Chiney Today

JUJU WATKINS IS BACK! 🔥🏀

After 588 days away from the court, JuJu makes her emotional return to USC, dropping 21 points and reminding everyone why she's one of the biggest stars in women's college basketball!

Chiney Ogwumike and Demetrius Harris are officially making the crossover from the WNBA to women's college hoops! The duo breaks down JuJu's return, USC's dangerous three-headed guard attack, and Sarah Strong's dominant performance as UConn crushes Cornell 100-35.

Plus, South Carolina survives a scare against Maryland, Hannah Hidalgo picks up right where she left off, and UCLA begins its title defense with an entirely new look. From historic performances to hilarious debates about Chiney's college basketball résumé, we're covering it ALL!

IN THIS EPISODE:

-JuJu Watkins Makes Emotional Return After 588 Days, Drops 21 Points in USC Season Opener

-USC's Three-Headed Monster: JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson & Saniyah Hall Put College Basketball on Notice

-Sarah Strong Records 8 Steals as UConn DOMINATES Cornell 100-35 in Season Opener

-No. 1 South Carolina Survives Maryland's Comeback, But Does Dawn Staley Have a Defensive Problem?

-Hannah Hidalgo DROPS 32 Points as Notre Dame Opens Season With Win in Rome

-Can UCLA Repeat as National Champions After Losing 90% of Last Season's Scoring?

-Mikayla Blakes Scores 27 as Vanderbilt Explodes for 112 Points Against Lipscomb

-LSU Scores 129 Points in Season Opener, Raising Questions About College Basketball's Biggest Blowouts

-Demetrius Questions Chiney Ogwumike's Stanford Career, Leading to a Hilarious Breakdown of Her College Stats

-Is UNC Freshman Kate Harpring the Next Kelsey Plum? Chiney Breaks Down Her College Debut

-Sayvia Sellers Records Opening Day Triple-Double for Washington, While Talea Walker Drops 40 Points

-Addi Mack Scores 35 Against South Carolina, Including 31 in the Second Half for Maryland

-South Carolina Freshman Jerzy Robinson Makes Memorable Debut With an Accidental Three-Pointer

-Chiney Reflects on JuJu Watkins' Emotional Comeback and the Growth of Women's Basketball

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THE VALKYRIES ARE WNBA CHAMPIONS!

In just their second season, the Golden State Valkyries made WNBA history by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a winner-take-all Game 7. Golden State captured its first championship behind an unforgettable performance from Finals MVP Gabby Williams!

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by Ashanti Plummer LIVE from Ballhalla to break down Gabby's historic 30-point performance (including 28 points in the second half) and how Natalie Nakase led a team of overlooked players to a WNBA championship in just two seasons with the Golden State Valkyries.

Chiney and Ashanti break down Kiah Stokes' defensive dominance, Veronica Burton's clutch contributions, and Natalie Nakase's decision to sit Gabby Williams during a crucial time in the first half. They also discuss exactly what went wrong for Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream in the second half. Chiney and Ashanti celebrate an unforgettable Game 7 and reflect on the WNBA's record-breaking 30th season.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Golden State Valkyries Make WNBA HISTORY With Game 7 Championship Win Over Atlanta Dream

-Gabby Williams DROPS 30 Points, Scores 28 in Second Half & Wins WNBA Finals MVP

-How Gabby Williams Took Over Game 7 With 15 Straight Points for Golden State

-Kiah Stokes' Incredible Defensive Performance with 19 Blocks in the Finals

-Veronica Burton's Clutch Double-Double and Her Emotional Journey From the YMCA to WNBA Champ

-Natalie Nakase's Brilliant Coaching and How She Built a Championship Team in Just Two Seasons

-How the Valkyries' Defense Limited Angel Reese and Shut Down Atlanta's Offense

-What Went Wrong for the Atlanta Dream in Game 7? Chiney and Ashanti Break Down the Loss

-From Overlooked Role Players to WNBA Champions: The Valkyries' Incredible Underdog Story

-Why the Golden State Valkyries Are the BLUEPRINT for Future WNBA Expansion Teams

-Inside Ballhalla: Chiney and Ashanti Recap the Electric Atmosphere of Game 7 and the Championship Celebration

-Chiney Reflects on a Historic WNBA Season, the Growth of Women's Basketball, and the Future of Chiney Today

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The stage is set for a HISTORIC Game 7!

