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00:00Добавляйте с Лас-Вегас Аси,
00:02а сейчас в гости к нам снова,
00:03и Айджел Ри,
00:05противно-бану Бонару,
00:07визуя в Тип,
00:08и Джордан, Канада
00:08сетки-пану
00:10для Атланта
00:11в их черепах.
00:14Смотрите на боковой странице,
00:16в стартере для Атланта.
00:20Алиша Грей,
00:22unfinished формировка,
00:24Мин Nagar-Угл,
00:24домарко-мин- payfor-потой,
00:25в гайджел Ри.
00:25Требой,
00:26утираун на леви,
00:28вага-мин грая,
00:29волосе от леви,
00:31пау-пу-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по
00:35-по-по-по-по.
00:38Полео,
00:44Фонич,
00:47сетки-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по-по
00:51Анжел Рейс, лопт alone,
00:53and just short on the three.
00:54No hesitation, I like the ball movement.
00:57That shot is there.
00:58Kelsey Plum taking out her
01:01former Pac-12 buddy.
01:03Jordan Cannon took the dip,
01:04looks up the floor.
01:06This is what Carl Smetsko wants to see,
01:08the pace of his team, and that's why.
01:11Early transition buckets.
01:12They don't want to go against a set defense.
01:14They want to take advantage of the numbers
01:16and Atlanta putting the speed
01:18the Jets on full display early in this one.
01:21Canada with the assist. She is chasing the franchise
01:23record. Needs three
01:25more to break it.
01:28Rashawn
01:29pulls up, in and out.
01:32Nas Hillman with another
01:33rebound. The one and dons
01:35will save possessions for Atlanta tonight.
01:37Ryan Howard, fake the three, off the
01:39deck, creates space,
01:41counts the bucket.
01:44And that is the player, Angel,
01:47that needs to be more consistent
01:49offensively for Atlanta. We know that she can
01:51defend, but offensively Ryan Howard going
01:53early and aggressive is exactly what
01:55Atlanta needs.
01:57Right there the and one play and completing it
01:59on the inside. It's good to see her going
02:01early.
02:05Ryan Howard can complete the three-point play here
02:09on the second attempt.
02:09It does, and it does.
02:10And Carlos Mesco talked about how important it was for him not to talk
02:13about any type of drought that she has been in offensively.
02:16Back in double figures in the last game against the Aces.
02:19However, the two previous ones with single digits.
02:23But to see her going early is important.
02:25I mean, Ryan Howard can score at will.
02:27So you know it's something else when she doesn't
02:29score. But Atlanta needs her on the
02:31offensive end every night.
02:32Downhill, Angel Reese going at a former
02:34Terrapin as well. And Alyssa Thomas
02:37couldn't collect it on the second attempt.
02:39You're going to see a lot of bodies
02:40crowding Angel in this ballgame.
02:43Plum early dish to Bershon
02:45in the corner. And a
02:47flurry of buckets for the rookie Bershon.
02:50Plum just
02:51threw in that attention. And you think she's going to shoot it
02:53because of her elite three-point shooting. But
02:55right there, just unselfish. She knows how to
02:57make the right play. Bershon with all five points
02:59for Phoenix. Jordan, looking
03:01for help. Finds Nog Hillman.
03:04Gray.
03:05Off the deck. Pulls up with the left. Again!
03:07Count it!
03:08I don't know if the defense knows personnel, but
03:11she is a lefty. So, if you're not going
03:13to stop it, she's going to eat all night.
03:14What we've learned, though, is that she is a lefty
03:16that, for whatever reason, likes
03:19to right, right, though. Alyssa Thomas
03:22collects on the
03:23inside.
03:25We know she's going to have constant motion
03:27and effort all throughout the night. I mean,
03:29two triple-doubles in her last four games
03:31leads the entire league
03:33in triple-doubles.
03:35The history of the league, should I
03:37say.
03:38All right, Tab, I thought we'd take a look at the keys to
03:40winning the fight. They're sponsored by Maber Law.
03:42We fight, you win Maber Law.
03:44Well, Atlanta's defense has got to be on a string.
03:47You add in Kelsey Plum
03:48to this already stacked offense.
03:51The defense has to be even more intentional because
03:52of the threats. And then you look at the second-chance
03:54punishment. Atlanta leads the league in offensive
03:56rebounds per game and second-chance points.
