Natalie Nakase is currently busy doing what many believed was impossible: prepping her team to head to the WNBA Finals in only their second year in existence — ever. The Golden State Valkyries have already made history and shattered expectations, and now Nakase is calling on a crucial contigent to make sure that energy is sustained: the fans.
Nakase was asked by reporters what energy she wants the Atlanta Dream to be met with when the WNBA Finals begin in San Francisco this weekend: "hostility."
She said, "You guys know, since we're prepping for a great gameplan, Ballhalla better be prepping a gameplan. As soon as they're announced, I need some hostility. As soon as, if they do challenge, I need some hostility. If they shoot free throws, I need that game to be rocking."
"So, gameplan, Ballhalla. Get ready, get prepped. Because we definitely need to use Ballhalla as our sixth man," Nakase added.
Valkyries fans are among the best in the WNBA
Every team in the league loves their fans, and every team believes they have the best fans, but the Valkyries may well have the data to back that up. The team has sold out every single home game they've played, and Valkyries fans are a dedicated lot: they consistently show up, show out, and make their support known.
Fans always have the ability to shift the tone of a game, and players and coaches often cite fans for helping push them through an especially tough moment or outcome. The WNBA Finals will be tough no matter how they go for both teams, and both the Valkryies and the Dream will need their fans to be there for them. Nakase is correct in her demands and expectations — and, luckily, she doesn't have a big reason to worry that they won't be met.
The Finals begin Saturday, October 17. Games one and two will be played in San Francisco, and the third and fourth games will be played at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The teams will return to San Francisco for the fifth game. If a sixth game is necessary, they'll meet again in Georgia. If a seventh game becomes necessary, they'll once again return to Ballhalla.
There's a lot at stake for both teams, but in the end, that may not matter: the Valkyries and the Dream are making history from game one, and fans of both teams are in for a spectacular ride.
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