The Atlanta Dream delivered a statement 80-69 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 6, forcing the first-ever Game 7 in WNBA Finals history! With only one game left before a championship is decided, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by friend and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude to break down Atlanta's dominant performance, Allisha Gray's incredible two-way impact, Angel Reese's record-breaking postseason, and celebrate Rhyne Howard finding her rhythm at the perfect time.

Can Atlanta carry its momentum into Golden State, or will Gabby Williams and the Valkyries defend home court to capture the title?

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Atlanta Dream Defeat Golden State Valkyries in Game 6 to Force Historic WNBA Finals Game 7

-Allisha Gray Takes Over With 23 Points and Dominant Two-Way Performance

-Angel Reese Makes WNBA Finals History With Record-Breaking Rebounding

-How Angel Reese's Playmaking Helped Unlock Atlanta's Offense

-Rhyne Howard Finds Her Shooting Touch Just in Time for Game 7

-How Atlanta's Defensive Intensity and Pick-and-Roll Adjustments Changed the Series

-Gabby Williams Scores 15 Fourth-Quarter Points, But Can She Lead Golden State to a Title?

-What the Golden State Valkyries Must Fix Before Game 7

-Chiney & Ros Gold-Onwude Discuss Physicality and Inconsistent WNBA Officiating

-Can Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream Win Their First WNBA Championship?

-Can the Golden State Valkyries Make History With a Championship in Their Second Season?

-Usher, Atlanta's Electric Crowd and the Star-Studded Atmosphere of Game 6

-Chiney & Ros Gold-Onwude Preview the Winner-Take-All Game 7 Showdown

-Who wins Game 7: Atlanta Dream or Golden State Valkyries? Drop your predictions in the reviews!

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DAME TIME IS BACK!

9x NBA All-Star Damian Lillard sits down with Chiney Ogwumike for an exclusive conversation about his return to Portland, his road to recovery, and the iconic moments that defined his NBA career.

Dame opens up about his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the mental challenges of recovering from an Achilles injury. He also shares his excitement about the Trail Blazers' future, what he's learned about new teammate Ja Morant, and how he made over 100,000 shots during his recovery.

PLUS, Chiney and Dame go to the tape to break down some of the most unforgettable moments in NBA history! From his legendary playoff buzzer-beaters against the Rockets and Thunder to his incredible 71-point performance, Dame reveals the preparation, decisions, and mindset behind the moments that made him one of the NBA's most clutch players.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Damian Lillard Opens Up About His NBA Comeback and Return to Portland

-Why Milwaukee Never Quite Felt Like Home for Dame

-What Damian Lillard Learned Playing Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo

-The Mental and Physical Challenges of Recovering From an Achilles Injury

-How Dame Won the NBA Three-Point Contest During His Recovery

-Damian Lillard Explains Why Ja Morant Is Misunderstood

-Why Dame Believes the Portland Trail Blazers Are Closer to Contending Than People Think

-The Incredible Story Behind Dame Making Over 100,000 Shots During Recovery

-Damian Lillard on Giving Back to His Community and Building His Legacy

-Dame Breaks Down His Iconic Playoff Game-Winners Against Houston and OKC

-The Untold Story Behind Damian Lillard's Legendary Goodbye Wave

-How Dame Practices His Unbelievable Long-Range Three-Pointers

-Damian Lillard Relives His Historic 71-Point Performance

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The Golden State Valkyries are officially one win away from making history and winning a WNBA Championship!

After defeating the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the Finals, with help from Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton, the Valkyries have taken control of the series. But can Angel Reese and Atlanta bounce back to force a Game 7?

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by special guest DJ Tricey Trice to break down Golden State's dominant defensive performance, Kiah Stokes' incredible impact on both ends of the floor, and the coaching adjustments that have Natalie Nakase's Valkyries on the verge of their first title.

Plus, could a defensive specialist like Kiah Stokes actually win Finals MVP? Has Golden State finally figured out how to neutralize Angel Reese? And Chiney and DJ disagree on which team will ultimately win it all!

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Golden State Valkyries Defeat Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of WNBA Finals

-Kiah Stokes Takes Over! Could She Win Finals MVP?

-How Kiah Stokes' Dominant Defense Is Slowing Down Angel Reese

-Natalie Nakase's Coaching Adjustments Put Golden State on the Brink of History

-How the Valkyries Have Taken Control of the Series With Their Defense

-Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes or Tiffany Hayes: Who Deserves Finals MVP

-What Angel Reese and Atlanta Need to Do to Force Game 7

-Chiney & DJ Tricey Trice React to the Controversial Game 6 Start Time

-Chiney vs. DJ Tricey Trice: Who Will Win the WNBA Championship?

