In this episode of Codename: Mercury, Aya Abdeen breaks down the Phoenix Mercury’s recent three-game stretch, featuring highs like a 30-point blowout over Dallas and a clutch win over the Lynx. She analyzes the career night from Sami Whitcomb, Alyssa Thomas’s triple-double dominance, and the 33-point explosion from Kahleah Copper.

Aya also dives deep into the emotional and strategic return of DeWanna Bonner to the Mercury, reuniting with partner Alyssa Thomas to bring veteran presence and playoff ambition to the Valley. Plus, what does the addition of Bonner mean for Satou Sabally’s role and the Mercury’s postseason ceiling?

If you’re a Mercury fan, this is the analysis you’ve been waiting for.

Topics Covered:

• Recap: Mercury vs. Wings (L + W)
• Alyssa Thomas: MVP push continues
• Sami Whitcomb: Career night from deep
• DeWanna Bonner’s Phoenix homecoming
• Copper + Sabally = Dangerous Wing Duo
• What’s next for the Mercury before the All-Star Break?

🧠 Featuring Insight From:

🎙️ Aya Abdeen – Deep dives, player analysis, and Mercury-focused storytelling

🎤 Kevin “KDot” Lewis – Moderator and host of The9450 Network

🔗 Follow & Subscribe:

📱 Twitter:

• Aya: @ayabdeen
• Network: @The9450

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📺 YouTube: Subscribe to The9450 Network

🔍 Topics Covered:

• Liberty’s 13–6 record & statement win vs Aces
• Concerns from the Seattle loss & midseason offensive lulls
• Sabrina Ionescu’s leadership + Breanna Stewart’s consistency
• JJ’s injury impact on rebounding, spacing & post presence
• All-Star Starter reactions (Stewie, Sab) & team chemistry outlook
• What’s holding the Liberty back? Rotation, bench depth, or something deeper?
• Brian’s second-half keys and what it’ll take to win a championship in 2025.

💼 Sponsored By:

• SeatGeek – Use promo code 9450 for $20 off your first ticket purchase.
• Welshmode Coffee – Fuel your game day with the boldest brew in women’s hoops.

📱 Follow Us on Twitter:

• Host: @kdotlew3h
• Guest: @busyxb
• Network: @The9450
• Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube → Search: The9450

📝 Episode Rundown:

1. Opening Thoughts (00:00 - 03:00)

• KDot and Lolo set the tone for the show, tease tonight’s major topics, and reflect on how much the WNBA continues to evolve in real-time.

2. Are the Valkyries for Real? (03:01 - 12:30)

• Breakdown of Golden State’s playoff positioning (~6th in the standings) and strong defense/rebounding metrics.
• Analysis of team identity, culture under first-year coach, and fan support (18K+ avg. attendance).
• Can they upset a higher seed? Or is it too early to predict postseason noise?

3. Candace Parker Jersey Retirement & Angel’s Moment (12:31 - 21:45)

• Full recap of Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey retirement with the L.A. Sparks.
• Career accolades and legacy discussion.
• Angel Reese’s dominant game (24 PTS, 16 REB) and viral postgame moment with CP3.

4. Aces Trade for NaLyssa Smith (21:46 - 30:15)

• Context behind Las Vegas acquiring NaLyssa Smith from Dallas.
• How Smith fits into Becky Hammon’s system alongside A’ja Wilson.
• What this move says about the Aces’ championship aspirations and front-court depth.

5. All-Star Starters Revealed (30:16 - 38:00)

• Breakdown of the 2025 WNBA All-Star starters (per official WNBA release).
• Reactions to surprise names, fan voting trends, and starter snubs.
• Early thoughts on potential MVP candidates heading into All-Star weekend.

6. Final Thoughts + League Growth (38:01 - 43:00)

• Reflections on league expansion (Cleveland, Philly, Detroit by 2030).
• Valkyries’ impact on franchise valuation and women’s sports ecosystem.

💼 Sponsored by:

• SeatGeek – Use code The9450 for $20 off your first ticket purchase.
• Welshmode Coffee – Fuel your mornings with bold flavor. Try the official brew of Codename: WBB.

📲 Follow Us:

• Twitter: @The9450 @kdotlew3h & @Lolobyke
• Instagram/TikTok: @The9450_ @HoopswithLo

📩 Like, rate, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Let us know your thoughts on this week’s episode using #CodenameWBB.