"It's Not Just Having a Deep Bench" — Nakase on What Makes This Team Special

Head Coach Natalie Nakase spoke after Golden State's Game 1 win over the Dallas Wings, and her message came back to one idea. This team wants success for its teammates more than for itself. Nakase said that is the real reason the Valkyries are special, and that it goes beyond simply having a deep bench.

Nakase praised her team for emptying the tank for about two and a half quarters and executing the game plan with strong attention to detail, crediting Sidney Parsons for the scout. She also pointed out where the Valkyries can improve, saying the defense dipped in the third quarter and Dallas got to the paint too easily. On slowing Paige Bueckers, Nakase explained that picking her up for 94 feet wears on a player, and that the ability to rotate Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Veronica Burton, and Tiffany Hayes onto her is strength in numbers at work.

Nakase spoke about how the defense fed the offense in a big second quarter, with the Valkyries pushing the pace and forcing Dallas to match up on the run. She highlighted Hayes getting downhill and Kayla Thornton's three, and explained that the team's growing patience and spacing led to six players making multiple threes. The goal was to score in the paint first and let the open shots follow.

Nakase reflected on the difference between playing at Chase Center and the South Bay a year ago, saying Ballhalla now understands the moments and feels more connected than ever. She also spoke about Hayes' hunger to win and how much this run means for the players who came out of retirement to be part of it. As Game 2 approaches, Nakase said recovery is the priority, and nothing carries over from this game.

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

00:00 — Wanting Success for Teammates More Than Themselves
00:16 — Emptying the Tank and the Third Quarter Dip
01:16 — Defense Fueling the Offense in the Second Quarter
01:50 — Wearing Down Bueckers With a 94-Foot Rotation
02:58 — Six Players With Multiple Threes and Paint-First Spacing
04:04 — Playing at Chase Center vs. the South Bay
05:15 — Tip Hayes' Hunger to Win
06:26 — Seeing Another Level From Tip
07:08 — A Deep Bench Built on Purpose
08:12 — Recovery Mode and Locking In for Game 2