-Can the Valkyries Win a Championship in Just Their Second Season

-Zendaya, E-40 & the Star-Studded Atmosphere at the WNBA Finals

-DJ Tricey Trice Reacts to the Potential Sale of the LA Sparks

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The WNBA Finals are TIED 2-2, and WE GOT A SERIES! 🔥🏆

The Golden State Valkyries bounced back with a gritty 67-62 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 4, stealing the momentum back to the Bay Area as the championship hangs in the balance!

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by Ashanti Plummer to break down Tiffany Hayes' revenge tour against her former team, Natalie Nakase's bold starting lineup change, and how Golden State's physical defense disrupted Angel Reese and Atlanta's offense.

Plus, Chiney explains why Kiah Stokes deserves her flowers and reveals her Player of the Game, Play of the Game and Moment of the Game before reacting to the newly announced All-WNBA teams, and makes a BOLD prediction: Whoever wins Game 5 will win the WNBA Finals! 👀

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Golden State Valkyries Fight Back to Tie WNBA Finals 2-2

-Tiffany Hayes' Revenge Tour Continues Against Her Former Team

-Natalie Nakase's New Starting Lineup Sparks GSV’s Game 4 Victory

-Kiah Stokes' Dominant Defense Makes Life Difficult for Angel Reese

-How Golden State Rediscovered Its Identity Against Atlanta

-Chiney Sounds Off on 45 Fouls Called in Game 4

-What Atlanta Needs to Do to Get Angel Reese Going in Game 5

-Chiney's Bold Prediction: Will the Game 5 Winner Take the WNBA Title?

-Did Angel Reese Deserve First Team All-WNBA Honors?

-Why Was Gabby Williams Left Off the All-WNBA Teams?

-Angel Reese & Kaila Charles Bring the Trash Talk in Game 4

-Atlanta's Star-Studded Crowd Brings the Culture to the WNBA Finals

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Angel Reese is taking over the WNBA Finals! 🔥🏆

The Atlanta Dream have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Golden State Valkyries following a dominant 97-71 Game 3 victory, and Angel Reese is already making a serious case for Finals MVP!

On this episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by 3x WNBA champion Alysha Clark to break down Angel Reese's historic Finals run, Atlanta's suffocating defense, and what Golden State needs to do to turn the series around.

Plus, Rhyne Howard steps up with a breakthrough performance, and Alysha shares the mentality needed to win a WNBA championship. Chiney and AC exchange hilarious stories about trash talk, playoff routines, and life in the W. And don’t miss Chiney and Alysha explain who they think deserves Player of the Night, Play of the Night, and Moment of the Night.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Angel Reese Takes Over Game 3 with Another Historic Finals Double-Double

-Is Angel Reese the WNBA Finals MVP Frontrunner?

-Atlanta Dream's Defense Dominates Golden State in 97-71 Victory

-Rhyne Howard Breaks Through with 16 Points & 5 Steals

-Alysha Clark Breaks Down Atlanta's Championship-Level Defense

-What's Gone Wrong with the Golden State Valkyries' Offense?

-Alysha Clark Reveals What It Takes to Win a WNBA Championship

-How Angel Reese's Toughness Has Transformed the Atlanta Dream

-Chiney & Alysha Share Their Wildest WNBA Trash Talk Stories

-Can Golden State Make the Adjustments Needed to Save the Series?

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Angel Reese took over Game 2 of the WNBA Finals!
After dropping 30 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, Angel Reese led the Atlanta Dream to a 79-65 win over the Golden State Valkyries, evening the championship series at 1-1 and giving Atlanta its first WNBA Finals win in franchise history.

Rachel DeMita joins Chiney Ogwumike for this Game 2 reaction to break down Angel's dominant performance, the Dream's defensive intensity, and the offensive struggles facing Golden State in Game 3. From Gabby Williams' minutes to Natalie Nakase's rotation decisions, what adjustments will the Valkyries need to make as the Finals shift to Atlanta?

