A duel between two teams still fighting to secure their place in the WNBA playoffs resulted in another loss for the Indiana Fever. The Golden State Valkyries defeated Stephanie White’s team 75-63 at Chase Center.
However, off the court, there was also an intense mental confrontation: that of their coaches.
White spoke honestly about Nakase
Golden State’s Natalie Nakase is one of the favorites for Coach of the Year. Her work and impact on the team has been remarkable, especially considering it is her first season as head coach and she built the roster from scratch.
For her part, White has overcome difficulties and injuries this year, and she has a legacy behind her, having previously been named Coach of the Year in 2023 with the Connecticut Sun. And it was she who made her opinion clear to the opposing coach.
Even before the matchup, Stephanie had nothing but words of admiration and respect for Natalie. Highlighting her progress and decisions, White told the press:
“I think she’s done an outstanding job. You even think back to her and [GM Ohemaa Nyanin] and what they’ve done in terms of putting the team together. The right pieces that fit together that play the style that they want to play on both ends of the floor. That has experience and players who know how to know and understand to play a role in this league,” said the 48-year-old head coach.
They’ve put together a really good, tough squad. I think she’s done an outstanding job.
The truth is that, before the season started, eyes were not on the Valkyries. However, Nakase’s potential and the team’s overall performance, which remains firmly in playoff contention, have turned the spotlight on them. , have brought attention to them.
The victory raised Golden State’s record to 21-18 and moved them up to sixth place in the league standings. In contrast, the Indiana fell to 21-19 and, with it, their place in the table: from sixth to eighth.
Meanwhile, White and the Fever are preparing to play their last four games. On Tuesday, September 2, they will travel to PHX Arena to face the Phoenix Mercury. On Friday, September 5, they will host Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
On Sunday, September 7, they will face the Washington Mystics at CFG Bank Arena Baltimore, and finally, on Tuesday, September 9, they will face the Minnesota Lynx at home.
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