Inside the Valkyries’ improbable run to the WNBA Finals

The Golden State Valkyries don’t have an MVP candidate, a dominant post player, or a lineup filled with All-Stars. But coach Natalie Nakase didn’t need a traditional roster to guide her team to the WNBA Finals. Led by Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and the league’s deepest rotation, the Valkyries have exceeded expectations and open the best-of-seven series with a chance to win a title in just their second season. On this episode of the “Section 415” podcast, The Standard’s Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the Valkyries’ unlikely ascent, their semifinal sweep of the Las Vegas Aces, and how they match up against the Atlanta Dream.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro: Valkyries sweep the Aces 1:57 Valkyries fans take over Vegas 3:08 WNBA Finals preview: The red-hot Atlanta Dream 5:19 Which reserves will Nakase lean on? 8:15 How the Valkyries have won by relying on their depth 10:44 Gabby Williams vs. Angel Reese: The DPOY matchup 13:32 The Valks' improvement from last year 18:48 Kaila Charles, the under-the-radar weapon 19:49 Natalie Nakase, the real Coach of the Year? 22:55 Outro and credits

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