Plus, Bay Area rapper P-Lo stops by to talk about the electric atmosphere inside Ballhalla, his Filipino heritage, rapping with E-40, producing for Drake, and his Mount Rushmore of Bay Area athletes and artists!
IN THIS EPISODE:
Angel Reese Drops 30 & 16 as Dream Even WNBA Finals
Atlanta's Big Three Step Up in Game 2 Victory
Dream Defense Shuts Down Golden State's Offense
Chiney & Rachel DeMita Question Natalie Nakase's Rotations
Can Gabby Williams & the Valkyries Bounce Back in Game 3?
Chiney & Rachel Pick Their Player, Play & Moment of the Night
P-Lo Talks Valkyries Culture, E-40 & Working With Drake
P-Lo Reveals His Bay Area Sports & Hip-Hop Mount Rushmore
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Gabby Williams showed up when it mattered most!

The Golden State Valkyries strike first in the WNBA Finals, defeating Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream at home 68-64 in a defensive battle that came down to the final possessions.

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by basketball analyst and friend of the show Ashanti Plummer to break down Gabby Williams' 26-point performance, Kiah Stokes' defensive impact, and why Atlanta needs to keep Angel Reese involved after she went scoreless in the second half.

Plus, Atlanta rapper Belly Gang Kushington joins Chiney to discuss his friendship with Angel Reese, his WNBA fandom, collaborating with BigXthaPlug on his new single "LITE," his journey from the streets to the music industry, and his Atlanta sports and music Mount Rushmore.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Gabby Williams Takes Over as Valkyries Win Game 1 of WNBA Finals

Angel Reese Dominates Early but Goes Scoreless in Second Half

Kiah Stokes' Defense Proves Critical in Golden State's Victory

What Atlanta Dream Must Fix Ahead of Game 2

Chiney & Ashanti Predict a Seven-Game WNBA Finals

Belly Gang Kushington Talks Angel Reese, 21 Savage & Atlanta's Music Scene

Belly Gang Kushington Reveals His Atlanta Sports & Hip-Hop Mount Rushmore Subscribe for more basketball analysis, player interviews, and conversations at the intersection of hoops and culture on Chiney Today, the Heartbeat of Hoops!

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The stage is set for the 2026 WNBA Finals! 🏆 For the first time in franchise history, either the Atlanta Dream or Golden State Valkyries will be crowned WNBA champions. But who has the edge?

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by two special guests making their Chiney Today debuts to get you ready for the Finals, tipping off this Saturday! Atlanta Dream sideline reporter Autumn Johnson and ESPN's Golden State Valkyries Reporter Kendra Andrews go coast to coast to break down each team's path to the championship, the showdown between Angel Reese and Gabby Williams, and the X-factors that could decide the series.

Plus, Chiney dives into the tape for a full film breakdown of the Dream and Valkyries' regular-season matchups, highlighting the plays, players, and adjustments that could determine who takes home the trophy!

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Dream vs. Valkyries! Who Will Win Their First WNBA Championship?

-Angel Reese's Evolution Has Atlanta Dreaming of a Title

-Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and DeWanna Bonner Key to Atlanta's Success

-Allisha Gray's Injury Status Raises Questions Ahead of WNBA Finals

-Angel Reese vs. Gabby Williams Headlines Defensive Showdown

-Atlanta Dream Move WNBA Finals Games to State Farm Arena

-Golden State Valkyries Chase Championship in Just Their Second Season

-Gabby Williams Emerges as Golden State's Two-Way Superstar

-Natalie Nakase's Defensive System and the Valkyries' Secret Weapon

-Golden State's Bench Depth Could Decide the WNBA Finals

-Chiney Breaks Down the Plays That Could Decide Dream vs. Valkyries

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BRING OUT THE BROOMS! 🧹🏀

The WNBA Finals are SET, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are heading to the Finals after two stunning semifinal sweeps!

On this special episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by her friend and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph (JayJo) to break down an unforgettable night of WNBA playoff basketball!

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are headed to their first WNBA Finals since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty! Chiney and JayJo discuss Angel's impact on Atlanta, her improved three-point shooting, Jordin Canada's outstanding postseason, and how DeWanna Bonner helped the Dream overcome injuries to reach the championship stage.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries make history in just their SECOND season as a franchise! After sweeping A'ja Wilson and the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces, Golden State heads to its first WNBA Finals. Chiney breaks down Gabby Williams' emergence, Kiah Stokes' incredible defense against A'ja Wilson, and Head Coach Natalie Nakase's game plan against her former team.

Plus, is the Aces dynasty over? And which team has what it takes to win its first WNBA championship?

