Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries 2026 WNBA Finals Game 5 Postgame Press Conference

[0:46] Veronica, Kia, thank you. [0:47] We'll start right away. [0:48] First two questions will come from the front row to your right. [0:51] Hi there. [0:52] Veronica, I know you've talked a little bit this year, or a lot actually, [0:55] about just like what Kia has done for you guys defensively to make things [0:57] easier for you, kind of guarding the perimeter. [1:00] What's it been like just kind of seeing her step that up even more into [1:03] playoffs like this? [1:04] Yeah. [1:04] It's very nice to have Kia in my back line. [1:08] Honestly, like sometimes I hurt her by even just getting in the way. [1:13] But it's incredible. [1:14] Seriously, what she does on a daily basis. [1:18] And she asks for nothing in return. [1:21] She's one of the most humble people like I've ever met, honestly. [1:24] And we're not here without Kia on every single day, every single game from the [1:30] beginning, and just her veteran experience as well. [1:32] It's more than just defense. [1:33] I know everyone wants to talk about defense with Kia, but it's offense too. [1:36] And she contributes on both sides of the ball. [1:38] So we're really happy to have her. [1:40] Also on the front row to your right. [1:42] Yeah, Kia, I was going to start off by asking how big did the rim look for you [1:45] tonight? [1:47] I mean, I was just shooting it. [1:48] To be honest, Tip cussed me out when I passed up one. [1:51] So I didn't want to make her mad again. [1:53] When you look at the players that you've been going up against so far this entire [1:57] postseason, you know, Asia Wilson last round, also the most improved player, and [2:01] Jess Shepard first round, and DPOI. [2:03] How much do you love going up against, you know, this caliber of opponent? [2:09] I think, yeah, I love it. [2:11] You know, I want to win, and to win, I want to beat the best. [2:15] And these are some of the best players in the league, especially this series. [2:20] And I don't know, I just take the challenge. [2:22] We're not done yet, but I know I can always do better. [2:25] But it's definitely not a single, like just me. [2:27] I think our whole team, they rely on me. [2:29] They give me energy. [2:30] They give me confidence. [2:30] And, yeah, I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team in any way as [2:33] possible. [2:35] Third row to your right. [2:37] Kia over here. [2:38] To kind of flip that earlier question to Veronica, what is her, not just defense, [2:43] but offense, she's looked for her shot a lot more the last two games. [2:45] When she's in that mode, what kind of impact does that have on the rest of the [2:49] team? [2:50] And then, Veronica, I just want to ask you about playing that many minutes, 38 and [2:53] 37, the last two games. [2:55] I think we're at our best when V is aggressive. [2:59] I tell her, trust her, float her, get to the paint. [3:01] I got confidence anytime she's going to go in, she's going to make it or get [3:04] fouled. [3:05] So, I just try to tell her, like, we need those, stay aggressive. [3:08] And I think that just gets the rest of our team going. [3:12] Second row to your right. [3:12] Sorry. [3:13] And, yeah, I mean, it's all we got right now. [3:19] Like, this is it. [3:20] So, I'll play however many minutes, whenever, whatever time, and we're talking a lot [3:25] about the time, whatever time we need to be there, we'll be there. [3:28] Like, this is WNBA finals, leave it all out there. [3:32] And at the end of the day, like, I know I can also come out, and we trust everyone. [3:35] So, whatever is asked of me, that's what I'm willing to do. [3:38] And by the grace of God, I'm healthy, and I just continue to roll with that. [3:43] To your right in the second row. [3:44] So, for both of you guys, following up on the time issue, your fans have been such a [3:50] big part of your success this year. [3:52] And a lot of them may struggle. [3:54] You know, 9.30, they'd have to call in sick or play hooky or whatever. [3:59] Just what is – do you have a message for them about how to get on board for a game [4:05] six, a possible championship game on the road at 9.30 in the morning? [4:09] Yeah, call in sick. [4:10] Yeah. [4:10] I recommend it. [4:12] Yeah, right. [4:12] Like, y'all know how to fake a cough, and then we all do that. [4:17] Call in sick. [4:18] But we got the best fans in the league, so I'm sure they'll be supporting us [4:21] whatever time. [4:22] All the way in the back to the right. [4:25] Hi, over here. [4:25] Kia, when you heard the fans cheering MVP, I think it happened a few times, [4:29] but definitely after the game. [4:30] I mean, what was going through your head as that was happening? [4:34] I was just like, man, y'all crazy. [4:37] I mean, I just, like, I appreciate the support. [4:39] But at the end of the day, I just feel like our whole team, like, everyone on our team [4:44] is so important. [4:45] I just feel like we need everyone. [4:47] So, like, I think it's