I've been experimenting with a new sleep schedule to balance work and shorter days. That's meant rethinking meals, workouts, and my caffeine cutoff (still a work in progress). Small adjustments can make a big difference, something Emma Hayes reminded the US women's soccer team after its lackluster showing against Spain this weekend.I was nervous when the world champs took another early lead Tuesday, but Mal Swanson came through with the equalizer to secure a draw. Swanson and Sophia Wilson also brought some joy to camp with a baby espresso meetup (show me cuter kids, truly). My new routine has shuffled my TV schedule as well, but I caught up on Ted Lasso just in time for news that the Lady Greyhounds will make their video game debut in EA Sports FC 27. I can't wait to see what Alice Chilton looks like with a whistle (and whether Rebecca's “pep talk” made the cut). Now, let's get to the rest of the sports news…
— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, NY
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Courting History
This WNBA Finals busted plenty of brackets. They might also deliver a better competition than anyone expected. In only their second season, the Golden State Valkyries will take on the Atlanta Dream who haven’t made a Finals appearance since 2013. They'll face off Saturday in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series guaranteed to crown a first-time winner.
Key players and matchups: Angel Reese manifested her way to the ‘chip, and now the league's Defensive Player of the Year is four wins from a title. Her dominance on the boards could give the Dream crucial second-chance opportunities. Atlanta could also get a boost from leading scorer Allisha Gray, who remains day-to-day after a procedure on her injured hand. Her return could be a game-changer. As for Golden State, Gabby Williams has averaged nearly 23 points per game this postseason and helped anchor the league's best defense — the Valkyries also have Sixth Player of the Year Janelle Salaün. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and Golden State's Veronica Burton could deliver a compelling backcourt battle.
Playing to their strengths: This series may come down to which team controls the ball. Golden State excels at protecting possessions, while Atlanta thrives on defensive pressure that forces mistakes and creates scoring opportunities. Something has to give. And the difference makers could come from the sidelines. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase won two titles as an assistant for last year’s champs, the Las Vegas Aces, before she took over the Valks, and Atlanta's Karl Smesko has turned the Dream around after more than two decades as a college basketball coach. Both became WNBA head coaches relatively recently, and one adjustment could decide the title.
