NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
The league’s top two defenses will meet in the 2026 WNBA Finals starting Saturday afternoon. These two teams have leaned into their defensive identity and shut down the league’s top offensive stars. The Atlanta Dream swept their competition in the East, while Golden State had one first-round loss to the Dallas Wings. The Valkyries adjusted those mistakes and swept the former champions, the Las Vegas Aces, in the semis.
What can each team carry over from their semifinals matchup in the Finals? Here is who I’m paying attention to:
Point Guard Battle: Canada and Burton
Canada has reached another level in this playoff push. She’s doubled her regular-season scoring and raised the tempo defensively. Burton and Canada both pick opposing teams’ pockets, so it will be fun to watch these two point guards face off.
As the floor general, Burton does countless things for Golden State, but one thing always stands out: her ability to be everywhere. She chases down every loose ball; she grabs rebounds under the basket; she pushes the tempo when needed and calms everyone down when things get too chaotic.
During media availability on Friday, I asked each one how they’ve prepared for the other:
Canada: “I’m just playing well and paying attention to people’s tendencies.”
Burton: “She’s one of those point guards who gets underestimated…I’m doing whatever in my power to slow her down.”
Battle of the Bigs: Kiah Stokes, Angel Reese and DeWanna Bonner
In the semifinals, Stokes drove Golden State’s victory over the Aces. The offensive boards gave the Valkyries extra crucial possessions and helped them build a lead. Stokes will have her work cut out for her against Bonner and Reese, the defensive player of the year. Bonner is long, so she’ll crash the glass alongside Stokes and possibly Laeticia Amihere; I predict we’ll see more of her in this seven-game series. Not only to rest Stokes, but also to match Bonner’s length.
For Reese’s first postseason run, she is playing the best basketball of her career so far, averaging 18 PPG, 8.4 REB, 2.2 BLK, and 1.2 STL. It’s no secret this team is playing for each other and has had their eyes on a finals appearance since training camp, like their opponent.
Bonner brings another layer to the Dream with her championship experience and leadership. “She keeps us grounded; she keeps us motivated,” Canada shared on Friday. “I remember the first day she came and the first thing she told us was that we’re inconsistent. From there, it made us all lock in.”
I am keeping an eye on the Valkyries big rotations. Aside from Stokes, Aminata Gueye and Amihere will be critical in the paint, stopping Reese from scoring, and grabbing offensive boards.
Valkyries Bench Rotations vs. the Dream
Golden State’s bench was the league’s highest-scoring, and Natalie Nakase’s frequent substitutions tend to throw defenses off. Whether Janelle Salaun gets hot from the arc or Kaitlyn Chen drives to the basket with acrobatic layups, multiple Valkyries players can shift momentum.
For the Dream, if Allisha Gray is out (as of this article’s release, she is listed as questionable), they’ll look to Te-Hina Paopao and Isobel Borlase to match GSV’s bench energy minutes. If the Valkyries’ bench goes on a scoring run, the Dream will be playing catch-up. But if the Valkyries go on a scoring drought, they may be in a little trouble.
Gabby Williams vs Everyone
Williams has been Golden State’s clutch scorer. She came here with a championship mindset, and she’ll do everything she can to help get this team there. Her playoff appearance has been lights out. Her clutch midrange shots could keep the Valkyries alive.
This finals could truly go either way. Both teams have strong defenses and are rallying behind head coaches that have believed in them all season.
