The Bay Area is buzzing as the Golden State Valkyries prepare for the biggest game in franchise history.
The countdown is on to Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, and after one final practice, the Valkyries say they're eager to take the court Saturday at Ballhalla against the Atlanta Dream.
With the anticipation building by the hour, head coach Natalie Nakase says her team is more than ready for the moment.
"We feel like caged animals, ready to get there into Ballhalla and play our best four quarters of defense," Nakase said.
The Valkyries have stormed into the Finals just two years after joining the league, a remarkable accomplishment that has captured the attention of basketball fans across the country.
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Guard Veronica Burton says the excitement is impossible to ignore.
"The anticipation is building, but we're ready to play," Burton said.
Nakase credits the team's chemistry and selfless mindset for its rapid rise.
"Our players have big hearts. They always want success for their teammates more than for themselves. I think that's rare," she said.
Forward Gabby Williams believes staying composed under the bright lights of the championship stage will be key.
"Whoever stays the most composed will win," Williams said.
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The Valkyries are expected to get a major boost from their home crowd.
Ballhalla has become one of the toughest venues in the league, with fans creating an electric atmosphere every game.
"We want to use Ballhalla to our advantage and get a good start," Williams said.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream know exactly what they're walking into.
"It's going to be loud in there. There's a lot of excitement, probably some nerves, but I'm excited to be there," Dream guard Naz Hillmon said.
With the WNBA championship on the line and the Bay Area basketball spotlight shining bright, all eyes now turn to Ballhalla, where the Valkyries will look to take the first step toward a title on Saturday night.
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