Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed support for the WNBA's decision to schedule Game 6 of the Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream for an early 12:30 p.m. ET tipoff on Thursday. The decision aims to accommodate scheduling conflicts while ensuring the game is played in a suitable venue.
"It’s better than having it at the YMCA that night in front of 75 people," Kerr quipped Monday, acknowledging the difficult circumstances the league navigated. "They’re doing what they’ve got to do."
The scheduling for Game 6 presented a significant challenge. While the Valkyries typically play to sold-out crowds at the 18,064-capacity Chase Center, the Dream's home arena, Gateway Center Arena, seats approximately 3,500. The teams had utilized the larger State Farm Arena, home to the Atlanta Hawks, for Games 3 and 4 after coordinating with the Hawks to adjust their schedule.
However, State Farm Arena was already booked for an NBA game between the Hawks and Cavaliers on the potential Game 6 date. After considering schedule shifts to maintain primetime slots, the WNBA reached an agreement with the Hawks. This agreement allows for a doubleheader, with the Hawks' game pushed back to 8:30 p.m. local time to accommodate the 12:30 p.m. Finals tipoff.
Kerr, who has shown interest in the WNBA team's success, has maintained contact with Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, offering support throughout their playoff run. He was also seen courtside during earlier games of the series with Joe Lacob, principal owner of both the Warriors and the Valkyries. The Valkyries, in their second season as an expansion team, are vying for a championship, with figures like Warriors player Brandin Podziemski having previously established themselves as notable fans.
