NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
The Valkyries made two things clear from the beginning of the season: their objective is to be one of the top teams in the standings and make it further in the playoffs than they did last season. Their matchup against the Wings on Monday night is more than another possible victory. If they win they clinch their second consecutive playoff spot.
Last year, Golden State made history when they beat the Wings on September 4, 2025, as the first expansion team ever to clinch a playoff spot. What are the chances the Valkyries’ playoff status lands against the same opponent? The WNBA must be on to something.
Valkyries Vibes
With winning, of course, comes good vibes, and one thing is guaranteed with this team: win or lose, they are going to keep the vibes high. The energy starts from the bench and ripples its way to Natalie Nakase, who turns around and thinks, ‘What the heck is going on here?’ Nakase said she’s learning to adapt to and embrace the team’s celebration, even if it distracts her.
“Once you score, okay, you got right back to defense. That’s how I was raised; that’s what my dad would always say to me. But they enjoy the celebration, so maybe I have to be a little more lenient. I told my mom that, and she goes, “Natalie, be a little more lenient, let them celebrate.”
The Valkyries are on a five-game winning streak heading into their matchup against Dallas. The Wings currently hold the eighth spot in a tight playoff race. A victory in Ballhalla would help them hold on to that spot.
Nakase has stressed the importance of playing a solid four quarters for the last month. In their last five matchups, there were moments when the game got away from Golden State. The defense was adjusting without Kiah Stokes in the first quarter against the Sky. The Sparks cut the Valkyries’ lead in the fourth quarter to one point, forcing the Valkyries to be smart with their ball control. You get the picture.
Tonight, although Veronica Burton has said the team is not thinking about playoff status, it will be reflected in the way they play. Nakase said pregame that she is challenging her team to improve communication and limit their mistakes.
“There’s no waiting today in terms of communication. It is high, it is harsh, it’s violent – it’s direct tonight.”
