defend against. We also did well

12:54with Kelsizing, who effectively drove to the basket and turned the corner. In the second half,

13:00our improved spacing allowed us to better select our offensive plays. Overall, spacing played a crucial

13:06role in our performance, and many may not fully appreciate how important it is to have that freedom

13:11to operate on the court. In the context of facing various opponents, there are individuals who strategize

13:17for your benefit or for the benefit of our team. I believe that our spacing on the court was crucial

13:23during the second half of the game. Given the numerous challenges your team has encountered

13:27throughout the season, it could have been easy for the team to fall apart under such pressure.

13:33What do you think has contributed to maintaining unity, especially in relation to Chelsea?

13:38Every day in our huddle, we emphasize the importance of sticking together. This commitment

13:43goes beyond mere words for us. When we witness challenges arising, we understand that if we allow

13:49ourselves to drift apart, the season can unravel faster than we can imagine. We faced injuries,

13:55and many might have anticipated that we would simply give up, as you mentioned. However,

14:00that's not our approach. When we gather in the locker room, we find motivation within ourselves.

14:06Each time we step onto the court, especially at halftime, we remain driven. Our mentality is to keep

14:12pushing forward, to chip away at the obstacles. We focus on uplifting one another, knowing that when

14:17one person struggles, the entire team must rally together. As the sun sets, we often express the idea

14:24that when one person steps down, another rises to take their place. This has become a guiding

14:29principle for us, especially throughout this season, and it's something we intend to uphold moving

14:34forward. Chelsea, amidst all the fierce competition and intensity of today's game, how enjoyable was the

14:40experience for you? The competitive spirit is something I truly embrace. I consider myself a player who

14:46thrives on competition. My passion for basketball runs deep, and I genuinely believe that the sport has had a

14:53significant impact on many of our lives. The energy of the moment was just right for us, as we really needed

14:59that boost. Many people may not fully understand the challenges we face as professional athletes, especially

15:05when it comes to team dynamics. Players come and go, and it can be tough. I am incredibly grateful to our team for

15:12maintaining such a strong competitive spirit. It would have been easy to give up at times. The energy and determination

15:18we share as a group is something truly unique and special, and it's something that cannot be broken.

15:25I would like to discuss another player whose contributions often go unrecognized, and that is

15:29Snatch. She has been experiencing a challenging game, yet her scoring has still played a significant role in the

15:35overall performance. We should also highlight her resilience and the impact she has made on the team

15:40since joining. I believe that O's mindset is crucial. From the moment she joined us, there have been

15:45questions about her abilities, but she has shown a strong eagerness to prove herself. It can be

15:51difficult to integrate into a team that is already established, especially so late in the season.

15:56However, we made it clear to her that we understand her purpose here. She possesses the skills to score

16:01and defend effectively, and we encouraged her to simply be herself. Today's game was a perfect example

16:08of that. She fully embraced her role, drove to the basket, and made it to the free throw line,

16:14showcasing her talent. Her absence was deeply felt, and it was a significant moment for the team.

16:20When Sophie went down, it raised questions about how the team would recover from that situation.

16:24How did you manage to bounce back? What was the duration of that period before you felt like you

16:29were out of the emotional haze after witnessing a teammate's injury? To be honest, it felt like a

16:34moment of deja vu for me. I had a vivid recollection of seeing AB on the ground covering someone else,

16:40and it was a stark reminder of the challenges we face. Experiencing such moments can be incredibly

16:45humbling. However, on the flip side, seeing S go down ignites a fire within you. If you genuinely

16:52care about your teammates and the individuals in your locker room, it's hard to put into words.

16:57The bond you share with your teammates is crucial, and it serves as a source of motivation.

17:02This connection fuels our identity as a team, and it's something that you all get to witness when

17:06we play together. So what aspect of a team's resilience do you find most critical for

17:11pulling off such a comeback?

Stephanie White, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston | Connecticut Postgame Media Availability

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