ATLANTA - Down 2-1 in the series, head coach Natalie Nakase switched up the Golden State Valkyries' starting lineup for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday afternoon.
Forward Kaila Charles and guard Tiffany Hayes will replace Cecilia Zandalasini and Kayla Thornton in the starting lineup they've used all postseason.
The switch-up comes as the Valkyries search for answers against a Dream team that has beaten Golden State handily in the last two games to take their series lead.
The Valkyries are in need of a spark; Hayes and Charles have been two of the few players who've provided sparks off the bench against Atlanta. Charles is averaging six rebounds and 6.3 points in 23.8 minutes over three Finals games, proving to be one of the more effective Angel Reese challengers on the Valkyries bench who can snatch rebounds, add size and choose her spots to score effectively.
Hayes is perhaps the more unexpected addition to the starting group, but has been an aggressive scorer in the playoffs. Golden State got off to a slow start in Game 3, missing their first 8 shot attempts. Hayes, the 14-year veteran and former Dream star, is averaging 10.3 points per game off the bench in the Finals and 12.3 points in the playoffs this year.
Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes remain in the starting group.
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There’s more to San Francisco with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Valkyries change lineup before Finals Game 4, hoping Hayes, Charles provide a spark.