cool. [4:48] It, like, made me smile and stuff. [4:50] But, like, I don't know. [4:51] I just – I feel like if you take any person off our team, we're not in this position. [4:56] Well, can I follow up? [4:57] Just given the different roles you've had in your career, to have a moment in the spotlight [5:02] like that. [5:02] I know it's all about the team, of course, and you still have the sights set on a championship. [5:06] But what does it mean just throughout – to have that sort of moment, this sort of Alper's [5:11] kind of in the context of your career? [5:13] I mean, it feels pretty special. [5:15] I always know what I brought to a team. [5:18] Like, I always understood my value. [5:19] But just to hear, like, an arena full of 18,000 fans to just – it just really makes me feel [5:24] appreciated and loved. [5:25] I mean, there's another – there's not another way to say that. [5:28] I have two. [5:29] Right standing up. [5:30] Right here. [5:30] Over here. [5:31] Right here. [5:32] Going off of what Alexa said, Kia, they say let your game talk. [5:37] What do you think it said tonight? [5:40] I don't know. [5:40] Just shoot when you're open. [5:42] Girl, okay. [5:43] She's too humble, y'all. [5:44] I don't know what you want me to say. [5:46] I just – [5:46] I didn't probe. [5:47] I just opened up space. [5:49] I'm just, like, head down, blue-collar hoops. [5:53] I've heard that phrase a few times this week. [5:55] But, you know, just stepping up to the challenge. [5:58] It's the finals. [5:59] I think, you know, we're all here to win. [6:00] And you want to play your best basketball at this point in the season. [6:03] And, V, we talked before the game and you said that you wanted to make a more [6:07] concerted effort on, like, consistency. [6:08] How would you evaluate your consistency this game versus energy? [6:13] Yeah, I think, again, just trying to be aggressive. [6:15] I wouldn't say I was that consistent in making my shots, efficiency-wise. [6:21] But I would say, like, my mindset was consistent. [6:24] And that's a goal of mine. [6:25] I think the first, you know, three games were really up and down with that. [6:29] And so, that's my goal, to just have that consistent mindset. [6:32] And I thought tonight it was there for the most part. [6:35] Two or left all the way in the back. [6:37] Akia, on your shooting, I don't know if it's unique or not. [6:39] I saw you make, like, seven or eight or nine in a row in the early warm-ups from three. [6:43] Is that something you normally do? [6:45] Or is it just today you felt that shot? [6:48] I mean, to be honest, whenever I do my shooting warm-up, I kind of, like, make more than I miss. [6:52] Actually, I make a lot in a row, to be honest. [6:54] But it doesn't necessarily translate to the game because I don't shoot a lot. [6:57] So, I'm just really trying to just lean into it. [6:59] My teammates gave me a lot of confidence, like I said, to cuss me out because she's seen me shoot at practice. [7:03] So, it's just a mindset, shoot when you're open, and today they went in. [7:07] So, hopefully, I can carry that over to game six. [7:10] Switching sides of the room, all the way to the back and the right. [7:14] Kia, you said head down, blue-collar hoops. [7:17] You've heard that a lot this week. [7:18] Who have you heard it from and in what context? [7:20] Just, like, my family, some friends. [7:23] They sent me some stuff on social media, though I'm trying to stay off of it. [7:26] But I just know, like I said, what I do. [7:28] You know, a lot of my game isn't really pretty. [7:31] Do all the dirty work, rebounds, blocking shots, defense. [7:34] But that's just what I know I can bring to the team. [7:36] So, whatever it takes to win. [7:38] And like I said, the job's not done. [7:40] We have one more win. [7:41] And then, yeah. [7:42] To your left, right in the front. [7:44] Hey, Veronica, me with the stats again. [7:46] You tied with Diana Taurasi for the most blocks and a guard in a WNBA Finals game. [7:52] Yeah. [7:52] And it was also your postseason career high in blocks per the WNBA. [7:57] Thank you for that. [7:58] What were you on tonight? [7:59] You were joining the block party with Kia Stokes. [8:02] I saw Kia set a record, so I was just trying to channel that. [8:06] No, just trying to be aggressive on defense, too. [8:10] Look for opportunities to block shots. [8:13] Some of them I probably got a little lucky with the timing. [8:16] But that's what it is for me. [8:18] It's timing. [8:18] And so, whenever I can, you know, time up the shot, that's what I try and do. [8:23] All right, we have time for just a couple more. [8:24] Left center, back in the room. [8:26] Hey, VB, following up on your defensive performance with your blocks, you know, you pulled out eight rebounds. [8:33] You know, earlier we kind of talked about, you know, you just doing anything and everything you can to help your team get the victory. [8:39] I just kind of want to ask you, you know, your overall performance, not from the offensive end, not from the defensive end, [8:44] but just everything that