What happened: Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese and Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase face each other on opposite sides as the 2026 WNBA Finals open Saturday. Ahead of the series opener, Nakase, who won WNBA Coach of the Month after Golden State's August surge, praised Reese as the ultimate competitor.

Why it matters: Reese arrived in Atlanta via an offseason trade from Chicago and captured 2026 Defensive Player of the Year honors while helping lead the Dream to their first Finals appearance since 2013. Slowing Reese on the glass and limiting her passing reads stands as Golden State's primary defensive focus entering the championship series.

What to watch: Game 1 between the Dream and Valkyries tips off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center on NBC and Peacock.