{
  "id": 10834224,
  "title": "Why WNBA playoff veteran Tiffany Hayes thinks Valkyries could win it all",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/why-wnba-playoff-veteran-tiffany-hayes-thinks-valkyries-could-win-it",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T02:13:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-wnba-playoff-veteran-tiffany-021355619.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Golden State Valkyries forward Tiffany Hayes believes her team could win the WNBA playoffs title. This is her eighth playoff appearance and she has had various experiences in the past. In 2013, she was part of the Atlanta Dream's Finals run, and in 2023, she was the primary offensive creator for the Connecticut Sun. In 2024, she joined the Las Vegas Aces as the league's premier bench performer. Hayes, now 37, has a hunger to win, according to her head coach Natalie Nakase. She attributes this newfound determination to the team's camaraderie, their willingness to keep learning throughout the season, and their positive vibes. Hayes also highlights her team's bench strength, noting that Golden State has the No. 1 bench in the league. The Valkyries' bench is not only scoring and has a high offensive rating, but they also keep up the intensity from start to finish. The absence of a star scorer might be a concern, but Hayes believes their bench is the real advantage.",
  "summary": "When Tiffany Hayes came right out and told Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase this team could win the WNBA title, it was coming from ample experience as well as her competitive drive.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tiffany Hayes, 37, aims to lead Golden State Valkyries to WNBA title.",
    "Valkyries boast league's No. 1 bench with high scoring and intensity.",
    "Hayes attributes team's determination to camaraderie and continuous learning."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Who will win each 2026 WNBA playoff series and why",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/who-will-win-each-2026-wnba-playoff-series-and-why",
        "published": "2026-09-29T21:00:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}