you were able to bring to the team today to get yourself within one win of the WNBA championship. [8:52] Yeah, I mean, again, it is the team and the confidence that they pour into me. [8:56] I really feel it. [8:57] Like, it's so hard to perform if you don't feel like the people have your back around you. [9:04] And it's so easy to perform when you feel like they have your back. [9:07] And that's what it is here. [9:08] Like, it is so much love and just so much, like, energy poured into you that you just feel invincible almost. [9:16] And I know we're not, and I know I'm not, but, like, at the end of the day, that's the mindset. [9:20] And that's what, like, you're able to do incredible things when you have people around you that support you. [9:25] And that's what I felt. [9:26] And so you just want to keep going. [9:28] You want to run through a brick wall when you love the people you're around. [9:31] All right, this will be our last question. [9:33] Very back of the room to the right. [9:36] Closeout game is always the hardest one. [9:37] So what's the message here into Thursday to get the W? [9:42] It's a do or die. [9:43] I mean, every game right now is this was a must win. [9:46] The next game is a must win. [9:48] But staying humble. [9:50] Yeah, I mean, it doesn't matter what time it is. [9:52] At the end of the day, we just need 94 feet, two hoops, and each other. [9:56] And like she said, it's a closed-out game. [9:59] Atlanta is a great team, and we don't want to give them basically any life. [10:02] So as much as we love Valhalla, we don't want to come back here. [10:07] So we need to go in with the mentality that, like, we have to win. [10:10] It's do or die. [10:12] Veronica, Kia, thank you. [10:13] Thanks, guys. [10:14] To our media, Atlanta will be good. [13:52] Thank you. [13:52] And we will start right away with Q&A. [13:54] If you would, let us know you have a question. [13:55] We'll start to your left in the second row. [14:03] Hey, y'all. [14:04] It's Meg Hall with USA Today. [14:05] Carl, this question is for you. [14:07] I know that you guys talked about pregame, about just coming out better. [14:11] I'm curious of your evaluation tonight. [14:14] And also, what do you think went wrong tonight that you guys weren't able to overcome? [14:20] Well, I mean, I thought we came out with great intensity. [14:23] Like, defensively, we were really locked in, rebounding. [14:26] You know, we did a really good job. [14:28] We forced a lot of tough shots. [14:30] You know, we just didn't get as many good looks, especially in transition, as we'd want. [14:35] And then, you know, when we did work and get open shots, we shot a really poor percentage. [14:41] And, you know, we got better shooters than that. [14:44] And we just got to be ready to knock down these shots when they become available. [14:47] Give Golden State a lot of credit. [14:49] They're a great defensive team. [14:51] But we're going to have to execute offensively better and knock down shots when we get them. [14:57] Staying on the left side of the room, second row. [15:00] For anybody. [15:01] I mean, this is the point in a series where fatigue would start to play a role if it's going to. [15:05] Just from your vantage points, like on the court or from the sideline, how did you see that impact tonight's game? [15:15] I don't think we're tired. [15:17] I think, I mean, we're playing hard. [15:19] We're playing defensively. [15:21] We're playing very well. [15:23] You know, we just need to put a good offensive game together in this next game. [15:31] And then we'll be in position to do what we're intending to do. [15:36] Nothing's changed. [15:38] We went two games. [15:38] We're champions. [15:39] That starts with the next game. [15:41] And we'll be locked in and we'll have a great game a couple days from now. [15:48] Next question, all the way to the back and the right. [15:49] Yeah, this is for Angel, please. [15:52] Has this series been somewhat like you maybe thought it would be in terms of sort of punch, [15:56] counterpunch with how good these two defenses are? [15:59] And if so, what do you think will be the key from what you've taken away from these last two games to get game six? [16:05] Yeah, yeah, for sure. [16:07] I think obviously the best two teams are here for a reason and defense wins championships. [16:12] So, it's about who's going to be tougher. [16:15] It's about who's going to get down and guard, who's going to maximize possessions, but who's also going to make shots. [16:22] And obviously we've struggled making shots, but I still believe in our team. [16:28] I still believe that we can win this. [16:30] And one game at a time, going back home game six and just getting back into us, like, I think it's not going to rain too much longer for us. [16:39] I think we're going to hit our shots at the right time. [16:41] And the process sometimes is a little bit harder. [16:44] And you want to go through hard stuff to get what you want in life. [16:48] And we're just going to take it one game at a time and just get back to who we are. [16:52] Next