03:58They've got to make sure that they capitalize on that
04:00area tonight. A lot of pressure on
04:02Kelsey Plum. She was able to get it back.
04:04Rashawn short
04:06on the mid-range shot.
04:09Great transition defense
04:10that you're seeing from Phoenix, knowing that Atlanta
04:12leads the league in fast-break points.
04:16Yup. Yup. Good luck.
04:17That's the Ryan Howard
04:18that we're used to seeing in this arena.
04:20The one that steps behind the screens and shoots
04:22for almost a logo.
04:25Carl Smesko said there was something
04:27as far as their transition
04:29defense for Atlanta that had to be
04:30improved on coming off of that Las
04:32Vegas loss. I mean,
04:34Vegas is a tough team. I mean, they know how to
04:36win together.
04:38Nas Hillman, with a late whistle, got fouled.
04:41She'll get two at the charity stripe.
04:46This is the Ryan Howard
04:47that Atlanta fans are used to seeing
04:49right here, sizing up the defense.
04:51You give her too much space, you think you're going to read
04:53the screen? Well, Ryan Howard just steps
04:55back and shoots the deep three.
04:57The defense, one step too late
04:59for a sharpshooter like Howard.
05:01Two shots.
05:05Sometimes you just need to see one fall
05:07down. Ryan Howard,
05:09going back to the last or the previous four
05:11games, was just shooting 25%
05:13from the three-point line. There was a
05:15stretch even for Toronto where she went
05:170 for 7, but the confidence in her
05:19game from the players, from
05:21the coach, is an understanding of who
05:23she is and a constant reminder
05:25of who she is and we're seeing it early
05:27in this game. Absolutely, and that's what Atlanta
05:29needs from her early in this game. I think
05:30in the past, there's some games where she might
05:33have taken a backseat early because of her defense,
05:35but I think the calling
05:37is for more offense from Ryan Howard without
05:39letting the defense kind of slip off.
05:45Copper still looking for her first
05:47points of the game.
05:4918, sends it to Plum
05:51behind the three. Yep.
05:53She can do that.
05:54She's another one. I mean, I said in the open,
05:56she is queen of stepping behind
05:59the screens and shooting because of her size.
06:01She's had to learn how to shoot over bigger players.
06:05Off the hand of Phoenix, it
06:06will stay with Atlanta with a reset 14
06:09on the shot clock.
06:10And right here, doesn't use the screen
06:12and AT rescreens for Ryan Howard
06:15goes under, and that's all
06:17the space that Kelsey Plum needs
06:18to get that one off. It's very interesting to see
06:20Kelsey Plum and how she creates
06:22her shots. So she gave it to AT, but also
06:24her ability to create space
06:26to draw Ryan Howard right where she
06:28wanted her to step back up for the
06:30three. Yeah, and that's knowing personnel.
06:32If you're Ryan Howard on the next one, you're probably going to have
06:34to go over the top. But knowing Kelsey Plum,
06:36she's going to adjust that too and probably take
06:38you off the dribble.
06:41It's good to see AT and Bree Jones
06:43also having a conversation.
06:46As Carl Semesco in his second season
06:48building off of that 30-win season
06:50just a year ago, saying that playoffs
06:52is obviously something
06:54they talk about, but making sure they continue
06:56to grow with each game as well
06:58in the playoffs.
07:00Nate Tibbetts in his third season
07:03had a 10-win
07:04improvement. They just shake hands
07:06for the first time before the game.
07:09Last year, taking his team
07:11to the finals.
07:13Ryan Howard again.
07:14Same spot. Same results!
07:16Ryan Howard striking again.
07:19It is hard to ignore
07:21a player who just last season
07:22was the only player to have multiple
07:24games with nine three-point
07:26makes apiece. What a dive
07:28by Alyssa Thomas. They're going to count
07:30the bucket. Bree Jones picks up the foul.
07:32She should know her former teammate
07:34from Maryland, as well as
07:36Connecticut, very well.
07:39Her ability to move so well
07:41without the ball.
07:41I mean, you don't get two
07:43triple-doubles in your last four games
07:44out of no effort and right there
07:46the queen of the backdoor.
07:48When I say the scouting was on point
07:50in the open, it was on point.
07:52Alyssa Thomas can eat you up
07:53when it comes to passing backdoor
07:56or cutting herself.
07:59Short on the free-throw attempt.
