"She's a Veteran Still Learning" — Nakase Praises Tip Hayes' Growth

Head Coach Natalie Nakase met with the media after Golden State's win over the Chicago Sky, and much of the conversation centered on Tip's standout performance. Nakase said Tip played in a true flow state, praising her for emptying the tank every time she steps on the floor, along with the composure she showed through a night of inconsistent officiating. Nakase also highlighted the moves Tip has been adding to her game in the paint, calling it impressive to see a veteran still hungry to learn and grow for her teammates.

Nakase broke down the keys behind a franchise-record 16 steals, pointing to ball pressure, communication, and the team staying connected defensively despite being undersized against Chicago's size in the post. She also credited Ashten's preparation and composure for a strong showing defending Chicago's Cardoso, noting the payoff of consistent reps during a demanding stretch of the schedule.

Nakase took ownership of a slow start, admitting the initial game plan wasn't right before her team adjusted quickly. She emphasized how the group has continued to score at a high level even without Ja in the lineup, crediting better ball movement and the second unit stepping into a bigger role. She closed by connecting the team's defensive identity directly to its offensive success, saying the two continue to feed off each other.

🔔 .
Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Press Conference | Natalie Nakase | Chicago Sky | 2026

00:00 — Second Unit Stepping Up Without Ja
00:28 — Tip's Flow State and Composure
01:24 — Breaking Down the Franchise-Record Steals
02:01 — Ashten's Preparation and Defensive Impact
02:54 — Owning the Slow First Quarter
03:34 — Scoring Without Ja's Offensive Force
04:29 — Rebounding Emphasis With Ja and Kiah Out
05:07 — Update on Kiah's Timeline
05:26 — Defense Fueling the Offensive Surge