question, third row to your left. [16:54] Angel, what was the message in the locker room about facing elimination and the type of energy that you guys need to bring in game six to force a game seven? [17:03] Yeah, just what I said, like, making sure that we believe that we can get there. [17:07] Like, right now, 3-2, I mean, our backs are against the wall. [17:13] But when we get to go home and play in front of our home crowd again and being able to get a couple of days of rest and get back to Atlanta Dream basketball, I feel good about ourselves. [17:23] And I think everybody in the locker room is dialed in to who we are. [17:27] So as long as we're all on the same page, we can do it. [17:31] We still believe in the locker room that we can do it where they're looking ourselves in the mirror, how we can individually be better for the team. [17:37] And I just continue to believe, and I think everybody in the locker room believes. [17:42] Next question, fourth row center. [17:44] This is for Carl. [17:46] What is it about Kia Stokes that makes her such a good defender? [17:50] I mean, she had an amazing performance tonight. [17:52] Yeah, I mean, she has great length. [17:53] She has great instincts. [17:55] She's really good at, you know, protecting the rim. [17:58] You know, we just got to get her moving a little bit more, make it a little bit harder for her to just pack it in the paint. [18:06] But, you know, give her credit. [18:08] She's having a great series, and she made some shots today, which were also big for them. [18:14] So, you know, give her the credit that she deserves. [18:17] She's having a great series. [18:19] Left center, about row four. [18:21] Hey, Angel, this was for you. [18:23] You had eight shot attempts today. [18:25] I think you had four fouls, a few of them. [18:27] A couple of them were offensive fouls. [18:29] What did the Valkyries defense do that made it kind of tough, if it was tough for you tonight? [18:36] Honestly, I think for me, like, I'm still trying to figure out how to play through the physicality. [18:42] I mean, a lot of us are getting fouled, and they're not calling you, or we're talking to the ref after, and they're saying, oh, we'll get you next time. [18:51] So it is a little frustrating, especially in the moment of it. [18:56] I mean, I'm kind of used to it because this is happening throughout the season, so I have to just continue to play through it. [19:01] But, honestly, for my teammates, when they're getting slapped to the ground or goggles knocked off, like, it is frustrating and trying to keep them in and keep them confident. [19:09] But, yeah, we'll figure it out. [19:10] We're going to have to just continue to push through the physicality, and hopefully it goes our way next game. [19:17] Front row to your left. [19:19] Hey, y'all. [19:19] It's Mike Hall again. [19:20] Ryan, this question is for you. [19:21] I'm curious of how you evaluate your game tonight. [19:25] I know you had a bigger game than you had in the last couple. [19:27] I'm just curious of what went well, and then also who on the team might have been pouring into you over the last couple of games. [19:36] I mean, I just – I hit more shots tonight than I have in the past, but there's not anybody on the team who hasn't poured into me. [19:44] You know, everybody's been keeping each other confident. [19:48] You know, I think for me personally, I just can read the game when we set good screens, when we move the ball with pace, [19:56] when we're, you know, making quick decisions that allows for easier and open shots. [20:00] You know, I think I just knocked them down today more than what I have in the past. [20:05] All the way in the back to the right side of the room. [20:09] This question is for Carl. [20:12] Since Natalie Nacoste made the adjustment after game three with the starting lineup, [20:20] it seems there have been some more offensive struggles. [20:24] Is it the adjustment she made, or is there something else you're seeing? [20:28] Why, offensively, you just – the team hasn't been able to get going the way it has? [20:33] Well, I give them credit for playing good defense. [20:35] They're known for their defense, and they've been playing great defense throughout the series. [20:39] But, I mean, I do want to have Angels back here. [20:42] Like, the contact they allow on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous. [20:49] It's just ridiculous. [20:51] And we should have gone to the foul line six to eight more times just on that. [20:55] And then to miss double dribbles and travels, multiple, that always led to points. [21:05] I mean, you can't be at this level and make that many mistakes. [21:09] So, you know, there's things that are on us. [21:13] Like, we're missing shots we should make. [21:16] But at the same time, that needs to be a whole lot better than it was. [21:20] And it's time that if you push somebody with two hands as they drive, it's got to be a foul. [21:29] And I'm kind of tired of some of the excuses that I'm hearing. [21:34] And then one follow-up. [21:35] Are there