08:03Phoenix, that has been an area where
08:05they have struggled this season.
08:06Tenth in the lead in free-throw
08:08percentage.
08:10Izzy Borlai's on the floor for
08:11Atlanta.
08:14Guarded by Kalia Copper.
08:16Seven on the shot clock for
08:17Atlanta. Bree Jones with the screen
08:19trying to free up Jordan Canada.
08:21Angel Reese, didn't think twice.
08:23Short on the three.
08:24I thought Jordan Canada had that
08:26shot when she came off the screen
08:28and Bree Jones rolled.
08:29She had the spacing for a nice 17-footer.
08:35And this is the offense that we need
08:37or Atlanta needs from Ryan Howard.
08:39She's got two, three game changers.
08:41That's Natasha Smacks return from injury.
08:44Dewana Bonner's strong spark since
08:45all-star break.
08:46And of course, the arrival of Kelsey Plum.
08:48He said all of these things have made
08:50Phoenix into a top-four contender.
08:54Thanks, Autumn.
08:55Alyssa Thomas on the inside.
08:57I like the matchup with Ryan Howard as well
08:59going against her.
09:01I think she's matched up against everybody
09:03when it comes to Alyssa Thomas.
09:05I mean, she plays one through five.
09:09Another turnover for Atlanta.
09:11That'll be the second of the night.
09:16There's a couple of miscommunication, miscues on these two turnovers.
09:21Dead ball turnovers for Atlanta.
09:23Hoping not to give up any points off of this one.
09:26Plum changes the narrative.
09:29Just so good how she gets underneath the taller player,
09:32and she does it with that first quick step.
09:34She gets past you with her speed
09:36and then just extends out with that arm.
09:43Back door.
09:44How about Angel Reese with the two-man game from Ree Jones?
09:47And I like that Reese has gotten comfortable
09:49with getting it through different double teams.
09:51It'll be a defender in the front and in the back,
09:52but if the pass is right, she goes and gets it.
09:55Kalia Copper was guarded by Jordan Canada,
09:57who is bent over right now.
10:01And right here, look at that one pass, two pass.
10:03Look at how Bree Jones gets it to the right angle
10:06and then passes it over.
10:07Not one, but two defenders, and then the help side is too late.
10:11And on the other end, you've got Jordan Canada,
10:13who defends the post a lot on switches,
10:16but right there just gets hit on the cut.
10:21Still holding her mouth, coming past our scores table.
10:24There is a little bit of blood.
10:25Oh, yeah.
10:27There, so the training staff will have to address that issue
10:31before she is able to return again.
10:36Copper just a little wild with the flailing of the arms,
10:39that right arm going for the catch.
10:41I don't think she meant to do it, but definitely an errant hand.
10:44So in the absence of Jordan Canada, Jalen Sherrod will get her first look of the ball game.
10:50Coach has loved her tenacity, which she's been able to do on the defensive end, stepping in,
10:55especially in the absence of Tahina Pow Pow.
10:58Bree Jones stretching the floor.
10:59I knew one was coming.
11:01She shot a couple of them in the last game versus Vegas.
11:03Didn't look as comfortable.
11:05But you've got to remember, Bree Jones did a little bit of that last season,
11:07stretching the floor with her three-point shooting.
11:10Biggest lead for Atlanta.
11:12Backdoor, Kalia Copper.
11:13Quick strike.
11:15This team is so good at cutting the basket to the rim without having to have the ball inside of
11:21their hands.
11:24Angel Reese, there is no back line help, which leads to another bucket.
11:32Angel Reese now with six points, two rebounds.
11:36Sammy Wickham going at Jalen Sherrod, completely stripped away.
11:40And they'll say it's a jump ball, and that's exactly what Carl Smeska loves about her minutes.
11:45I mean, excellent defense.
11:46She almost got beat on the first step right here.
11:49Sammy Wickham had her.
11:49Look how she recovers.
11:51Slides her feet and cuts off the baseline.
11:54Gets the jump ball and forces or doesn't allow Sammy Wickham with an easy two.
12:01A player with so much intensity.
12:02Also, that experience coming from New York, and when they won the title a couple of seasons ago,
12:10let's see who wins the tip.
12:12Atlanta finally, after about three seconds, corrals the ball in.
12:16Gray looking for space, weaving, finds Jalen Sherrod.
12:21Angel Reese will settle things down, finds Gray.