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Two Sweeps! Dream and Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals

-Angel Reese's Dog Factor Powers the Atlanta Dream

-Story Behind Reese's Three-Point Shooting Evolution

-Jordin Canada and DeWanna Bonner Step Up for Atlanta

-New York Liberty Swept! What Went Wrong for Stewie and Sabrina Ionescu?

-Angel Reese Manifested Her WNBA Finals Moment

-Golden State Valkyries Sweep the Defending Champion Aces in Year Two

-Natalie Nakase's Game Plan and Kiah Stokes' Defense on A'ja Wilson

-Gabby Williams Emerges as Golden State's Star

-Is the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty in Trouble?

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The New York Liberty had a timeout remaining... so why didn't they use it?! 😳

After a controversial overtime finish to Game 2 against the Atlanta Dream, Breanna Stewart and the Liberty are left searching for answers as Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, and Atlanta take a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA Semifinals.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries have the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces, on their heels! Are A'ja Wilson and the Aces maxed out, or can they turn things around at home before it's too late?

In this reaction episode, Chiney Ogwumike is happy to be joined by seasoned ESPN producer Demetrius Harris to break down the controversial final possession, the star power on display in the semis, the Dream's impressive defense, the Valkyries' winning formula, and whether BOTH defending champions could be headed for a semifinal sweep.

In This Episode:

-Liberty's controversial timeout mistake leaves everyone stunned

-Angel Reese and Dream take a commanding 2-0 series lead

-Jordin Canada steps up BIG for Atlanta

-Angel Reese puts the clamps on all of New York's stars

-What the Liberty need to fix to avoid elimination

-Valkyries push Aces to the brink of a semi sweep

-Are A'ja Wilson and the Aces running out of gas?

-Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes shine for Golden State

-Can BOTH defending champions avoid getting swept?

-Player of the Night... THE REFS?!

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The WNBA semifinals are here, and Game 1 delivered!
Chiney Ogwumike and Ashanti Plummer break down the Atlanta Dream’s statement win over the New York Liberty, including Angel Reese showing exactly why she earned Defensive Player of the Year moments after being presented with the award, DeWanna Bonner's playoff experience on display, Jordin Canada’s huge two-way playoff performance, and what New York needs to fix to win Game 2.
Then Chiney and Ashanti head West, where the Golden State Valkyries stunned the Las Vegas Aces behind a dominant rebounding performance led by Kiah Stokes’ defense of A’ja Wilson and another big performance from Gabby Williams. Chiney also shares what could become a real concern for Las Vegas as the 5-game series continues.
Plus, Chiney tells two hilarious untold stories about the first time she had to guard her sister, Nneka Ogwumike, in the WNBA and at Stanford.

In This Episode: 🏆 Angel Reese shows exactly why she won DPOY 🔥 Jordin Canada reaches FLOW STATE against New York 🗽 What the Liberty need to fix to win Game 2 💪 Golden State dominates Las Vegas on the glass 🔒 Kiah Stokes locks in on A’ja Wilson ⭐ Gabby Williams continues superstar rise with playoff double-double 👀 Are the Aces’ depth issues becoming a real concern? 😂 Chiney tells the story of guarding Nneka for the first time 🎯 Player, Play & Moment of the Night
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Chiney Ogwumike and JayDee Dyer break down an epic winner-take-all Game 3 between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, including A’ja Wilson’s dominant 36-point, 10-rebound performance and the experience and execution that helped Vegas advance to the semifinals.

Chiney also dives into the tactical adjustment that changed the game, as the Aces began blitzing Caitlin Clark and forcing the ball out of her hands and into Myisha Hines-Allen’s, while looking ahead at what Kelsey Mitchell and Indiana can take away from their breakout season.

Plus, Chiney and JayDee dive into Arike Ogunbowale’s historic 45-point playoff performance against Golden State, Angel Reese earns Defensive Player of the Year honors, and explain why the Atlanta Dream could be one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs.

In This Episode:

-A’ja Wilson takes over in an epic Aces-Fever Game 3

-How Las Vegas adjusted its defense against Caitlin Clark

-The Aces’ championship experience shows up when it matters

-Arike Ogunbowale drops 45 in an overtime thriller

-Angel Reese wins Defensive Player of the Year

-How the Atlanta Dream have become a serious playoff threat

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The WNBA Playoffs are delivering!

Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down a historic night across the league as the New York Liberty sweep the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx and advance, while Caitlin Clark delivers a huge performance to help the Indiana Fever force a decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces.

Chiney and JayJo also discuss what went wrong for Minnesota, whether the Lynx need changes this offseason, how Indiana’s Big Three responded with their season on the line, and the adjustments that helped slow down A’ja Wilson and the Aces.

IN THIS EPISODE:

LIBERTY MAKE HISTORY
New York sweeps the No. 1 seed Lynx and proves once again why they are no ordinary eighth seed.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MINNESOTA?
After another disappointing playoff finish, Chiney and Joe discuss whether the Lynx need a roster shakeup.

CAITLIN CLARK FORCES GAME 3
Clark finishes with 27 points and 15 assists in a historic playoff performance to keep Indiana’s season alive.

INDIANA’S BIG THREE DELIVERS
Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston combine for 75 points as the Fever offense finds its rhythm.

HOW THE FEVER SLOWED VEGAS
Indiana makes key defensive adjustments against A’ja Wilson and the Aces to even the series.

PLAYER, PLAY & MOMENT OF THE NIGHT
Chiney and Joe close the show with their top picks from an unforgettable night of WNBA playoff basketball.

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The WNBA Playoffs are here, and Day 1 delivered nothing but dominance!
Chiney Ogwumike and Ashanti Plummer break down a historic opening day that saw all four Playoff games in the W decided by 15+ points. Breanna Stewart reminded everyone exactly who she is with a huge performance in New York’s upset win over Minnesota. At the same time, A’ja Wilson dominated Indiana, scoring her career high with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Plus, Chiney and Ashanti react to the Atlanta Dream’s second-half surge against the Washington Mystics, the Golden State Valkyries putting on an offensive clinic against Dallas, Paige Bueckers showing up in her playoff debut, and the biggest adjustments each team needs to make moving forward.
IN THIS EPISODE: WNBA Playoffs open with four games decided by 15+ points
Breanna Stewart drops 34 pts as New York takes Game 1 in Minnesota

A’ja Wilson goes for 38 points and 16 rebounds against Indiana
Chiney breaks down what Caitlin Clark + Kelsey Mitchell need to adjust

Atlanta’s defense takes over in the 2nd half against Washington, D.C

Golden State scores 104 pts in a dominant playoff win over Dallas
Paige Bueckers shines in her WNBA playoff debut
Chiney and Ashanti name Stewie + A’ja Wilson co-players of the night

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Chiney Ogwumike celebrates her sister Nneka Ogwumike as one of the most accomplished and influential players in WNBA history as she plays her final game with the LA Sparks.

In this special episode of Chiney Today, Chiney goes behind the scenes with the people who know Nneka best, including their parents, extended family, and Nneka’s agent, Tracy Hughes, to tell the story of the person behind the MVP, champion, 11-time All-Star, and longtime WNBPA president.

The Ogwumike family reflects on how basketball first entered their lives, the places the game has taken them, and the moments that shaped Nneka’s career. They also share stories that reveal the side of Nneka fans rarely get to see, from her childhood and family dynamic to the discipline, humor, and leadership that have defined her away from the court.

Plus, Chiney takes listeners inside Nneka’s emotional final WNBA game, her farewell to the fans, a special surprise from the Sparks, and what could come next for “Madam President.”

In This Episode:

Chiney celebrates Nneka Ogwumike’s WNBA legacy
The Ogwumike family reflects on Nneka’s basketball journey
Stories about Nneka growing up
Remembering the 2016 championship and defining career moments
Tracy Hughes shares the story behind Nneka’s retirement announcement
How Nneka helped lead the WNBA and its players off the court
The family reveals the side of Nneka fans rarely get to see
Behind the scenes of Nneka’s emotional final WNBA game
What comes next for “Madam President”

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It’s awards time in the WNBA and some of the biggest races are still wide open. 🏆

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to break down who deserves the hardware as the regular season comes down to the wire.

Who should be MVP: A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark or Kelsey Mitchell? After running through the rest of the categories, Chiney and Sabreena debate whether MVP should reward the best individual season or the player whose impact translates most directly to winning. Sabreena makes the case for Olivia Miles, while Chiney explains why A’ja Wilson’s historic two-way dominance gives her the edge.

Plus, don’t miss as they make their picks in the tight races for Coach of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year… including cases for Angel Reese, Sonia Citron, Shakira Austin, and more in some major categories.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-A record-breaking year for the WNBA

-Who deserves Coach of the Year?