match-ups that you've seen in the last two games that you feel like you could take advantage of going forward in a game six and potentially seven? [21:44] Well, you know, they're switching some things. [21:46] So, I definitely think that if we work together and move the ball more, we'll get better shots. [21:55] We don't get as many good shots when, you know, it involves a lot of dribbling and the ball gets stuck in one spot. [22:01] We need to get it moving, put more pressure on their defense that way rather than the isolation part of it. [22:10] But we're going to have to really work together to create spacing, have solid screens, and create good shots, [22:16] and then be ready to knock down those shots. [22:18] Just be ready to knock them down. [22:21] This will be our last question for Atlanta to the right in the front. [22:24] For Angel and Carl, going back to the officiating, Angel, you said, you know, you have played through a lot of physicality all year. [22:30] But has it been an uptick, do you feel, in the series, the past couple games, just tonight? [22:36] Like, when did you start having these feelings towards these calls? [22:40] I would definitely say last game, for sure. [22:43] There was also a possession where Gabby pulled me on purpose, and she said she was screaming foul, foul, foul, and they didn't call it. [22:52] So, that definitely was frustrating, for sure. [22:54] And her team is saying it, and they're all screaming foul, but the refs, I don't know what's going on, why they can't hear it. [23:02] And I know I have the mismatch, especially we were talking about matchups. [23:06] So, when I do switch on the post, and I'm a lot stronger than the opponent, I should be able to turn, and they're calling an offensive foul. [23:15] But when I'm getting pushed before that, so that is frustrating, for sure. [23:18] So, yeah, it definitely shifted. [23:21] When we went up 2-1, and things shifted, and I don't know what happened, but it definitely took a big turn. [23:32] All right. [23:32] Thank you much, and we'll be joined by Coach Nekase momentarily. [23:36] Marissa. [29:06] Thank you, Coach. [29:07] We'll start right away with questions, and the front row to your right. [29:10] Hi. [29:11] Hi. [29:12] A couple of games now where you've just won the turnover battle. [29:15] What are you guys doing, you think, so well to just get in those passing lanes and create those, especially those live ball turnovers? [29:23] And kind of, like, what's the adjustment been from the first few games where that wasn't happening as much? [29:27] For us, for taking care of the ball. [29:29] No, for creating turnovers. [29:30] Oh, we're creating turnovers. [29:32] Yeah, just ball pressure. [29:33] That's kind of been who we are, is that we have such very aggressive physical players, two-way players more specifically, like our whole starters and bench. [29:46] They could just be active, whether it's with their feet, their hands. [29:50] And so, again, just taking that extra level, like when we talk about playing our defense, our best defense now, but just take it up a level. [29:56] And I thought that's what they did. [29:57] And so, just credit again, a lot of that doesn't happen if they don't take care of their bodies. [30:02] So, we have true pros that can lay it all out on the line when the game starts. [30:07] Coach, second row to your left. [30:09] Hi, Natalie. [30:10] Hi. [30:10] For the third time in five games, your team has held the dream to their season low in scoring. [30:17] Yep. [30:17] What do you think about the way your defense has dictated these wins? [30:20] And do you believe defense wins championships? [30:22] Yes, to your question, defense wins championships, and just, again, we just talked about leveling up in the playoffs, like especially in the finals. [30:32] It's just like from Dallas to Vegas, it's like how can we go one more? [30:36] And so, that's, again, just like ball pressure. [30:40] It's like as boring maybe as that sounds, but when you just put all your energy and all your fight into our defensive schemes, [30:46] it's going to be really hard to get into your first action or any of your sets if you're, you know, being pressured. [30:53] And we can do that one through five. [30:55] Yep. [30:55] Next two questions from the second row center, if you would, right here. [30:59] Go ahead. [31:00] Hi, Natalie. [31:00] Hi, Jane. [31:00] You've coached Kia Stokes through multiple playoff runs, you know, won championships together. [31:06] What's special about what you're witnessing her do right now? [31:10] All her hard work is paying off. [31:12] Now you guys get to see Kia Stokes at her best, in which she's bringing her best version of herself, is in the finals. [31:18] She's been here many times, and so it's like nothing new. [31:21] She's used to long playoff runs, so that's why consistency with Kia, that's kind of been her name. [31:29] And, yeah, like nothing rattles her. [31:31] And I think when you have a player like a star like Kia who doesn't feed into wanting attention, [31:36] then it just