Valkyries Eye First WNBA Title in Game 7 Against Dream

The Golden State Valkyries are poised to potentially win their first WNBA championship on Saturday when they host the Atlanta Dream in a decisive Game 7.

A critical strategic decision by Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase during the series has significantly impacted the team's trajectory. After falling behind two games to one, Nakase inserted veteran guard Tiffany Hayes into the starting lineup for Game 4, aiming to invigorate a struggling offense.

This tactical shift yielded immediate results, contributing to two consecutive victories that have brought Golden State to the brink of the championship. Hayes has maintained her starting role since, contributing 13, 12, and 15 points in the subsequent games, respectively.

Hayes's increased importance is underscored by her performance metrics throughout the Finals. Her average playing time has surged to 26 minutes per game in the championship series, a notable increase from her regular-season average of 17 minutes. She has consistently played at least 24 minutes in every game of the series, maintaining her effectiveness despite the expanded role.

Following a challenging Game 1 where she shot 1-for-12, Hayes has found her shooting rhythm. Over the last five games, the 37-year-old guard has shot 49.1 percent from the field.

The Valkyries have faced offensive difficulties throughout the series, averaging only 67.3 points per game against a strong Dream defense. This makes Hayes's scoring contributions particularly crucial for the anticipated intense matchup in San Francisco.

With the championship on the line, and facing the franchise where she spent a decade, Hayes is expected to continue as a key secondary scoring option alongside Gabby Williams. One projection suggests Tiffany Hayes will score over 11.5 points in Game 7.