Ann Killion

The Golden State Warriors tip off this season with expectations as low as they’ve been in at least 15 years, and an open secret that they’ll be treading water until they can retool their roster.

As usual, the Golden State Warriors will open the new season in the shadow of championship runs.

The Golden State Valkyries are in serious trouble, down 2-1 in the WNBA Finals and with a long time to sit in Atlanta and try to figure out what’s gone wrong before a critical Game 4 on Saturday.

In consecutive losses against her former team, Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes has been one of the few bright spots as the Valkyries face a 2-1 series deficit with Game 4 on Saturday in Atlanta.

ATLANTA – Tiffany Hayes called this city home for 10 years. She was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2012, played in a WNBA Finals with them in 2013, and wore the Dream uniform until 2022.

Angel Reese has the Dream two wins from a title while coming into her own as a WNBA star in Atlanta. Just as she did at LSU, she’s doing it her way, on the court and in front of mics.

Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase consults her players during the first half of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals between the Dream and the Valkyries at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.

Golden State Valkyries fans on Monday during Game 5 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center.

After Natalie Nakase gave herself an “F-minus” for the first three games of the WNBA Finals, she learned, listened and adjusted. Now the coach has the Golden State Valkyries one win from...

Natalie Nakase finished discussing how her Golden State Valkyries are one win from a championship and stepped out of the news conference room.