keeps her laser focused because every day is the same. [31:40] And every day her habits are the same. [31:43] She takes over. [31:43] She has a smile on her face. [31:45] She studies the game plan. [31:48] She's always there, even with the highs and lows of the game. [31:50] She just stays really composed. [31:53] So just leaning on Kia's experience and now just shooting that three ball like it's a layup. [31:57] It was beautiful. [31:58] And I love how the players today were just really trusting and moving the ball. [32:02] Whoever was open, you know, got the shot. [32:05] Coach, right in the front center, row two. [32:07] Yeah. [32:08] Yeah, hi, Coach. [32:09] So last game, Veronica 17 field goals attempted, today 15. [32:13] Was that increase in her field goals attempted like an explicit game, like, sorry, [32:22] was an explicit game plan change? [32:24] Or do you think she's just feeling more aggressive and confident out there? [32:26] Do you think she just sees that that's what the team needs? [32:29] No, I think just like with Kia Stokes, like whoever is open gets to shoot it. [32:32] And so since all of our players can shoot threes, like that's the beauty of like I said, [32:39] like you guys asked like who's our star? [32:40] Our whole team is the stars. [32:41] Like we're all stars of who they are in terms of their strengths. [32:45] Everyone can shoot threes. [32:46] We've talked about that at the beginning of the season, [32:47] that spacing was going to be really key and part of our identity offensively. [32:51] And that we could share it to whoever is open. [32:53] Whoever is open is going to get the open shot. [32:55] And yeah, just credit to, you know, everyone knocking it down, [32:58] but credit to everyone moving the ball and being selfless. [33:01] So we had how many players in double figures? [33:03] Four, you know. [33:04] So again, I think that's hard to guard when you don't know who's going to get the shot. [33:09] Coach, to your right in the front row. [33:11] Hi, Natalie. [33:11] I have two questions for you. [33:13] The first is just what are your thoughts on the level of physicality in this series so far? [33:17] It's the finals. [33:20] It's the finals. [33:22] Yeah. [33:22] Yeah, this is it. [33:23] Like, I mean, both teams really want to, they want to win this. [33:26] And like you guys even said from the beginning of the finals, [33:30] this is two defensive-minded teams. [33:32] So what are two defensive-minded teams? [33:34] They like physicality. [33:35] So that's part of it. [33:36] You guys act like I'm shocked. [33:38] I ain't shocked about this. [33:39] Like, you have an Atlanta Dream Team that's well-coached that have dogs. [33:44] I mean, same as us. [33:45] And so, yeah, it's just, it's part of it, you know. [33:48] And then my second question, big picture with Kia. [33:51] And this isn't to knock anyone who was on this team last year, [33:54] but what does she bring to this team that was missing from last year? [33:59] Yeah. [34:00] Again, that finals experience, that is, it's untapped. [34:04] You know, I've been here as well, but I was an assistant coach. [34:07] So I kind of know a little bit, but obviously I leaned, too, on, you know, [34:14] I would always wonder, too, like, what if I was, you know, [34:16] Becky in those situations? [34:18] Like, you could just tell, like, yeah, we won, job ain't done. [34:23] And you could see it, like, when I walked in that locker room, [34:25] obviously a lot of smiles. [34:27] But, like, Kia, just job ain't done. [34:30] We still got another game to do. [34:33] You know, we did our job. [34:34] We're supposed to win at home. [34:35] And now we got to make sure we are prepared, more mentally focused than ever, [34:39] the mental toughness to be able to go to Atlanta. [34:42] We want to win that next game. [34:44] And so we're leaning on Kia of just that composure, that consistency. [34:48] Nothing changes. [34:49] Y'all go get your rest and recovery immediately. [34:52] Family's family. [34:52] But y'all, we'll see them after the playoffs. [34:56] No, but she's dead out serious. [34:58] She's like, hey, go take it. [35:00] Don't change your steps right now. [35:02] So it's her consistency. [35:03] It's her composure. [35:04] It's not getting too high off a win, not getting too low. [35:08] And we have another game to win, you know. [35:11] Coach, to your right in the third row. [35:14] Hey, Natalie. [35:15] Oh, yeah. [35:15] You know, all season long you've mentioned empty the tank. [35:19] Defense needs to be better. [35:20] And it feels like in this series you guys are just intensifying the hustle [35:23] and the effort game by game. [35:25] Like, what does it say about this team that, you know, the standard's not – [35:28] like the standard is always just rising? [35:30] Yeah, it's a must, you know. [35:32] You know, again, we just always want to bring our best version. [35:36] And, you know, we do believe and we do stand on defense. [35:40] And so when we know that that could be raised another level, [35:43] they want to know the answers. [35:44] So