It has not been an ideal start to the Golden State Valkyries in their first WNBA season. The Western Conference misfits are in the middle of a three-game losing streak that sees them sit ninth in the league with a dismal 2-4 record.
Head coach Natalie Nakase was still a picture of optimism despite the rough start to the season. She backed her squad to go through the growing pains with long-term success as the end goal.
Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Results — Natalie Nakase Urges Golden State Valkyries To Embrace Struggles
Speaking to the media after the Valkyries’ 86-75 loss to the in-form Minnesota Lynx, Nakase addressed the team’s morale as they endured a losing skid they were desperate to snap.
“They’re good,” Nakase said, according to Valkyries’ beat reporter Kenzo Fukuda. “Short-term pain for long-term results. We don’t mind pain. I told you, we’re killers. So the pain, I want them to feel it because, in that amount of pain, we talk about that’s the amount that you gotta grow.”
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase on bouncing back next game amid this 3-game losing streak:
“Short term pain for long term results. Like I said, we’re killers. So the pain, I want them to feel it because in that amount of pain, we talk about that’s the amount you gotta grow.” pic.twitter.com/at28E9Vrs9
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) June 2, 2025
“We talked about if you’re not feeling pain, then that’s a problem,” she further added. “So I love that they feel it. They own up to it right after the game. They said, ‘We’ve got to be better.’ And I said, ‘I’ve got to be better too.'”
Golden State was in the hunt after Kate Martin’s hot three-point shooting gave them a 52-51 lead at halftime. However, the shooting from the deep cooled off in the second half and the offense sputtered. The Valkyries went 3-15 from the field and allowed the Lynx to get back into the game.
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Like the Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries have embraced the three-point shot as their identity. They are fifth in the WNBA in 3-point attempts — and are streaky at best. With the roster constructed around the philosophy, Nakase’s squad will hope to get better at their approach.
Up next, they face a string of stern opponents in the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces. Two of their upcoming four games are at home where the Valkyries are yet to establish a healthy record. They are 1-2 at home and on the road. Only time will tell if Nakase and Golden State can build a winning streak to stay in contention.