"When We Play With Joy, Good Things Happen" — Nakase on Making the Playoffs Again

Head Coach Natalie Nakase spoke candidly after Golden State clinched its second straight playoff berth, and the conversation revealed layers of what's driving this team. Nakase started by saying the win means everything for the fans at Ballhalla, which reached a different level of noise and energy during the game. She said she never takes that for granted and called coaching in Chase Center a dream come true.

On the court, Nakase was honest. Defensively, she said the first quarter was not good, admitting she may not have pushed hard enough in practice. But she praised the team's response in the second quarter, when they locked in, communicated, and started pressuring more effectively.

Nakase also broke down her evolution as a coach learning her point guards' leadership styles, explaining that their communication is longer and softer than she initially expected, but there's method to it. She's learning when to let them lead without a timeout and when to get on them. She highlighted Gabby Williams' leadership in the huddle and her flow state, Veronica Burton's play calling, Kayla Thornton's attention to defensive detail, and Ja's composure down the stretch.

On Tip Hayes, Nakase said she's fearless, taking big shots when the clock demands it, and when Golden State plays with that joy and battle simultaneously, good things happen. Nakase also challenged her team heading into the playoffs, saying bigger goals require being very uncomfortable, and everyone agreed to embrace that discomfort.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Press Conference | Natalie Nakase, Gabby Williams, Tiffany Hayes | Dallas Wings | 2026

00:00 — Playing for Ballhalla and Clinching Meaning
00:43 — Learning the Point Guards' Leadership
01:33 — Growth as a Coach in Year Two
02:33 — Four Days Rest and Sticky Rhythm
03:14 — Tip Hayes' Fearlessness and Big Shots
03:56 — Fans and Purpose Behind Tonight's Win
04:22 — Defensive Effort and First Quarter Flatness
05:18 — Gabby Williams' Leadership and Flow State
06:44 — Multiple Leadership Voices and Their Strengths
07:44 — Pushing Players Past Their Limits Comfortably
09:46 — Celebration and the Real Goal
10:26 — Seizing Momentum Moments and Tip's Fearlessness