they're going to ask in film session, what are the answers? [35:46] How can we be better? [35:47] And then especially just go out there and now let's do it better together. [35:51] I think the coolest thing was that communication. [35:53] Even the timeouts, they were talking about how they've made adjustments. [35:57] Boom, we're trying to make that adjustment right from the timeout. [35:59] So now that they're able to, like, study some of their sets or ATOs or whatever, [36:04] the players are adjusting. [36:05] And I think that's the coolest thing that there's no, like, are you sure? [36:08] Are you sure? [36:08] No. [36:08] So the way they're communicating, it's with conviction, it's with confidence. [36:13] And you can see that when we're confident coming out of these huddles, [36:16] like, we know how to get stops. [36:18] And I think that's really cool. [36:20] Next two questions from the left, row three. [36:23] Danny, if you want to. [36:25] Hey, Natalie. [36:25] Hi. [36:26] During pregame, you said that in your DNA there's obsession extremist. [36:30] Yeah. [36:31] I was just curious if you could define that for us a little bit more clearly. [36:35] What did I say? [36:35] You said it was in your DNA as an obsession extremist wanting to, like, win quickly. [36:40] I'm paraphrasing that for you. [36:42] Yeah. [36:43] I mean, obviously with basketball, it's my love and it's my passion. [36:46] And so, you know, I'm an extremist to where, like, [36:49] I can eat the same thing every single day. [36:51] I can wear the same thing every single day. [36:53] Like, I don't need, like, I guess that's to me what it's called extremists [36:56] is because I can keep doing the same thing over and over again [36:59] until I get amazing at it, until I perfect it. [37:01] And so that's maybe probably why, like, I felt like if I could perfect [37:07] the perfect game plan that I could win it right away. [37:11] I think that's what my mentality was probably going into the finals [37:14] or, again, after it didn't come to fruition, listening to my players of, like, [37:21] hold on, long series, Kia Stokes, right? [37:25] Long series, coach. [37:27] Like, take a breath, listening to my mentors. [37:30] It's going to be a battle. [37:31] It's going to be a couple punches, so why don't you just take a beat? [37:36] Let's clear and make sure we understand what your game plan is [37:39] and make sure we're digesting it because it seems like it was – [37:42] to me, it was hazy. [37:43] It was hazy at times. [37:45] And so I don't think it worked. [37:47] I gave myself an F- in game one, two, and three. [37:50] My communication was poor. [37:51] You could see – what did my players say? [37:53] We were undisciplined. [37:54] We didn't recognize who we were. [37:56] We were not shifted, and that was because of me. [37:59] And so sometimes maybe an extremist doesn't work well in a seven-game series. [38:03] Third row center. [38:05] Hey, coach. [38:07] Hey. [38:08] Congratulations. [38:09] Oh, thank you. [38:09] Yeah, she got married. [38:10] Thank you. [38:11] Yeah. [38:12] Thank you. [38:12] Wow. [38:13] Okay. [38:14] What a community. [38:15] I love this. [38:15] Coach, we all here in the media, we've been talking about this narrative [38:19] of the adjustments you made at the top of game four [38:22] has been the game changer in this series. [38:24] But I'd love to know from your perspective, [38:26] what are your thoughts on what really changed in game four? [38:28] Now you've seen this product again, the adjustments you've made in game five. [38:32] What's your perspective on that? [38:34] Yeah, listening to my players after, you know, losing two. [38:38] That's when we really learn from our losses, [38:41] and they become super vulnerable at the same time. [38:46] Like, I, you know, really, really listen, [38:47] because I'm like, something's going on. [38:49] This is a game plan, but why aren't we doing this? [38:51] And so I thought, you know, V and Kai specifically, [38:55] like, really were very like, Coach, I just need this, [38:59] and I need you to do this. [39:01] And if you were a little bit more like this, [39:04] I think we can come to a conclusion of being a little bit more clear, [39:06] and we'll do it for you, because their hearts and their will [39:10] and their want to was always there, and I kind of doubted that [39:13] because I'm like, why aren't you guys doing the game plan? [39:14] But they're like, no, no, no, we're just a little confused. [39:17] And so to me, it was their vulnerability and me listening to them [39:21] rather than demanding something that was a little bit hazy, [39:25] if that makes sense. [39:27] They wanted clarity, and I wasn't giving that to them. [39:30] Yeah. [39:30] So next, all the way to the right in row three. [39:33] Over here, Natalie. [39:34] Yeah. [39:35] Veronica's played 70, more than 75 minutes the last two games [39:38] and committed two turnovers. [39:40] Oh, wow. [39:41] What does that say about her leadership? [39:43] How necessary has that been? [39:45] And related