With 9.2 seconds left in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals, Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase instructed her team to foul Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces, a move that set off a chain of late-game fouling that ultimately secured the Valkyries’ 85-82 victory on October 7, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco. The strategic fouling extended the game through free throws, denying the Aces any chance for a game-tying three-pointer in open play.
Golden State led by three points after Veronica Burton’s deep three-pointer in the final minute. When the Aces regained possession with under 10 seconds remaining, Nakase opted against playing standard defense. Instead, the Valkyries committed a foul to send Chelsea Gray to the line. Gray made both free throws, reducing the deficit to one. On the rebound, Vegas fouled Kayla Thornton, who converted both attempts to stretch the lead back to three.
This pattern repeated with Jackie Young hitting two free throws for Vegas and Burton responding for Golden State. The Valkyries then fouled Young a second time. Young made the first shot but intentionally missed the second, hoping to create a live ball. Gray grabbed the rebound and attempted a layup that could have tied the game. Kiah Stokes blocked the shot, securing the win for Golden State.
Nakase revealed after the game that the late-foul strategy was pre-planned, saying the coaching staff “wanted to be a little bit more in control” during critical moments. The approach contrasts with the Valkyries’ earlier playoff experience. In the first round against the Dallas Wings, Golden State held a three-point lead late in Game 2 but chose not to foul. Dallas star Arike Ogunbowale capitalised with a deep, difficult shot to tie the game, which Dallas eventually won in overtime.
Two days later, Nakase adjusted her tactics in a winner-take-all Game 3. The Valkyries fouled Alysha Clark with 7.7 seconds left; Clark missed one of two free throws. Gabby Williams sealed the game by making two foul shots, giving Golden State a four-point win that sent them to the semifinals.
The semifinal Game 2 win puts the Valkyries one victory away from reaching the WNBA Finals in just their second year of existence. The late-game fouling strategy, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, has now been employed successfully three times in eight days.
The decision to foul when leading by three points and the opponent is not in shooting motion divides opinion in basketball circles, but Nakase’s calculated use of it highlights her willingness to lean on statistical and situational analysis. The Valkyries’ ability to execute the plan under pressure, combined with Stokes’ critical block, prevented the Aces from forcing overtime.
Game 3 of the series is set to take place next, with the Valkyries aiming to clinch their place in the WNBA Finals.
According to Yahoo Sports.