Nakase and Valkyries are determined to avoid another slow start in WNBA Finals Game 7 against Dream

Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase is focused on urgency after her team allowed an early defensive breakdown in Game 6, a key factor in losing 80-69 to the Atlanta Dream and forcing Game 7. The Dream started fast, shooting 73.3% in the first quarter and jumping to a 32-15 lead—32 points were the most by either team in a quarter in the series. Even with a second-half push by Golden State, the early deficit held. “Can’t let that happen right out of the gate,” guard Veronica Burton said. Nakase planned to address the issue during the flight back, citing her own responsibility for not stressing preparation. Game 7 is Saturday at “Ballhalla” in San Francisco.