The Golden State Valkyries were running on fumes by the time Game 2 reached its frantic final minutes. And while they ultimately held off the Aces to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase admitted that the team was absolutely exhausted, even as they somehow found enough left in the tank to survive the Aces’ furious fourth-quarter push.
Speaking in the postgame press conference, a video of which was shared on the Valkyries’ YouTube channel, Nakase was asked how she managed the Valkyries’ recovery after Game 1, ensuring they were ready to compete without taking too much out of them or the energy they would ultimately need to withstand the Aces’ fourth-quarter surge. For Nakase, however, the Valkyries were anything but energized going through that fourth-quarter run. They were, in fact, exhausted.
“No matter how you say we had a break or not, we’re still a little bit exhausted,” Nakase said. “No matter how you look at it. I mean, look at me. I’m a complete example of emptying the tank.”
“It was really calculated because now I understand what each individual player needs. And so, that’s why within those two days, it’s like, okay, what do you need? Would you guys like more rest? Stay in your beds, stay with, you know, a lot of families here. Do you need that family recovery? That mental recovery? Maybe go for a walk; everyone’s different.”
“What’s great about being home is they all have their spots. So we utilize that. What I’ve learned is, as long as we’re concise and clear with our game plan, that is more important than actually having to get on the floor and doing a walkthrough. Our players now know our game plans and our tactics; we’re keeping the film sessions more important than moving our bodies,” she added.
According to Nakase, the Golden State Valkyries took a deliberately individualized approach to recovery during the two days between games, prioritizing mental clarity and film work over excessive physical preparation. And whatever that conserved energy produced, it proved just enough to get them through one of the most chaotic fourth quarters of the entire postseason.
Because, indeed, the fourth quarter of that game was an absolute tactical and emotional roller coaster. Entering the final ten minutes, the Valkyries held a 66-55 lead that appeared comfortable. The Las Vegas Aces had other ideas. They turned up the pressure relentlessly, clawed all the way back, and eventually took their first lead of the entire game at 76-74 with 1:36 remaining.
But with the home crowd at Chase Center on the edge of their seats, Gabby Williams responded immediately to the Aces’ lead by driving hard and sinking a mid-range jumper to equalize. And then, with 41.5 seconds left, point guard Veronica Burton, who had gone 0-for-2 from the field all night, launched a deep, ice-cold 3-pointer from the wing that rattled home, putting the Valkyries up 79-76.
From there, Nakase deployed a strict endgame strategy, deliberately fouling while up three to prevent the Aces from attempting a game-tying shot. With nine seconds remaining, Golden State intentionally fouled Chelsea Gray, who calmly sank both free throws to bring Las Vegas within one at 79-78. What followed was a composed and nerve-shredding exchange of fouls and free throws, with Kayla Thornton and Burton holding their nerves to convert all of theirs at the line, while Jackie Young missed one of her four, leaving the final score at 83-81.
And then, with one final defensive stand remaining, Chelsea Gray tried desperately to manufacture something at the buzzer. But Kiah Stokes rose to meet her and delivered a colossal, game-saving block that sealed the victory and sent Chase Center into pandemonium.
It was quite a fight that the Aces have put up, a reminder of exactly why they are defending champions and why writing them off would be a mistake. But the Valkyries withstood it all. Exhausted, emptied, but now just one victory away from the WNBA Finals.