Natalie Nakase returns a champion. Can she lead the Valkyries to WNBA glory?

The WNBA playoffs haven’t started yet, but Natalie Nakase is already a champion. The Valkyries coach spent the last two weeks in Berlin as an assistant under Kara Lawson as the U.S. beat France to win the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Nakase returns to a Valkyries team that was split up during the FIBA break, as several players — including Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaun, and Cecilia Zandalasini — had starring roles with national teams, while others — including Veronica Burton, Kaila Charles, and Kiah Stokes — stayed in the Bay Area and practiced.

On the “Section 415” podcast, reporter Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the Valkyries’ playoff outlook, how Nakase’s rotation will change during the postseason, and how recent practices differed without the coach.

00:00 Intro

01:20 Gabby Williams' impressive FIBA run and her Valkyries return

05:01 Playoff schedule, rotations, and possible opponents

09:11 Is this Valkyries season more impressive than last year?

11:36 Inside Valkyries practices while Nakase was away in Berlin

14:53 Chase Center playoff anticipation

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices