WNBA Dimes
Hosted by Cookie
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Cookie based on prompt: Daily WNBA news. Scores, highlights, and general news. Call it WNBA Dimes
Transcript
Hey! It's Cookie O'Clock! Welcome to WNBA Dimes, your go-to place for hoops, hijinks, and all the latest from the league. I’m Brooke, and I’m here to dish out today’s hot basketball gossip with a side of sass.
First up, let’s dive into Game 1 of the WNBA Finals! The Las Vegas Aces sneaked past the Phoenix Mercury with a nail-biting 89-86 win. Talk about a nail-biter! After trailing at halftime, the Aces roared back with a monster third quarter. They outscored Phoenix 24 to 15 and stole the spotlight, leaving the Mercury gasping for a comeback that never quite materialized. The Aces' bench turned up the volume and sealed the deal in those closing moments.
Now, if we’re talking standout performances, we’ve got to shine the spotlight on Dana Evans. This powerhouse came off the bench and lit it up with 21 points, including five sizzling threes. And get this—she snatched four steals, making history as the first player in Finals history to pull off that combo! Jewell Loyd added her own magic with 18 points. Together, they propelled the Aces’ bench to outscore Phoenix’s reserves 41 to 16. Meanwhile, for the Mercury, Kahleah Copper started hot with 19 first-half points but, unfortunately, was cooled down to just two in the second half. And oh, Alyssa Thomas had a rough finish, missing two crucial free throws in the final minute. Ouch!
So where does this leave us for the series? Las Vegas is up 1–0, putting Phoenix in a bit of a pickle. They’re heading into a must-win for Game 2 back in the Aces' territory. Aces’ coach Becky Hammon praised her team’s defensive adjustments and that incredible bench performance, saying their depth shone through right when it mattered most. Can Phoenix bounce back? We’ll find out soon enough!
Beyond the court, there’s some serious off-the-court drama. The WNBPA has officially opted out of the current CBA, pushing for a revenue-sharing model similar to the NBA’s. Big names like Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark aren’t holding back, openly criticizing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leadership. They feel she hasn’t capitalized on the $2.2 billion media rights deal. And, Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham chimed in, calling the league’s bargaining stance “shameful.” Negotiations have hit a snag, and there’s looming talk of a strike that could affect the 2026 season.
In response, before tip-off, Engelbert addressed these fiery allegations. She was quick to call the claims “inaccurate,” stressing her commitment to rebuilding trust and aiming for a transformational new agreement by the end of the month. So, despite rumors swirling, she’s not planning on stepping down anytime soon.
And lastly, for all you rule sticklers, Engelbert unveiled plans for a new officiating committee to tackle those pesky inconsistent calls. The goal is to review everything from training to recruitment. While it’s a step acknowledging the pressure, let’s keep our fingers crossed that this doesn’t just end up being all talk and no action.
Alright, hoop fans, that’s a wrap for today’s episode of WNBA Dimes. Thanks for tuning in, and stick around because we’ll keep bringing those court-side scoops with a twist. Remember, wherever life takes you, there’s always time for shooting some hoops and, of course, having a Cookie O'Clock! Catch you next time!
**WNBA Dimes – October 4, 2025**
## Game 1 Finals Recap
The Las Vegas Aces edged the Phoenix Mercury 89–86 in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on Saturday night, seizing home-court advantage as the best-of-seven series tipped off. After trailing 50–45 at halftime, Las Vegas unleashed a dominant third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 24–15 to seize control. The Mercury were unable to recover despite late free-throw opportunities, and the Aces’ bench proved decisive in the closing minutes. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/10/04/dana-evans-wnba-finals/?utm_source=openai))
## Standout Performances
Off the bench, Dana Evans erupted for 21 points, drilling five three-pointers and collecting four steals in what marked the first instance in Finals history of a player combining at least five made threes with four steals in a single game. Jewell Loyd added 18 points, pushing the Aces’ reserve unit to outscore Phoenix’s bench 41–16. For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper poured in 19 first-half points but was held to just two after intermission. Alyssa Thomas, a key playmaker all season, missed two critical free throws in the final minute that could have tied the score. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/10/04/dana-evans-wnba-finals/?utm_source=openai))
## Series Outlook
With the victory, Las Vegas takes a 1–0 lead in the Finals, forcing Phoenix into a must-win situation for Game 2, slated for Sunday evening back at Michelob Ultra Arena. Aces head coach Becky Hammon lauded her team’s defensive adjustments and the bench’s ability to swing momentum, stating, “Our depth showed up when it mattered most.” The series shifts to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4 before returning to Las Vegas if necessary. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/10/04/dana-evans-wnba-finals/?utm_source=openai))
## CBA Negotiations Heat Up
Off the court, tensions escalated as the WNBPA publicly opted out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), set to expire October 31, in pursuit of a revenue-sharing model akin to the NBA’s. Stars like Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark have criticized Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leadership, accusing her of insufficient accountability and failure to leverage the league’s new $2.2 billion media rights deal to enhance player compensation and benefits. Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham labeled the league’s bargaining stance “shameful,” and talks have stalled, raising the specter of a work stoppage that could imperil the 2026 season. ([the-sun.com](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15287026/wnba-strike-cba-caitlin-clark-cathy-engelbert/?utm_source=openai))
## Commissioner Engelbert Speaks
Before tip-off, Engelbert addressed allegations from Collier that she downplayed players’ contributions and demanded more gratitude for sponsorships. During a press conference, Engelbert called the claims “inaccurate” and expressed her commitment to rebuilding trust, emphasizing her respect for the athletes and willingness to engage in difficult discussions. She refuted rumors of stepping down, insisting she remains focused on achieving a “transformational” new agreement by the end of October. ([the-sun.com](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15290377/wnba-cathy-engelbert-napheesa-collier-caitlin-clark/?utm_source=openai))
## Officiating Committee Proposal
In response to criticisms over inconsistent calls during the playoffs, Engelbert also unveiled a “state of the game” officiating committee aimed at reviewing training, recruitment, and retention of referees. While the move acknowledges mounting pressure, details remain vague, and stakeholders note that previous recommendations—such as establishing a WNBA-specific referee training program—have yet to materialize. Experts doubt full-time officials will be hired soon, given the league’s seasonal schedule, leaving coaches and players wary that deeper reforms may evade action. ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/engelbert-creates-new-wnba-refs-committee-past-21075530.php?utm_source=openai))
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