What happened: Nakase asked Valkyries supporters to pack the home building and bring Finals noise for the opening two games. Golden State opens the 2026 title series against Atlanta before the series shifts on the road.

Why it matters: Holding home court in Games 1 and 2 sets the terms of a short Finals series. A full Bay Area building gives a second-year Finals team an early lift, and Atlanta now faces that atmosphere to open the round.

What to watch: Games 1 and 2 come first in the Bay, then Game 3 tips Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. PT in Atlanta.