Nakase Outduels Hammon as Valkyries Hold Aces to Season-Low 60 Points

The Golden State Valkyries took a 1-0 lead in the WNBA Semifinals on Sunday, October 4, with a 71-60 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. The win was defined by a defensive masterclass from Natalie Nakase, the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year, who stifled the defending champions.

Nakase neutralized the Aces’ high-powered offense, holding them to a season-low 60 points. The victory was secured through three specific tactical advantages that allowed the expansion Valkyries to dominate the matchup.

1. Weaponizing the “Former Insider” Kiah Stokes

The most significant factor in the Valkyries’ Game 1 win was an overwhelming 52-25 advantage on the boards. Nakase leaned heavily on center Kiah Stokes, who spent years in the Aces’ system before joining Golden State. Stokes acted as a defensive anchor and rebounding specialist, finishing the game with 14 rebounds and four blocked shots.

By understanding the spacing and timing of the Aces’ offensive sets, Stokes was able to disrupt the rhythm of A’ja Wilson. This interior dominance prevented Las Vegas from establishing any second-chance opportunities, essentially cutting the Aces’ offensive possessions in half.

The Valkyries outrebounded the Aces 52-25, a critical factor in their defensive success.

2. Targeted Defensive Pressure on the Perimeter

The Valkyries’ defense focused on limiting the efficiency of the Aces’ backcourt, a strategy that yielded immediate results. According to the official game recap, the 60-point total was the lowest offensive output for Las Vegas in the 2026 season.

Gabby Williams led the charge with a versatile performance, recording 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her ability to switch onto multiple positions disrupted the Aces’ ball movement. The situation worsened for Las Vegas in the third quarter when guard Jewell Loyd exited the game with a left leg injury. Without Loyd’s perimeter gravity, the Valkyries were able to collapse even further on Wilson and Plum, forcing the Aces into contested late-clock heaves.

3. Strategic Bench Rotation and Staff Support

Nakase’s coaching performance was notable not just for the X’s and O’s, but for her management of the game following a health scare. After suffering from exhaustion during the previous series clincher, Nakase returned to the bench for Game 1 with a modified approach. Assistants Kasib Powell and Landon Tatum took on larger vocal roles to preserve Nakase’s energy, allowing her to focus on high-level adjustments.

This poise translated to the players, specifically when Nakase turned to the bench in the fourth quarter. With starter Veronica Burton struggling, Nakase inserted Kaitlyn Chen. The move paid off as Chen provided 11 critical points, keeping the Valkyries’ offense fluid while the Aces attempted a late-game press.

Strategic bench rotations and assistant support helped Nakase manage the game effectively.

The box score reflects a team that won through physical interior play and disciplined substitution patterns. Golden State now holds the advantage as the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the semifinals in their first two seasons and win the opening game.

The Aces face a quick turnaround to address the 27-rebound deficit before Game 2. The status of Jewell Loyd remains uncertain, potentially leaving Hammon with a shortened rotation as she attempts to even the series.

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