question of about two minutes to go, [39:47] you guys were on offense. [39:48] She was right in front of your bench, [39:50] and you seemed to kind of guide her to the corner [39:52] to kind of catch her breath, it looked like. [39:54] Oh, yeah. [39:55] Yeah. [39:56] I mean, to me, I think V, [39:58] I mean, hands down, [40:01] I think she's the best point guard right now in the league. [40:04] I mean, that amount of minutes, like you just said, [40:08] and just having two turnovers, right? [40:10] And it may not look, you know, fancy and pretty, you know, [40:14] as maybe you guys have seen other finals, [40:17] but this is her way, you know? [40:19] It's her way of showing she is the best point guard in the league. [40:25] It's that grittiness. [40:26] It's that leadership. [40:27] It's that toughness. [40:28] It's diving on the floor, getting knocked down, getting back up. [40:31] Like, that's another way that you can show being the best point guard. [40:35] And now, if you think about it, valuing that ball, that's huge. [40:39] Two turnovers in 70 minutes? [40:40] I didn't even know. [40:42] But I think even her blocks today, she had four blocks as a five. [40:47] Was she 5'11"? [40:48] 5'11"? [40:49] 5'9". [40:51] 5'9", sorry. [40:52] And then she got eight rebounds. [40:55] Like, I mean, that to me is her resilience. [40:58] And, again, she just took another step today, [41:00] and she leveled up for sure. [41:02] All right, next two questions from the back right of the room. [41:06] Yeah, Coach, you guys have played great paint defense all season, [41:12] but what you've been able to do the last two games, [41:15] is that as good a paint defense as you've played? [41:18] When you consider how well Angel was able to score in games two and three [41:21] and how much you were able to frustrate her [41:24] and the other Dream players the last two games. [41:26] Yeah, just team defense again. [41:28] I know Kia Stokes won't take full ownership of that matchup, [41:33] but she's right. [41:35] It's team defense. [41:36] It's always been team defense. [41:37] We have not wavered away from that. [41:41] Yeah, she is our anchor, though. [41:42] She is our last communication in the back, [41:44] and she's dangerous at that rim. [41:47] And I think, like she said, she's just head down blue-collared. [41:50] I mean, it's just a different way you could win. [41:53] And, you know, like she asked, did defense win championships? [41:57] Yeah, that was part of what our identity was from the jump. [42:01] This is how we feel we could win it. [42:04] And more importantly, Kia Stokes will be, you know, our MVP. [42:08] I heard chance. [42:09] I heard Kia tonight. [42:11] Valhalla, I appreciate you guys. [42:12] That type of love that came for Kia Stokes chanting Kia, Kia, Kia. [42:17] I mean, I couldn't be more proud. [42:21] Last question will come all the way to the back to the right. [42:23] Hi, Natalie. [42:24] Kia, when she was in here earlier, said as much as we – [42:27] sorry, over here on the right. [42:29] Oh, hey. [42:29] She said as much as we love Valhalla, [42:31] we want to get this thing done in Atlanta. [42:32] We don't want to have to come back here. [42:33] Can you just speak to the urgency to not just win a championship [42:36] but to get this thing done on Thursday? [42:38] Yeah. [42:39] I mean, again, rest and recovery. [42:40] Our habits don't change. [42:41] They're doing it right now. [42:43] And, again, understand there's a team out there that wants it just as bad, right? [42:47] So you cannot overlook that. [42:49] Okay, yeah, we did our job here. [42:50] But now it's about getting our rest and recovery [42:53] because we have to level up. [42:54] That's going to be a very ruthless Atlanta team [42:59] that really wants it just as much. [43:00] You can never count them out. [43:02] They're well-coached. [43:02] They're well-balanced. [43:04] They have dogs. [43:05] They have great leadership. [43:06] So we've got to go in that mindset of being mentally tough [43:10] and being more connected than ever. [43:13] We have to fight like – I'm going to keep my words right. [43:17] But we've got to fight to our best ability coming next game in Atlanta. [43:22] Coach, thank you. [43:24] All right. [43:24] Thanks, you guys. [43:25] Yeah. [43:25] Thanks, you guys. [43:26] Thanks, you guys. [43:27] Thanks, you guys. [43:28] Thanks, you guys. [43:29] Thanks, you guys. [43:30] Thanks, you guys. [43:31] Thanks, you guys. [43:32] Thanks, you guys. [43:32] Thanks, you guys. [43:33] Thanks, you guys. [43:34] Thanks, you guys. [43:34] Thanks, you guys. [43:35] Thanks, you guys. [43:36] Thanks, you guys. [43:37] Thanks, you guys. [43:38] Thanks, you guys. [43:39] Thanks, you guys. [43:40] Thanks, you guys. [43:41] Thanks, you guys. [43:42] Thanks, you guys. [43:43] Thanks, you guys. [43:44] Thanks, you guys. [43:45] Thanks, you guys. [43:46] Thanks, you guys. [43:47] Thanks, you guys. [43:48] Thanks, you guys. [43:49] Thanks, you guys. [43:50] Thanks, you guys. [43:51] Thanks, you guys. [43:52] Thanks, you guys. [43:53] Thanks, you guys.