Valkyries lean on veteran experience ahead of first playoff game

MINNEAPOLIS — The Golden State Valkyries are new to the postseason stage, but their veterans are not. 

As the expansion team prepares for its first ever playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, it will be leaning heavily on players who have been there before. The ones that know what it takes when the lights burn brighter. 

“I think it comes down to helping the young kids out,” said forward Monique Billings, who has been to the playoffs three times in her seven-year career, after Saturday’s practice. “Just getting them right, knowing that you have to come in with a different mentality, that it’s not like the regular season. This is a whole new season.”

Though it’s their first year in the postseason, the Valkyries have a roster that has played playoff minutes. 

Billings along with Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, Kaila Charles and Temi Fágbénlé have all been to the playoffs before. Even young players like Iliana Rupert, Kate Martin and Laeticia Amihere have played in postseason games. 

Sharpshooter Cecilia Zandalasini was in the finals last year with the Lynx.

“Everybody has brought their own experience. That’s what makes it special and that’s what makes us a playoff team,” Zandalasini said. “I’m sure everybody will be ready. We know what everybody needs to do, taking their responsibility, but also lifting each other up no matter what happens.” 

Valkyries not motivated by seeding

The Valkyries had three chances to clinch the No. 6 seed this past week, falling short in each opportunity. 

But where they fell in the playoff seeding order is not a motivating factor for coach Natalie Nakase. 

“The thing is, we made it. That was the goal. … So that’s why these three games were about rest and rhythm, rather than being a must win,” Nakase said. “If we ain’t motivated to be in the playoffs, then we got the wrong team.” 

However, the Valkyries believe that their must-win mentality that they carried through them through the end of the regular season will only help in this playoff series. 

“It’s in real time now,” Burton said. “It’s the ultimate do or die. And so it kind of has been that way, in a sense of making playoffs, but now it’s to continue playing.”

Burton reacts to AP award

On Friday, three Valkyries earned national recognition from the Associated Press WNBA Awards. 

Nakase was named coach of the year, rookie forward Janelle Salaün was selected to the all-rookie team and Burton was given most improved player.

Burton was the only player on the Valkyries to start in all 44 games with averages of 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. The former Northwestern standout is the first player in WNBA history to improve her per-game averages by over eight points, four assists and two rebounds compared to the prior season.

“I’m just grateful,” Burton said. “I think our team is full of most improved players. So I’m grateful to play on a team like this, and definitely a testament to what they’ve allowed me to do and just allowing me to be me.

Hayes update

Hayes took part in Saturday’s practice and Nakase said she will be a game-time decision. 

Hayes, 35, has missed the last nine games with a knee injury she suffered on Aug. 22 in a loss to the Phoenix Mercury. 

“She’s still a game-time decision and is day-to-day, but she looked good,” Nakase said.