12:24All the way to the rim.
12:27A scribble, G scribble on full display.
12:31That first step was lethal.
12:33She got past a couple defenders, but I like that Alicia Gray is identifying that the paint is her superpower.
12:38I say it every single game because it works for Alicia Gray.
12:42It gets her going quick, but it's the ball movement right here coming off the Angel Reese screen.
12:47And you've got Alicia Gray who just attacks multiple defenders inside of the paint and finishes.
12:58So quick on the other end, a foul by Alicia Gray.
13:21Ayai able to knock down the free throw.
13:2526-19 lead under three minutes to play in the first quarter.
13:28We've seen the pace from Atlanta, hoping to get some updates on also Jordan Canada if she's able to return.
13:34But Jalen Sherrod has definitely held her own in a few minutes.
13:37She's still on the floor outside of that last one where she hits the deck.
13:41Took on some contact from a larger player trying to get through screens.
13:47And those screens at the top of the key, boy, they have been a point of emphasis in the league
13:53so far this season.
13:54But Sherrod, a much smaller player, just gets taken out.
13:58Atlanta has scored on four of their last attempts down the floor.
14:04But another turnover.
14:06A little too much thunder from one of the Thunder twins on that pass.
14:10But the high low has been something that Atlanta has been looking forward to when it comes to their front
14:16court players.
14:16Thanks for the gentle reminder on the nickname between the duo.
14:26Six on the shot clock.
14:2818.
14:29The spin finds Ayai.
14:36Baylin Sherrod so quick finds Gray.
14:40Nas Hillman in the corner.
14:42Bounced around.
14:42Nothing there.
14:43The spacing for Atlanta was not there on that play, but they found something with it.
14:47Rochon.
14:49As Nas Hillman is trying to keep A.T. out of the paint.
14:52The back door finds Natasha Mack and blocked by Angel Reese.
14:57Excellent recovery from Reese on the block.
15:05Natasha Mack seeing how it feels that she's one of the leading blockers in the league right now.
15:11Reese drives, kick, Nas again.
15:16Atlanta rolling offensively 29-19.
15:19Whenever Atlanta has a poor shooting night the way they did against Vegas,
15:23they usually come back the next game and rebound.
15:26And they're doing just that.
15:27Four of eight.
15:2850% from three.
15:2964% from the floor.
15:31But Melissa Thomas, if you get caught sleeping, she'll take advantage.
15:37And this is where Atlanta is so dangerous.
15:39Defense to offense.
15:40The nice recovery from Reese with the block from behind.
15:44Dawn Mack and the next play led to the three-point make from Nas Hillman.
15:48That is the defense to offense that Carl Smesko is talking about with Atlanta.
15:52Not going against a set defense.
15:54Nas Hillman picks up her first foul.
15:56That gives A.T. a look at the free throw line and she knocks it down.
16:05Ryan Howard, Bree Jones now on the floor.
16:10Pulls up from the top of the key.
16:12It might be scary hours.
16:14She probably came in here all day yesterday and did nothing but shoot threes.
16:19Trying to get it back.
16:20Had a good showing against Vegas, but she knows that this team needs her offense consistently.
16:24First player in double figures.
16:26Ryan Howard, three for three from outside.
16:28She has 12.
16:29Less than 30 seconds.
16:31Alyssa Thomas bodying on the inside.
16:33She is like a freight train.
16:34She finds a way.
16:35She finds a way.
16:36It is crazy how she finds a way.
16:37Whether she's dishing to her teammates or doing the scoring herself.
16:40And look at her coming down the court, orchestrating the offense.
16:46So, Tierra Cruz actually gave Nate Tibbetts a warning about the coach's box and he crossed it.
16:54He was somewhat down here with us for a second.
16:58And so that will lead to a technical free throw.
17:02Yeah, referees ain't having that today.
17:04She said you have to stay in your space.
17:08Well, we're on the officials here.
17:10Crews, the crew chief.
17:11Angelica suffering.
17:12And Jason Alabanza.
17:14Also the officials for tonight.
17:27And Nate Tibbetts is still pleading his case.
17:30I wasn't even there.
17:31He's hovering.
17:34About a two second difference between the game and shot clock.
17:3910 on the ticker for Atlanta to work with.
17:44Jalen weaving through.
17:45Finding Nats Hillman.
17:47Lines it up.
17:48Off on the three.
