The Golden State Valkyries are entering the 2026 WNBA Finals with home-court advantage and a 3-0 regular-season record against the Atlanta Dream.
But the last time the Valkyries played the Dream was in early July. The team is much different now. Angel Reese has improved her inside scoring and is a more confident 3-point shooter. Jordin Canada has been on a tear all playoffs long, and Isobel Borlase is coming into her own as a key reserve. Most importantly, the Dream were able to sign championship veteran DeWanna Bonner in September.
Bonner has provided the Dream with veteran leadership, size, length, versatility, and invaluable scoring. She seamlessly stepped up when Allisha Gray suffered a finger injury that cost her most of the three games against the New York Liberty. Bonner also played well against the Valkyries in the Phoenix Mercury’s lone win of the season against the expansion franchise with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.
All of the Valkyries’ information on Bonner with the Dream comes from watching other teams play them. They have no first-hand experience of how Bonner’s length, experience, and scoring change the Dream’s play on both ends of the floor.
“A little bit,” Natalie Nakase said in a practice media availability when asked if she could draw anything from the Valkyries’ previous matchups with the Dream, “but understanding they’re playing with a lot more pace. Obviously, having DeWanna Bonner is different. The spacing is different.”
The Valkyries can lean on how they defended Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese, and Allisha Gray in previous matchups, but the finals start with a clean slate. It’s 0-0, and, in the end, it will come down to which team is more prepared and ready to make the right adjustments.
The Valkyries are a different team, too
The Valkyries have evolved just like the Dream have. Gabby Williams is playing her best basketball of the season, averaging 22.7 points over the first two series and looking like a player ready to claim superstar status. So is Kiah Stokes, who was phenomenal against A’ja Wilson and will have to be just as great against Reese and the Dream. Moreover, Kayla Thornton looks healthier than she has all season.
Golden State also added Aminata Gueye in September. Natalie Nakase trusted her to play big minutes against Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces, and she could also see some minutes against Reese and the Dream’s frontcourt.
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