“We Have to Level Up” — Nakase Prepares for a Ruthless Game 6

Head Coach Natalie Nakase spoke after the Valkyries’ 64-55 win in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, which gives Golden State a 3-2 series lead and puts the team one win away from a championship. Nakase said the job was done at home, but the focus now is rest and recovery because the Valkyries have to level up against a ruthless Atlanta team that wants it just as much. She said you can never count the Dream out, and the Valkyries must be mentally tough and more connected than ever.

Nakase said defense wins championships, crediting ball pressure and aggressive, physical, two-way starters for creating turnovers and making it hard for opponents to get into their sets. She praised Kiah Stokes for her consistency and composure, saying nothing rattles her, and said the team leans on her experience as an anchor. Stokes also drew MVP chants from Ballhalla, and Nakase said she could not be more proud.

On offense, Nakase said the whole team is the stars, with everyone able to shoot threes and share the ball, which makes the Valkyries hard to guard. She called Veroqnica Burton the best point guard in the league, pointing to two turnovers in more than 70 minutes over two games, four blocks, and eight rebounds in Game 5. Nakase also reflected on what changed after Games 2 and 3, saying she listened to her players, who asked for more clarity, and that their vulnerability helped her adjust. She also shared what she means by being an extremist, saying she can repeat the same routine until she perfects it, but that a seven-game series asks for patience and listening.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Press Conference | Natalie Nakase, Kiah Stokes, Veronica Burton | Atlanta Dream | 2026

00:00 — Rest, Recovery, and Leveling Up for Atlanta
00:38 — Ball Pressure and Why Defense Wins Championships
02:01 — Kiah Stokes’ Consistency and Composure
03:04 — Everyone Is a Star on Offense
04:16 — Finals Physicality and Kiah’s Experience
06:16 — Rising Standards and Communication
07:29 — The Extremist Mindset and Listening to Her Players
10:35 — Veronica Burton’s Leadership and Resilience
12:08 — Team Defense, MVP Chants, and Game 6 Urgency