17:50Rebound goes down to Phoenix.
17:51Don't have to heave it.
17:52Don't get a shot off in time.
17:54And Atlanta will end the first quarter on a 16-8 run with the lead.
17:5933-24.
18:00Well, I like what I'm seeing from Atlanta so far.
18:03You got Ryan Howard who's perfect in this game with 13 points.
18:06And she's been lighting it up from beginning.
18:08Tell you about how she's been able to be efficient.
18:109-9-9 is what stands out to me.
18:13Ryan Howard likes the number nine, obviously.
18:15But what stands out is the production she's had, not just tonight, but also at Vegas.
18:20Atlanta wants to see this more consistently.
18:22We're used to the defense.
18:23She leads the league in steals per game.
18:25But at Dallas and versus Seattle, the nine points.
18:28Atlanta needed more of her offense, even though those two games were wins.
18:31What's more important is that you're looking at Atlanta, who has really built a tradition off of how well they've
18:37been able to score from outside.
18:39They right now, after the first quarter, have five threes.
18:42They only had four against Vegas just a game ago.
18:45Yeah, the percentages were ugly, to say the least.
18:48Natasha Mack on the dive.
18:50Gets fouled.
18:51The first foul out of the break.
18:52Another thing that's good to see for Atlanta is Jordan Canada on the floor.
18:56After taking that hit to the face, she was able to be tended to.
18:59You didn't see anything, any wrap or anything on the mouth, but it is a little swollen.
19:03But she's tough.
19:04Yeah, because of the way Jordan Canada plays, she takes a lot of hits, especially to the face.
19:09Because you're talking about a two-time steals leader.
19:12She gets all in your grill.
19:14And a lot of the times when you have the flailing arms from rebounds or just trying to corral the
19:18basketball,
19:19she gets hit in the face a lot.
19:20So, such a tough player.
19:21But Atlanta needs everything that Jordan Canada puts out on the floor.
19:25Another good free throw for Natasha Mack, who has been very good in her minutes coming back.
19:29From injury.
19:31Cindy Wickham, another player where they really relied on her after being out an extensive amount of time
19:36to start the season with a knee injury.
19:38Brie Jones on the dive.
19:40I'm loving the footwork of Brie Jones early in this game.
19:43I love that pass from Ryan Howard to Brie Jones because now that Ryan Howard is getting all of the
19:48attention defensively,
19:49Brie Jones can eat off that pick and roll.
19:51Goes out of bounds.
19:52Great defense for Atlanta.
19:54And right here, Ryan Howard is perfect from three.
19:57So, she gets the ball back and defense stays with her.
20:01Brie Jones is a smart thing and rolls directly to the basket and completes the play.
20:05High IQ play for Ryan Howard.
20:07Even better assessment by Brie Jones.
20:10Ryan Howard again from three.
20:12Too strong.
20:15Tough shooting angle.
20:16She was coming around the screen.
20:17I know she practices it a lot, but that is a tough shot.
20:20It was on target just too strong as Jordan Canada tried to work over the screen.
20:24Knocks down Dawana Bonner.
20:26So, Jordan Canada picked up her first foul.
20:30And that's how you know Dawana Bonner at 6'3", 6'4", is light.
20:35Because you got Jordan Canada who runs into her and knocks her down.
20:39And that was a real fall.
20:42Dawana Bonner, one of the best.
20:45Tamara laced him up.
20:46The only WNBA player to be a three-time sixth player of the year.
20:53Natasha Mack.
20:55Trying to take advantage of Jordan Canada.
20:57Alicia Gray came over to help.
21:00Phoenix will get it back on the baseline with 14 to work with.
21:03That was a tough shot for Mack to take.
21:05She had a couple defenders around her and just forced that one.
21:08Yes, in the paint is a higher percentage, but just didn't have it over the defense.
21:17Errant pass.
21:20Third turnover for Phoenix.
21:22Gray off the bounce, too strong.
21:26But it hit the baseline before Alicia Gray was able to try and save it in.
21:31So, it will stay with Atlanta.
21:33It's the second efforts are the biggest reason why Atlanta leads the league
21:38in second-chance points and second-chance opportunities.
21:41And Alicia Gray on display right there.
21:46Gray working around with the wheel route.
21:48And the three goes down yet again for Atlanta.
21:52Whoo!
21:52The defense was just a half second too slow because Rashant was right there,
21:57but Alicia Gray's release was much faster.
