Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen totally owned Halloween before Game 7, showing up at Chase Center dressed as a hot dog for the biggest game of her team’s season. This wasn’t some subtle nod, either. She was rocking the full hot dog costume, complete with sunglasses, right into the arena.
The Hot Dog Statement Heard ‘Round the WNBA
What a legend move! Chen, who’s known for bringing energy, decided a do-or-die Game 7 on Halloween night was the perfect moment for maximum levity. Forget the typical tunnel fashion, Chen was all about that pregame fun. She said it herself, explaining her choice with, “Limited selections at Spirit Halloween,” but once she found it, she was like, “This is perfect.” She even noted it was “way easier than actually dressing up” in a normal outfit.
Her teammates mostly stuck to their usual pregame gear, getting ready for the WNBA’s first Game 7 in league history against the Atlanta Dream for the title. But Chen? She was there to make it fun. Even Head Coach Natalie Nakase hadn’t seen the get-up before her media session, but you gotta love her take: “Hey man, it’s Kaitlyn being Kaitlyn. I think the beauty of Kaitlyn Chen is that she’s going to find joy in every moment and I think someone who can make fun of themselves – that’s a rare thing.” Totally true!
Game 7 Mentality: Punch First, Laugh Second
And honestly, a little goofiness is exactly what you need when you’re staring down a Game 7. Everyone knows the scouting reports, there are few secrets left between two teams that have been battling for weeks. So Coach Nakase’s message to the Valkyries was direct and clear during a brief film session: “We’re punching first. It’s non-negotiable.” She wants physicality, a focused mindset, dictation. They’re dictating everything from the first pass. Super aggressive. That’s the mindset for a title game, right?
Nakase also pushed the team to treat this historic Game 7 like any other. Veteran Tiffany Hayes stuck to her typical routine, walking her dogs and spending time with her family to prepare. That balance is key, and Coach Nakase totally gets it. She said they have “so many levels of personalities that they can be themselves.” Kaitlyn’s out there trying to make everyone laugh, while Tip Hayes stays “cool, calm and collected. And just ready to fight.” The coach just wants them locked into the game plan when they hit that locker room. Ultimately, they want to be “the team that wants it more,” and that’s what truly matters when it’s all on the line.
So, as Game 7 tipped off on Halloween night at Chase Center, all eyes were on the Valkyries. Would Kaitlyn Chen’s pregame hot dog antics lighten the mood enough? Would Coach Nakase’s “punch first” mentality prevail? The WNBA title was on the line, and everyone was ready to see if that unique blend of personalities could bring home the championship!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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