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The Golden State Valkyries will have a chance to win their first WNBA championship Saturday when they host the Atlanta Dream in Game 7.
One of the biggest decisions of the series by Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase could play an important role in determining the outcome in this winner-take-all contest.
After Golden State fell behind 2-1 in the series, Nakase put veteran guard Tiffany Hayes into the starting lineup for Game 4, hoping to provide a boost to her struggling offense.
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The move paid off immediately, with two straight wins to move within one victory of a championship thanks to the punch Hayes provided before the Game 6 loss.
Hayes has remained a starter since, scoring 13, 12 and 15 points in those three games, respectively.
Her increased role is particularly significant considering her regular-season production.
Hayes has seen a big increase in playing time during the Finals, averaging 26 minutes per game compared with just 17 during the regular season.
She’s logged at least 24 minutes in all six games of the series, and has stayed consistent even with more time on the court as well.
After a rough Game 1, when she went just 1-for-12, Hayes has found her shooting touch.
The 37-year-old has shot 49.1 percent over the past five games.
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Golden State has struggled offensively throughout the series, averaging just 67.3 points per game against a tough Dream defense, making Hayes’ production particularly valuable in what should be an all-out battle in San Francisco.
With a championship on the line against the franchise she spent a decade with, Hayes should continue to have opportunities as a secondary scoring option alongside Gabby Williams.
The play: Tiffany Hayes Over 11.5 points (-130, DraftKings Sportsbook)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