21:59Perfect.
22:01Perfect execution.
22:07As Jordan Canada comes down with the rebound.
22:12Surveying the floor.
22:13Euro step on the inside.
22:17Not enough mustard on it.
22:19Yeah, a bit too many defenders inside of the paint, too, as well.
22:23I wanted to see JC bring that one back out.
22:25She was trying to take advantage of the numbers, but Phoenix did a good job
22:29of recovering on the defensive end.
22:44A tip up top.
22:46The pressure we're seeing from the perimeter causing some issues for Phoenix
22:49as their fourth turnover, Alicia Gray from three, back to back for Miss Gray.
23:01Timeout called for Phoenix, looking for some answers,
23:04because Atlanta looks dangerous here in the second.
23:09Yeah, Alicia Gray with 12 points.
23:11She's cracked double digits.
23:12She's also cracked a smile on her face.
23:14Atlanta up in.
23:15She just scored her 12 points.
23:18Two of two from behind the three-point line.
23:20Atlanta hitting their 7-3 of the night, 53% on that mark.
23:24They've been efficient from that end of the floor,
23:27holding Phoenix right now defensively 47% from the field.
23:32Dewana Bonner going at Nas Hillman.
23:34The length in.
23:35Angel Reese came in for the block.
23:37It will not be a foul assessed to her, but Nas Hillman will pick up her second.
23:42Good help side defense, but a little bit too much for Nas Hillman.
23:47And if you're Angel Reese, you want to come over and close that gap.
23:52And just defend Bonner, who's got the length over both the players.
23:55We'll send it over to Autumn.
23:57Hey guys, I know Ryan's clicking on offense right now,
23:59but she believes her name should be at the top of the defensive player of the year conversation,
24:03saying, hey, I believe I should be number one.
24:06She told me defense is about getting more than just blocks.
24:10It's about guarding the other team's best player, fighting through screens,
24:13creating steals on the ball, and making life difficult for 40 minutes
24:16to hold the best player below their average.
24:19Ryan has led the league in steals for a majority of the season.
24:21If she wins the award, she's become the first guard to be named WNBA
24:25Defensive Player of the Year since 2018.
24:29That's something that she said she wanted to continue to get better at.
24:32She was on the all-defensive team last season.
24:41Leading the league in steals per game for most of the season is a tall task,
24:45and it's very hard to do.
24:47Kalia Copper connecting on the triple.
24:50Kalia Copper, just her second field goal of the night.
24:54Yeah, she was a little quiet in that first quarter.
24:57Five points for her.
24:58The assist coming from Kelsey Plum.
25:02She's leading their team in that department.
25:06And a legal screen for Nas Hillman gives her her third.
25:14And that's tough because Nas Hillman brings so much to the front court.
25:17Yes, she is an undersized post, but just her strength on being able
25:20to defend Alyssa Thomas.
25:23Remember the last time these two teams matched up, Nas was on Alyssa as well,
25:27so she's a big reason why A.T. is somewhat contained,
25:31but having her on the bench means your defense has to be that much more on a screen.
25:36But you don't really feel bad for her when any front court player gets in trouble
25:39because of the depth that Cross Mesco has as Bree Jones checks back in.
25:44Dewana Bonner knocks down her first triple of the night.
25:46And she's been on point in the last few games.
25:48Her offense has really just picked up for this team.
25:5512 assists on 12 field goals for Phoenix.
25:59There's a foul underneath.
26:03Kalia Copper will get her second foul.
26:07I love the aggression that I've been able to see from Atlanta too.
26:10Absolutely.
26:11And you look at Ryan Howard who's stepping up to take these free throws.
26:15She knocked down her first three threes,
26:17which means that defenders are now going to be hedging out harder on her
26:21and closing out harder.
26:22So now she takes you off the dribble and draws the foul.
26:26Bait and switch.
26:30It's the versatility that we get to see from Ryan Howard named an All-Star this season.
26:40Four-time All-Star now in her career.
26:43Defense! Defense! Defense!
26:48Kelsey Plum looking for space.
26:51Head down going against Canada.
26:53She's like a bulldog trying to create on the inside.
26:56But so smart though because she kind of created the space with the little shoulder shove.
27:00But it was so subtle that the refs aren't going to make that call.
27:03It was brilliant.
27:05Four lays on the Nash dribble.
