"Nakase led the Valkyries to a 23-21 record in their first season and led the Golden State to the playoffs, becoming the first expansion team in league history to make the postseason in its first year. Under Nakase, the Valkyries established themselves as one of the best defenses in the league, holding opponents to a league-best 76.3 points per game. The first-time head coach was hired last year by Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and has created a culture of collective effort that uplifts that defense."
"The Valkyries have also embraced the three-point revolution under Nakase, 45, as they lead the league with 29.9 3-pointers attempted and 9.7 made 3s per game. Burton, 25, was the only player on the Valkyries to start in all 44 games with averages of 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. The former Northwestern standout is the first player in WNBA history to improve her per-game averages by over eight points, four assists and two rebounds compared to the prior season."
"I got to give her credit because she sacrifices, Nakase said of Burton earlier this season. She sacrifices time with her friends, time with her family. She's taking care of her body. We're very lucky to have someone to just kind of pour everything into being the point guard for us."
Natalie Nakase won AP WNBA Coach of the Year after guiding the expansion Valkyries to a 23-21 record and the playoffs. The Valkyries became the first expansion team in league history to reach the postseason in their inaugural season. The team led the league defensively, allowing a league-best 76.3 points per game. Golden State also paced the league in three-point attempts (29.9) and makes (9.7) per game. Veronica Burton started all 44 games, averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists, and posted historic per-game improvements. Janelle Salaun earned all-rookie honors, finishing fourth among rookies in scoring and third in rebounding.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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