SAN FRANCISCO – The star power of the Valkyries’ final homestand has dimmed, but the excitement of a stunning playoff push remains bright and unabated.
Golden State entered Sunday’s matchup against the Fever with a magic number of four, which is the combined number of Valkyries wins and the trailing Los Angeles Sparks losses needed for the expansion franchise to clinch a playoff spot.
The stakes might be high, but that will not change how the Valkyries’ coach approaches the crucial stretch compared to the rest of the season.
“That’s gambling, that’s Vegas stuff,” Nakase said when asked about the magic number. “Like, I don’t know if any of the other teams are going to lose. That’s why I stay focused on us.”
That mentality has trickled down to the players.
“I definitely think that (we should) just stick to what we’ve been doing like so well together as a team, and continuing to emphasize that,” guard Kaitlyn Chen told the Bay Area News Group. “I think we’ll put ourselves in a good spot.”
The Valkyries are playing in their last string of games at Chase Center, facing New York, Dallas and Minnesota in the Bay Area this week before finishing the season on the road.
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None of those upcoming three opponents are expected to be at full strength, though.
Caitlin Clark has not played since July, the Liberty are dealing with a slew of injuries, and Paige Bueckers has been saddled with back and calf injuries on a Dallas team that has had half the roster either out or questionable for weeks.
What has been the cause of this leaguewide injury crisis?
“Shoot, if I had that answer, I’d be a millionaire,” Nakase sarcastically remarked, before adding, “It’s part of basketball, and it happens, but you guys see how important it is, and how (and why) I am so focused on taking care of my players.”
Minnesota, the top team in the league, could also be resting players such as Napheesa Collier if it has clinched the No. 1 seed.
At the beginning of the season, seeing marquee names such as Clark, Walnut Creek’s Sabrina Ionescu and Paige Bueckers on the injured list would be cause for concern.
But this season has proven that fan interest is not tied to who is visiting town.
The Valkyries have sold out each of their 18 home games this season, 18,064 packing out Chase Center regardless of how mighty or feeble the opposition is.
Such unconditionally strong support at the venue informally dubbed “Ballhalla” has not gone unnoticed by the Valkyries players or coaches.
“I think it’s exciting that our players really are excited to play at home,” Nakase said. “You can see how our pregame is one of the most unique shows in basketball.”
And regardless of who is playing for the other team, the Valkyries know they will get support.