27:07Looking around.
27:08Footwork on the left.
27:11Bree Jones snatched it out of the air for two.
27:13The top two offensive rebounders in franchise history are back to back on that one.
27:19Good luck to any team trying not to get that offensive rebound.
27:21It's got to be high on their scouting list.
27:23It's got to be high on their scouting list.
27:25Knowing where those two are on the floor.
27:28Another look for Dewana Bonner outside.
27:35Approaching the halfway mark here in the second quarter.
27:38Biggest lead for Atlanta has been 15.
27:42Phoenix has been able to cut into that here in the second.
27:49Plum left alone and some need and need contact with A.T. and Ryan Howard.
27:55She's taking a minute trying to see if she can walk that off.
27:58That's the first for Alyssa Thomas.
28:01Yeah Howard got a zinger on the side of the thigh is what it looks like.
28:07And you need a minute when you get those.
28:10She's going to take a seat and try to let the sting of it wear off.
28:16Everybody clap your hands.
28:23It's going to take a seat.
28:23Officially under the five minute mark.
28:25Jordan Canada getting downhill.
28:29Gets it back in the corner for the three.
28:31It missed everything.
28:32And that's a tough angle because the depth perception on that side
28:36just throws you off on the three-pointer.
28:38Alyssa Thomas is going at Brie Jones.
28:40It looked like it got knocked away.
28:44But they are saying the foul is going against Brie Jones.
28:49Which would be her second.
28:51And I'm with Brie on that one.
28:53I didn't see much more of the contact.
28:55It was all ball.
28:56If anything Alyssa Thomas went into it with the right arm and the elbow.
29:04So Kronk-Smesko had a moment to speak with his staff
29:07about what they saw on the iPad.
29:10It will be a challenge right now on the floor.
29:12They're saying Brie Jones picks up her second.
29:14Will get the results of that wiped away.
29:17No foul.
29:18Clean play from Brie Jones.
29:20And Gray had immediate possession afterwards.
29:23So Atlanta gets the ball back at that spot on the court.
29:26They'll be able to challenge later on in the game.
29:31So Brie Jones doing a little bit of everything for tonight.
29:35Gets the steal there.
29:42Kalia Copper sitting at five points working baseline.
29:46Mishandled it.
29:47Still looking for help.
29:48A.T. gives it to her with ten on the shot clock.
29:52Kalia Copper gets it from Dawana Bonner looking for the screen.
30:01And Angel Reese will be called for the foul coming across on the elbow.
30:07And Reese still looking for an explanation from the refs.
30:11This is another player.
30:12You got three players on this Atlanta team.
30:15And Reese, Gray, and Howard who have all said they want to be on the all defensive team.
30:21And you got three players who are also tops and steals.
30:24Reese going for the gamble on that one.
30:25She picks up her first foul as we send it to Autumn.
30:28I'm looking at a matchup down low.
30:30And one player that Brie Jones knows best better than anyone on the floor is Alyssa Thomas.
30:35The two spent years together in Connecticut and Brie told me what continues to stand out about A.T.
30:40is not just her talent but it's her consistency.
30:42She added Alyssa's longevity is a testament to who she is despite everything she's battled through over the years.
30:48She's continued to attack the game with the same competitiveness and relentlessness to win after every single season.
30:55And Brie also called A.T. a leader from the very beginning for her saying she learned from her every
31:01day as a teammate.
31:01She couldn't just pick one thing when I asked what she's learned from her.
31:05But she said on the receiving end I was on the other end of it a lot of the times
31:10for a lot of those passes that she was able to get.
31:12Thank you, Autumn.
31:13And Andres on that last one picks up back-to-back fouls.
31:17Still confused on what happened here.
31:21You can see her clear out to get some space.
31:23And I'm not sure I saw it either because that's what you're taught to do as a post player.
31:28Her arms were up and open wide.
31:30But I guess just the forcefulness of displacing Dewana Bonner was too much for the reps.
31:35Kelsey Plum gets the left look as they are now of a run.
31:4213-4 for Phoenix.
31:46Brie Jones with her footwork and the ditch to Angel Reese.
31:49That is textbook offense.
31:52So smart when they make the easy play.
31:55No one can stop it.
31:56You suck in two defenders and you just give it off to your next post player.
32:00Melissa Thomas.
32:01That left side of the defense for Atlanta.
32:04What's going on?
