The Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings have been trading blows in their first-round series, but it’s not just the young stars making headlines. Nope, we’re talking about the seasoned vets who are absolutely *owning* the playoff stage when it matters most. These experienced players are stepping up big time, proving that playoff experience, and some serious skill, can absolutely seal an outcome.
Tiffany Hayes Is Still Breaking Ankles
In Game 1, the Golden State Valkyries’ defense was a beast, for sure. But the real story for the Valkyries was Tiffany Hayes. This woman is 37 years old and has almost 420 career WNBA games under her belt, but she looked way too spry for her age. Seriously, Hayes still has the fastest first step in the league, and she was using it with impunity. She could not be kept out of the paint or away from the rim. Coming off the bench, she dropped a massive 21 points in just 19 minutes. That included going 4-for-5 inside the arc, earning and making four free throws, and draining three triples. It’s like she’s just getting started! Hayes even said of herself, “I’m very adaptable. I know if I’m needed in a role, I can take it on.” That’s the mindset of a winner right there.
Alysha Clark Dropping Knowledge and Buckets
Then Game 2 rolled around, and while Arike Ogunbowale was doing her thing for the Dallas Wings, another veteran masterclass was unfolding. This time, it was Alysha Clark for the Wings. At 39 years old, with over 450 WNBA games and three championships to her name, she looked even wiser and wilier. Clark logged a season-high 31 minutes and put up a season-best 21 points. She was lights out from the field, going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, 6-for-7 overall, and a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line. That’s some insane efficiency, providing clutch supporting scoring alongside Ogunbowale. Before the series even started, Clark was telling her younger teammates exactly what’s up, stressing, “This is such a short series that you don’t have time for ‘my bads’ and mistakes that you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ll get that back.’ You have to be locked in.” That combination of flexibility from Hayes and focus from Clark? That’s what you need when it’s win-or-go-home time. Don’t forget, the Valkyries also have Kiah Stokes, another seasoned vet who won a championship with Clark on the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, plus two more titles in 2022 and 2025. Her defense is absolutely key.
This is what playoff basketball is all about. Get ready for Game 3, because it’s win-or-go-home. That game tips off at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2. You just know these vets are going to be locked in, ready to adapt and leave everything on the court. It’s gonna be a battle, don’t miss it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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