"I think it comes down to helping the young kids out, said forward Monique Billings, who has been to the playoffs three times in her seven-year career, after Saturday's practice. Just getting them right, knowing that you have to come in with a different mentality, that it's not like the regular season. This is a whole new season."
"Sharpshooter Cecilia Zandalasini was in the finals last year with the Lynx. Everybody has brought their own experience. That's what makes it special and that's what makes us a playoff team, Zandalasini said. I'm sure everybody will be ready. We know what everybody needs to do, taking their responsibility, but also lifting each other up no matter what happens."
"The Valkyries had three chances to clinch the No. 6 seed this past week, falling short in each opportunity. But where they fell in the playoff seeding order is not a motivating factor for coach Natalie Nakase. The thing is, we made it. That was the goal. So that's why these three games were about rest and rhythm, rather than being a must win, Nakase said."
The expansion Golden State Valkyries reached the postseason for the first time and will face the Minnesota Lynx. The roster includes veterans with prior playoff experience—Monique Billings, Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, Kaila Charles and Temi Fagbenle—alongside younger players who have seen postseason minutes like Iliana Rupert, Kate Martin and Laeticia Amihere. Cecilia Zandalasini reached the finals last year with the Lynx. Veterans plan to help younger teammates adjust to a different playoff mentality. Coach Natalie Nakase emphasized that clinching seeding mattered less than making the playoffs and used recent games for rest and rhythm.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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