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In this episode of The Dunker Spot, hosts Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. are joined by Stephen Pridgeon-Gardner to discuss the Phoenix Mercury and the WNBA. They delve into Stephen's background in basketball coverage before analyzing the Mercury's season, including expectations, key players like Alyssa Thomas, and Coach Nate Tibbetts' strategies. The conversation covers the team's offensive and defensive dynamics, their versatility, and potential playoff concerns, with a focus on the team's three-point shooting and defensive capabilities. They also discuss Alyssa Thomas's MVP candidacy and potential Defensive Player of the Year award, as well as the contributions of other players like Satou Sabally and Monique Okomakani. The episode concludes with a discussion about the team's rotation and best lineups, and shout-outs to Stephen's work and the podcast itself.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Background

Part 2: Phoenix Mercury Expectations and Offensive Vision

Part 3: Defensive Strategies and Alyssa Thomas' Impact

Part 4: MVP and DPOY Discussion

Part 5: Bench Players and Team Rotation

Part 6: Offensive Efficiency and Closing

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The Dunker Spot

Part 1: Introduction and Background

00:12Introduction to The Dunker Spot and Guest Stephen Pridgeon-Gardner

Introduction to The Dunker Spot and Guest Stephen Pridgeon-Gardner

01:31Stephen Pridgeon-Gardner's Journey into Basketball Coverage

Stephen Pridgeon-Gardner's Journey into Basketball Coverage

Part 2: Phoenix Mercury Expectations and Offensive Vision

03:51Expectations for the Phoenix Mercury

Expectations for the Phoenix Mercury

07:26Preseason Concerns and the Mercury's Offensive Potential

Preseason Concerns and the Mercury's Offensive Potential

10:50Nate Tibbetts' Coaching and Offensive Vision

Nate Tibbetts' Coaching and Offensive Vision

14:14The Random Nature of the Mercury's Offense and Alyssa Thomas' Increased Usage

The Random Nature of the Mercury's Offense and Alyssa Thomas' Increased Usage

17:22Navigating Switches and the Mercury's Need for Comprehensive Performance

Navigating Switches and the Mercury's Need for Comprehensive Performance

19:51Elbow Action and Horns Action

Elbow Action and Horns Action

23:28Mercury's Performance Against Top Teams and Playing Off Stops

Mercury's Performance Against Top Teams and Playing Off Stops

27:16Chemistry and Spacing Tweaks

Chemistry and Spacing Tweaks

29:51Spacing, Re-spacing, and Manipulation of Space

Spacing, Re-spacing, and Manipulation of Space

Part 3: Defensive Strategies and Alyssa Thomas' Impact

33:07Defensive Pressure and Versatility

Defensive Pressure and Versatility

35:20Mercury's Defensive Strengths and Defending Off Misses

Mercury's Defensive Strengths and Defending Off Misses

37:37Transition Defense and Physicality

Transition Defense and Physicality

40:41Alyssa Thomas Guarding Point Guards and Defensive Versatility

Alyssa Thomas Guarding Point Guards and Defensive Versatility

44:31Matchup Discussions and Lineup Combinations

Matchup Discussions and Lineup Combinations

47:24Natasha Mack and Defensive Versatility

Natasha Mack and Defensive Versatility

50:32Natasha Mack's Drop Coverage and Defensive Versatility

Natasha Mack's Drop Coverage and Defensive Versatility

53:01Alyssa Thomas' Defensive Empowerment

Alyssa Thomas' Defensive Empowerment

55:12Alyssa Thomas' Defensive Instincts and Pick and Roll Defense

Alyssa Thomas' Defensive Instincts and Pick and Roll Defense

58:12Alyssa Thomas Guarding Guards and Defensive Concerns

Alyssa Thomas Guarding Guards and Defensive Concerns

1:01:01Defending the Play Outside of the Play

Defending the Play Outside of the Play

1:04:05Off-Ball Attendedness and Full Court Pressure

Off-Ball Attendedness and Full Court Pressure

Part 4: MVP and DPOY Discussion

1:07:56Alyssa Thomas in the MVP Race and Surprises

Alyssa Thomas in the MVP Race and Surprises

1:11:19Alyssa Thomas' Passing and Rejects

Alyssa Thomas' Passing and Rejects

1:14:14Alyssa Thomas' Aggression and MVP Case

Alyssa Thomas' Aggression and MVP Case

1:16:26Alyssa Thomas' MVP Case and Expectations

Alyssa Thomas' MVP Case and Expectations

1:19:57Expectations and the MVP Race

Expectations and the MVP Race

1:23:24Defensive Player of the Year and MVP

Defensive Player of the Year and MVP

1:26:28Alana Smith and Defensive Player of the Year

Alana Smith and Defensive Player of the Year

1:28:30Defensive Player of the Year Predictions

Defensive Player of the Year Predictions

Part 5: Bench Players and Team Rotation

1:31:14All-Rookie Team and Satou Sabally

All-Rookie Team and Satou Sabally

1:33:24Satou Sabally's Season

Satou Sabally's Season

1:36:37Satou Sabally's Usage and Drives

Satou Sabally's Usage and Drives

1:39:56Satou Sabally and Team Chemistry

Satou Sabally and Team Chemistry

1:42:40Satou Sabally's Defense and Shot Selection

Satou Sabally's Defense and Shot Selection

1:45:02Satou Sabally's Free Throw Attempts and All-Rookie Team