-Janelle Salaün’s Sixth Player of the Year case

-Shakira Austin vs. Jessica Shepard for Most Improved

-Why Olivia Miles stands above the rookie class

-Angel Reese vs. Sonia Citron for Defensive Player of the Year

-A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell enter the MVP debate

-Caitlin Clark + Kelsey Mitchell power Indiana’s historic offense

-A look at the Toronto Tempo and “Setting the Tempo”

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Lisa Leslie joins Chiney Ogwumike for a special conversation ahead of becoming the first WNBA player to receive a statue at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena.

Lisa opens up about the hidden details built into her statue, including four gold elements representing her four Olympic gold medals and a red lipstick detail inspired by her book Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You.
She also reflects on her close relationship with Kobe Bryant, why Kobe’s mother and sister will be at the unveiling, and the family moments she treasures most from their friendship.
Plus, Lisa takes Chiney inside her legendary basketball journey. From playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA players while playing in the WNBA, to scoring 101 points in one half of a high school game, to becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game and helping build the league from its inaugural season.

In This Episode:
-Lisa Leslie reveals the special details behind her historic statue -Why the statue includes red lipstick -Lisa reflects on Kobe Bryant, his family, and their bond

- Playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA players -The truth behind Lisa’s 101-point half in high school -Becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game -Helping launch the WNBA and carrying the torch for women’s basketball -Battling the Houston Comets dynasty and what it took for the Sparks to break through -Lisa reflects on legacy, family, and why she wants to be remembered for love
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Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Lisa Leslie reflects on her historic statue 3:02 Becoming a Los Angeles basketball icon 5:08 Lisa on helping launch the WNBA 7:39 Becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game 8:28 The truth behind Lisa’s 101-point half 11:08 Mamba Mentality and the sacrifices behind greatness 12:44 Playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA stars 13:35 Lisa reflects on Kobe Bryant and his family 14:58 Balancing motherhood and a WNBA career 17:11 The fearless competitor behind Lisa Leslie 18:57 Battling the Houston Comets dynasty 20:28 Why the 1996 Olympics was Lisa’s favorite championship 22:50 Lisa reflects on 30 years of the WNBA 23:40 Lisa’s impact on Chiney and the next generation 26:11 “My legacy is love” 27:29 Lisa reveals the hidden details on her statue 28:21 Goodbye

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Team USA is golden again. 🥇🇺🇸 Chiney Ogwumike breaks down Team USA’s 97-79 win over France in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Final, extending its streak to 36 straight World Cup wins and securing a fifth consecutive World Cup championship. Ashanti Plummer joins Chiney LIVE from Berlin to share what it was like inside the arena as Team USA flipped the game in the second half. Chiney also goes to the tape to break down the adjustments that changed the game, including Kara Lawson’s elite substitutions, Breanna Stewart’s impact, Napheesa Collier’s hustle and Caitlin Clark’s huge three before halftime. Plus, Chiney and Ashanti look ahead to the future of USA Basketball. What will Team USA’s 2028 Olympics roster look like? How will Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the rest of young core fit alongside the vets playing in their final Olympic game? And with Gabby Williams, Marine Johannès, and France continuing to improve, what will the future look like with the world beginning to close the gap? IN THIS EPISODE: -Team USA wins its fifth straight FIBA World Cup title -How USA dominated France in the second half -Chiney breaks down the biggest plays on the Telestrator -Breanna Stewart earns World Cup MVP -Jackie Young shines on the biggest stage -Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese make a huge impact -What will Team USA’s roster look like at the 2028 Olympics? -Gabby Williams, France and the growing international threat -Ashanti Plummer officially joins the Chiney Today family Subscribe for more episodes of Chiney Today: The Heartbeat of Hoops. Timestamps: -0:00 Intro -1:16 Chiney welcomes a new friend of the show! -3:12 Team USA beats France to win 5th straight Gold medal -5:26 The two halves of basketball -8:15 Breaking down the key moments in Team USA’s win -11:57 Giving flowers to EVERY player -18:20 How will Team USA look in 2028 for the Olympics? -21:13 France, Spain, and the World have caught up -22:46 Give Gabby Williams her flowers! -26:11 Marine Johannes gave us the BEST World Cup moment -27:17 Final World Cup Takeaways -28:51 Drop THIS in the comments! -29:20 Goodbye

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