The Las Vegas Aces are set for Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Semifinals against the Valkyries on October 4, with head coach Becky Hammon stressing that playoff intensity increases with each round.
"We approach every playoff round with a sense of urgency," Hammon said. "Our preparation is really no different; it just gets harder every round because you're facing a better team."
Hammon will face her former assistant coach Natalie Nakase, now with the Valkyries. "I'm super happy for her and the success that she's had there. But right now, she's on the other side. So, congratulations to her, but we go to war tomorrow," Hammon said.
On the question of whether veteran experience or youthful energy provides a greater edge, Hammon said both have merit. "I think young and hungry can be a benefit. But they do have some people who have experience in big moments like Kayla Thorton, Kiah Stokes with us, Tiffany Hayes who's been in multiple playoff series, Gabby Williams," she said. "Probably not as much as us but that's definitely not an inexperienced squad, I don't think. So, for us, yeah, I think our experience helps."
Veteran guard Chelsea Gray stressed a disciplined approach to the series. "One game at a time. It's the same kind of mentality; you try to win," Gray said. "Try to look too far ahead, it can get overwhelming and you lose sight of the moment and all the little things you need to do to get it done."
Forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus emphasized defensive focus, particularly on perimeter shooting. "We have to be ready to absorb anything that comes at us on the defensive end and make sure that we are defensively locked in as one," she said. On defending the Valkyries' three-point shooting, Parker-Tyus added: "Making sure that our close outs are aggressive, forcing them to put the ball on the floor, getting them out of their rhythm, and also making sure our defensive rotations are tight and on a string."
Center Brianna Turner highlighted similar themes. "Definitely defending the 3-point line. They attempt a lot of 3-pointers, and just to not take them lightly," Turner said. She noted the Valkyries' comeback ability: "They were down in the first half against Dallas, but they came back and they had a really fiery, great second half. So we just have to play four quarters together and not take any possessions off."
On the offensive end, Turner stressed spacing around star A'ja Wilson. "We have to crash the O-boards and we know that A'ja will draw a lot of attention, so we have to make sure we have good spacing and work around her to make sure we get the best looks we can on offense," she said.