Valkyries magic number: Playoff math, fan support favors Golden State
SAN FRANCISCO The star power of the Valkyries final homestand has dimmed but the excitement of a stunning playoff push remains bright and unabated Golden State entered Sunday s matchup against the Fever with a magic number of four which is the combined number of Valkyries wins and the trailing Los Angeles Sparks losses needed for the expansion franchise to clinch a playoff spot The stakes might be high but that will not change how the Valkyries coach approaches the crucial stretch compared to the rest of the season That s gambling that s Vegas stuff Nakase reported when urged about the magic number Like I don t know if any of the other teams are going to lose That s why I stay focused on us That kind of mentality has trickled down to the players I definitely think that we should just stick to what we ve been doing like so well together as a group and continuing to emphasize that guard Kaitlyn Chen reported the Bay Area News Group I think we ll put ourselves in a good spot The Valkyries are playing in their last string of games at Chase Center facing New York Dallas and Minnesota in the Bay Area this week before finishing the season on the road Related Articles Why Caitlin Clark is not playing against the Valkyries Where We Live The Valkyries purple madness Takeaways Valkyries obliterate Mystics to notch th win of season Rookie guard returns to Valkyries as sharpshooter Zandalasini remains out WNBA playoff picture Key games that could make or break Valkyries postseason push None of those upcoming three opponents are expected to be at full strength though Caitlin Clark has not played since July the Liberty are dealing with a slew of injuries and Paige Bueckers has been saddled with back and calf injuries on a Dallas company that has had half the roster either out or questionable for weeks What has been the cause of this leaguewide injury predicament Shoot if I had that answer I d be a millionaire Nakase sarcastically remarked before adding It s part of basketball and it happens but you guys see how pivotal it is and how and why I am so focused on taking care of my players Minnesota the top band in the league could also be resting players such as Napheesa Collier if it has clinched the No seed At the beginning of the season seeing marquee names such as Clark Walnut Creek s Sabrina Ionescu and Paige Bueckers on the injured list would be cause for concern But this season has proven that fan interest is not tied to who is visiting town The Valkyries have sold out each of their home games this season packing out Chase Center regardless of how mighty or feeble the opposition is Such unconditionally strong sponsorship at the venue informally dubbed Ballhalla has not gone unnoticed by the Valkyries players or coaches I think it s exciting that our players really are excited to play at home Nakase disclosed You can see how our pregame is one of the preponderance unique shows in basketball And regardless of who is playing for the other gang the Valkyries know they will get backing
