Valkyries Surprising Playoff Push
No one really thought the Golden State Valkyries would land a spot in the playoffs this season.
Predictions from ESPN had them as the least likely team to succeed in the WNBA, perhaps even the worst. The Athletic also suggested they’d be third among the Western teams, which now seems off.
Yet, contrary to those forecasts, Golden State is poised to finish with the sixth-best record in the league—meaning they’ve secured a playoff berth with some time to spare. This record puts them ahead of notable teams like the Seattle Storm, featuring veterans like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike, and even surpasses the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever.
Interestingly, their only first-round pick, Juste Joyce, has been playing overseas, but despite that, the team has thrived. This feat is impressive, particularly considering they lost their leading scorer Kayla Thornton to a season-ending injury partway through.
Moreover, they entered the offseason without any major acquisitions, only managing to bring in one star, Tiffany Hayes. Still, the reasons behind their success may largely stem from well-prepared head coach Natalie Nakaze.
Nakaze’s Remarkable Rookie Season
Evaluating coaches can be a tricky business, especially from a media standpoint. I mean, I’m not there during halftime or in practice sessions, so it’s tough to gauge how effectively concepts are being communicated or followed. There are so many layers to consider.
But you can, in fact, get a sense of things. You notice players’ reactions when they are pulled out, and the trust they seem to place in their coaches when given chances.
At the Valkyries, player Veronica Burton exudes joy on the court that’s somewhat rare in the WNBA. She plays with a sense of freedom. Rookies like Carla Leit and Janelle Surrown don’t seem to play like traditional first-year players. They have all exceeded expectations. Burton, for instance, has upped her average from 3.1 to 12 points per game, while Cecilia Zandalasini has seen an increase from 4.6 to 11.2 points. Both Leit and Surrown have adapted beautifully to the league.
And at the end of the day, they are winning games. That’s what truly matters. They’ve recorded more wins than any other expansion team in WNBA history, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
There’s a growing vibe in the league that Coach Nakaze deserves much of the credit for Golden State’s unexpected success.
Cheryl Reeve, who coaches the Minnesota Lynx and is regarded as one of the best in WNBA history, has acknowledged the Valkyries’ performance under Nakaze in recent comments.
“When you combine competition level with talent and player buy-in, that’s a potent mix,” Reeve noted.
In a recent interview, Angel Reese mentioned the Valkyries when discussing competitive intensity, saying, “Looking at Golden State—there’s no padding, but I don’t think they’re less talented than us on paper. They just play incredibly hard.”
As it stands, the Valkyries are sitting at 23-19 this season, while the Storm are trailing at 10-32.
Strong Contenders for Coach of the Year
Aside from Nakaze, there are three other noteworthy nominees for the Coach of the Year award.
- Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx
- Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces
- Carl Smesco, Atlanta Dream
All of these coaches have had fantastic seasons, guiding their teams to top finishes. The Coach of the Year award often rewards those who surpass expectations, which could work in favor of both Nakaze and Smesco—especially as the Lynx and Aces have MVP-caliber players and have made significant playoff appearances.
Smesco and the Dream have made considerable strides this season, leaping to the third spot from seventh place last year. This success seems to stem from a new system in place and some astute offseason choices.
“Honestly, I think the noise around it isn’t loud enough,” Smesco shared.
Then we have Cheryl Reeve. The Lynx have been the most dominating team this season, boasting a league-best record of 32-9 and a point differential of 9.8. While MVP candidate Napheesa Collier is making waves, Reeve’s ability to inspire and empower the entire roster stands out.
That being said, Reeve has received recognition in the past for her knack for maximizing player potential, having won Coach of the Year last season.
And what about Becky Hammon? She orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Aces, leading them to a 14-game winning streak after a mediocre start. While she won the award in 2022, there’s a compelling case for her this time as well, considering the depth of her team compared to others.
It’s important to highlight that all four—Reeve, Hammon, Smesco, and Nakaze—merit recognition for their coaching prowess this season. Traditionally, this award goes to those who make the most of their roster’s potential.
Ultimately, Nakaze’s ability to lead a team full of bench players and those currently overseas into the playoffs makes her a solid choice.
This week, WNBA senior writer Noah Dalzel will be unveiling selections for various awards, including Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and the coveted Coach of the Year, among others. In each piece, he’ll articulate the reasoning behind each pick.