32:04Might have to wake up a little.
32:06I don't know.
32:07Carl Smesko gonna write something up over there.
32:10What they gonna do on that backside defense?
32:15Rochon guarding Gray.
32:18Very strong pass to Angel Reese that gets blocked by Bonner.
32:22It's a foot race.
32:24Ryan Howard against Copper off the backboard.
32:26Oh!
32:27Oh!
32:29Oh!
32:30What a block by Ryan Howard as everyone on their seats.
32:32Get up, Big Heat!
32:40Give it back to her.
32:41Give her a heat check by Ryan Howard for the three.
32:46Instead, Kelsey Plum comes up with it.
32:51I think that's the best block I've ever seen from Ryan Howard.
32:56They will say it's a foul going against Atlanta.
32:59I'll let you break this down.
33:00We've had two shots blocked in the league off the backboard this year.
33:05And I think this is number one right here, Ryan Howard.
33:08You can see her chasing Copper down in her peripheral vision.
33:13And she gets that one up high.
33:15She was close to the rim, Angel.
33:19It was one of those moments that you were anticipating.
33:21You didn't know what was going to happen.
33:23But the way that you've seen red in the eyes of Ryan Howard
33:26to start this ball game, you just grab the popcorn.
33:30Kelsey Plum is at the free throw line.
33:33She'll get two after the foul from Bree Jones.
33:35She now is sitting with two fouls as well.
33:39Not to make me stand up from the table like I'm a fan in this piece.
33:48But AIE will check in for Phoenix.
33:50The defense, though, that we were talking about when it comes to the all-defensive team
33:55and what Autumn was telling us about Ryan Howard being at the top of that first-team all-defense.
34:01She's making a case with that block for sure.
34:06That will raise the brow of the voters for sure.
34:15Bree Jones hands it off to Ryan Howard.
34:20Pulls up.
34:22Just off the mark.
34:23Bree Jones tried to tap it to herself.
34:26Look at Thomas on the deck.
34:28All hands on the floor.
34:31And she comes out with the rock.
34:32Kelsey Plum will slow things down as Atlanta was able to get back.
34:37Plum working baseline.
34:39Under the two-minute mark here in the first half.
34:43A.T. finding Kalia Kopra on the drive.
34:45That is something Carlos Mesco worked on ad nauseam at shoot-around.
34:50That's a pretty play, though, because of the way that it was executed.
34:54It's almost like you don't know how to defend it.
34:56But a lot of people don't know how to defend Alicia Gray either.
34:59We told you from the left or the right side, she has been moneyed.
35:02That one dribble either spin back to the middle or the one dribble pull up to middle.
35:07Alicia Gray.
35:0714 points for Alicia Gray.
35:09Ryan Howard with 15.
35:10They're the two in-double figures for Atlanta.
35:13Kelsey Plum working left again.
35:14That was actually deflected by Reese.
35:17Kalia Kopra in the corner.
35:19Too strong.
35:21And immediately as Ryan Howard got that rebound, what did she do?
35:24She looked up the floor to see who was her outlet.
35:28Looking for space for Brie Jones.
35:30Finds Alicia Gray.
35:31No one around her.
35:32And that's a very bad idea.
35:37Atlanta is shooting almost 50% from screen.
35:41They're 8 of 17 tonight.
35:42Just doubling up what they did against Vegas.
35:45And we're still in the second quarter.
35:48Final minute of play here in the first half.
35:51Kelsey Plum being doubled.
35:52Finds AT.
35:54Hit the floor.
35:56Found Dewana Bonner.
35:58Gray.
35:59Working.
36:01Dewana Bonner fouled on the take.
36:06You got Ryan Howard and Brie Jones both looking confused and it's going to go against Ryan Howard.
36:13I thought both players were pretty steady and straight up in the air, but I think Dewana Bonner's aggressiveness to
36:19the rim forced the refs to have to make a call.
36:24And just aggressiveness also for the offensive rebound on the floor left.
36:28Yeah.
36:28There were so many hands trying to track it down.
36:31So Dewana Bonner will slip it to the free throw line for the first time, or excuse me, the second
36:36time tonight.
36:37She's two for two already.
36:39Pretty impressive stat line to start.
36:41Six points, six rebounds as Nas Hillman checks in for Brie Jones.
36:46That last possession was like a game of chicken, right?
36:48Everybody was running at the basketball.
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