Brief

Golden State Valkyries struggle defensively in 97-71 Game 3 loss to Atlanta Dream

Coach Natalie Nakase cited lack of communication and missed rotations as key reasons for the Valkyries' defensive collapse.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:40:48 GMT

Atlanta, Oct. 21 (AP) – The Golden State Valkyries dropped Game 3 of the WNBA Finals 97-71, falling behind 2-1 in the best‑of‑seven series, according to the Associated Press.

Atlanta shot 49.3% from the field while Golden State, a league‑leading defensive team, allowed 97 points – a total matched only once this season, in an overtime loss to Dallas during the first‑round series.

Guard Tiffany Hayes said, “I think this game, they wanted it more than us, and that’s not who we are,” as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press.

Coach Natalie Nakase described the performance as “just undisciplined” on defense, adding that the team was “not in our shifts consistently” and “wasn’t communicating” during rotations. She placed responsibility on herself, noting that “if something is being a little bit unclear, then that’s all of me.”

Forward Gabby Williams contributed 15 points on 5‑of‑18 shooting and emphasized that fixing defense is essential for offensive success: “We have to get back to what works for us. We have to just go back to our defense.”

Other notable statistics: Cecilia Zandalasini scored 13 points, making four of six three‑pointers; Tiffany Hayes added 14 points; Janelle Salaun posted 13 off the bench; and Veronica Burton, a regular starter, managed only three points on 1‑of‑7 shooting.

Williams and Nakase both highlighted the early shooting slump – the Valkyries missed their first eight attempts and never held a lead. The loss follows a Game 2 defeat to the Dream, where the Valkyries also struggled defensively.

Key facts

Golden State Valkyries lost Game 3 of the WNBA Finals 97-71 to the Atlanta Dream. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Atlanta shot 49.3% from the field in the game. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Coach Natalie Nakase blamed undisciplined defense and poor communication for the loss. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Gabby Williams scored 15 points on 5‑of‑18 shooting. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Valkyries missed their first eight shots and never led the game. (winnipegfreepress.com)