Natalie Nakase’s decision to pull Veronica Burton from the floor with 2.5 minutes remaining in Game 5 was a masterclass in strategic management. After Burton committed a rare turnover on the previous possession, Nakase physically guided her to the corner, signaling it was time to catch her breath and let Tiffany Hayes handle the ball. This tactical pause confirmed that Burton had completely “emptied her tank,” a phrase Nakase frequently uses to describe her star’s relentless output. By protecting her energy, the Valkyries preserved their lead, securing a 64-55 victory that shifted the series momentum decisively in their favor.
How the Valkyries’ engine powered a historic Finals comeback
Burton’s performance in Game 5 at Chase Center was the defining factor in Golden State’s ability to flip the Finals from a 1-2 deficit to a 3-2 lead. She logged over 37 minutes, including the entire second half, while committing only two turnovers across more than 75 minutes of combined play in the last two games. Her ability to sustain high-level performance deep into the fourth quarter was crucial, as she left her fingerprints on every aspect of the offense. Nakase’s public endorsement of Burton as the WNBA’s “best point guard right now” is backed by these tangible results, proving that her dominance is not just statistical but pivotal to the team’s championship trajectory.
The Valkyries now return to Atlanta one win away from the WNBA championship, having demonstrated that their resilience is built on the foundation of Burton’s engine. The narrative of this series is no longer about overcoming a deficit, but about capitalizing on the momentum generated by their point guard’s elite play. As the team prepares for Game 6, the focus remains on how Burton can balance her explosive contributions with the necessary rest to ensure she is fresh for the final, decisive moments. Her ability to dictate the pace and protect the ball under pressure has become the hallmark of Golden State’s title run.
Source: Yahoo Sports
