{
  "id": 10115938,
  "title": "Valkyries news: How Natalie Nakase is preparing for Paige Bueckers, Wings playoff series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/valkyries-news-how-natalie-nakase-is-preparing-for-paige-bueckers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T02:12:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/valkyries-news-natalie-nakase-preparing-021237695.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the WNBA playoffs, the Golden State Valkyries are gearing up to face the Dallas Wings in a highly anticipated matchup. As the second-seeded team, the Valkyries are determined to make a deep run in the postseason, with their 32-12 record and strong defense as key factors. All-Star forward Gabby Williams emphasizes that the team's winning culture, characterized by detail-oriented teaching, unselfishness, and collective effort, has brought them to this point. The team's focus is to elevate their performance and be a more elevated version of themselves in the playoffs.\n\nThe key to this series will be a chess match on the perimeter and at the point of attack, with Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings posing a significant challenge. Bueckers averages 20.9 points on 51.2% field goal percentage and 41.0% three-point shooting, making her the \"head of the snake\" for the Wings' attack. The Valkyries' defense, which generated a 99.1 defensive rating this season, is expected to be a formidable obstacle for any opponent, including Bueckers. Golden State's defense is known for its strong wings defenders like Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and Kaila Charles, as well as their ability to deter opponents at the rim with players like Kiah Stokes and Kayla Thornton.\n\nTo prepare for the Dallas Wings, the Valkyries have studied the team's personnel and schematic changes made by coach Jose Fernandez. The team will focus on staying aggressive on their players and taking away their pace, as they focus on knowing their personnel and making them take tough shots. The Valkyries must also address their offensive struggles by doubling down on their strengths, particularly their defense, which can create transition opportunities and push the opponents in. By focusing on these aspects, the Golden State Valkyries aim to overcome their offensive woes and secure a win against the Dallas Wings in their playoff series.",
  "summary": "SAN FRANCISCO – At long last, the WNBA playoffs have arrived for the Golden State Valkyries. All of the games they’ve won, all the hours of film they’ve studied, all the time they’ve spent on and off the court, it all comes to a head as the Valkyries face the Dallas Wings in the two-versus-seven seed matchup of the first round. And as Golden State […] The post Valkyries news: How Natalie Nakase…",
  "key_points": [
    "Golden State Valkyries prepare for Dallas Wings in WNBA playoffs",
    "Paige Bueckers poses significant challenge with 20.9 points average",
    "Valkyries focus on defense and offensive improvement for series"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}