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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How masked veteran Tiffany Hayes has breathed life into the Valkyries' inaugural season
Tiffany Hayes breathes harder now. So hard, she can hear herself. Sometimes, she'll just be sitting, fully relaxed. But her breathing would sound as if she were running. Like she's mid-workout. Like it's a struggle. It's been some two months since Hayes took a blow to the nostrils on a post-up by Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin. The injury leaves her nasal passage still restricted. The wheeze lives with her for now, until she can address it comprehensively in the offseason. A black protective mask covers her face during games. Multiple hits to the face since then remind her of its necessity. 'The mask is staying for now,' said Hayes, affectionately dubbed 'Tip' by most. 'It's chippy out here. People just do a little too much sometimes. So, yeah, it's definitely going to stay. I like the mask. 'Masked Tip' be hooping.' The irony, though, is that Hayes is breathing easier than she ever has. Because what she's inhaling now isn't the stale, recycled air of others' expectations. The pressurized toxicity of outside validation no longer fills her lungs. That was another life. Another version of Tip. The Hayes who did what others thought was best. Who quietly pursued affirmation in praise and accolades, who found value in their attainment. This Hayes, the one who came out of retirement and won Sixth Woman of the Year in 2024, the one who assumed the leadership role of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, has found something rare in pro sports. Peace. 'I used to do things that were best for other people, and I regret it,' she says now. 'So I just try to do what's best for me. And it's been working out great.' The signing of Hayes, infusing her into the building blocks of this infant franchise, has been one of the best moves in this surprising season. It took Hayes a long time to reach this enlightenment. She'll be 36 in September. She's in her 13th season. But she looks and plays 10 years younger thanks to the fresh air she's found above the fray. Her value, she's convinced, is independent of accolades. Her game, her character, her contributions to whatever team she's on — they're valuable no matter who sees them. The peace she owns made jumping into the expansion life an easy call for Hayes. It explains why she seems to be loving it, why she embraces being in the center of this patchwork huddle. She came to the Bay without fanfare. No billboard. Just a lowkey deal between a veteran who'd seen it all and a franchise just opening its eyes. Golden State needed credibility. Someone who wouldn't flinch at what was to come. Hayes needed freedom to be herself, play her game. A place where she could be Tip. They found each other at the perfect time. 'To be a pioneer is hard,' Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said. 'This was an opportunity to co-create an experience that would be beneficial for both. She has a beautiful entrepreneurial spirit. And what I pretty much told her was that this is a class in entrepreneurship — 101 to 501 in one year. To really put an idea to paper. To give us a precious year of her career to help build what we thought would be something amazing. … And she took a chance.' Expansion teams can be a mess. Overwhelmed to the point of disorganization. A locker room lacking cohesion from its hurried collaboration, loaded with misfit pieces and fringe players hoping to carve out relevance. But the Valkyries? They've been shockingly cohesive. Professional. Even joyful at times. They hit a rough patch before the All-Star break, losing five of six. But they're still in the playoff hunt. Somehow, Golden State has made it work. In part because of Hayes. Hayes starred at UConn — from the 90 straight wins era — and spent 10 years with the Atlanta Dream. She made her lone WNBA All-Star appearance in 2017. Should have been more than one, if you ask her. Hayes is now on her third team in three seasons. She retired and came back. She's started and come off the bench. She excelled at scoring and played defense. She's played for Team USA and the Azerbaijan women's national team. Her wealth of experiences made her ideal for this inaugural season. She came in equipped to deal with just about whatever would come. Including the warmth she's found. The camaraderie of being on a team furnished with overcomers. 'I still believe that I was an underdog in most of my career,' Hayes said, 'and kind of unseen for most of my career. I've been having my head down and being a good professional and playing my hardest every single season I've been in the league. So to be on a team full of people like that, and a team full of people who want everybody to the left and right to succeed, it's super dope to be part of. So I'm grateful.' Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase predicted this. She told Nyanin to go and get Hayes. Nyanin didn't know Hayes. She knew she'd never heard a bad word about her, and remembers appreciating her reasoning for opting out of the WNBA bubble in 2020. But Nakase was with Hayes last season in Las Vegas. Nakase was an assistant coach as Hayes came out of retirement to average 9.5 points in 21 minutes off the bench — shooting 50 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from 3. According to Nyanin, Nakase was certain Hayes would be ideal for the locker room. Nakase knew she'd need a true vet. She also knew Hayes deserved an opportunity like this, to be liberated as a player and leader. Nakase was proven right immediately. One illustrative moment came after she sustained a nose injury. Hayes missed the next three games. Upon her return, coaches were considering lineup combinations — including Hayes coming off the bench. An early chance to create tension in this new relationship. But Hayes was clear. She told coaches she didn't come to the Valkyries to start. She came to win. Whatever it takes. 'And to hear that from your ultimate vet, the person who took a chance on this new franchise,' Nyanin explained. 'There's been a ton of growth (in Hayes), and I'm just grateful to be a part of it.' Her teammates call her auntie. Auntie Tip. Auntie is a term of endearment, a reference to the mom-aged woman young people like being around. Aunties are cool, with their cocoa butter and classic music. They don't call her Auntie Tip just because she's the eldest on the squad and eight years above the league average. It's an appreciation of her sophistication and polish. Recognition of the swag that comes with her experience. 'I don't mind it though,' Hayes said. 'It's whatever. I don't look like your auntie. I probably look younger than you. But go off.' Hayes embodies the Valkyrie's personality. The urgency. The rebellious energy. The aggressiveness. It's the character of the roster and the foundation of the new franchise. The freedom to compete, to be uninhibited in pursuit of victory. One play in Minnesota earlier this month, she lost her shoe during a possession and tossed it aside. She ended the same possession by draining a 30-footer. The type of moment to laugh about in film sessions. The type of moment that's memorable because it meant more than it looked. It was gritty. Unorthodox. Unbothered. Just like this team. Hayes sets the whatever-it-takes tone. Whether being glued to Caitlin Clark — which is why she's 7 of 26 from the field against the Valkyries this season, including 2 of 12 from 3 — or lighting up Seattle like she did at Chase Center in June. Hayes' energy, which still seems endless, feeds the team. Mask on, motor humming, cutting through defenders like it's 2015 again. There's still fire in her game. She still boasts the first-step quickness that made her a menace in Atlanta. But what Hayes has now is a calm spirit to match. Hayes worked for this peace. Earned it. Built it brick by brick out of heartbreak, hard lessons, and a whole lot of self-reflection. Emotionally. Mentally. She's never been clearer. She meditates. She prays. She enjoys uplifting music. She savors good food. She consumes fashion. And that's not to say she likes nice clothes. She can rock gigantic fur pants, or shorts with a blazer, or incorporate 10 ties into her outfit — and make it all look fly. It's all part of her bent to stimulate her mind and body. 'I don't even like to be associated with negativity,' Hayes continued. 'Nowadays it's just like people feed off that, especially in the W. People, the fans, feed off of negativity, and it just seems like that's growing a little too much for me. And I don't really like that. So I try to stay out of it. I try to duck the smoke, like the kids say, whatever that is.' It's easier to breathe that way. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Golden State Valkyries, WNBA 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
How masked veteran Tiffany Hayes has breathed life into the Valkyries' inaugural season
Tiffany Hayes breathes harder now. So hard, she can hear herself. Sometimes, she'll just be sitting, fully relaxed. But her breathing would sound as if she were running. Like she's mid-workout. Like it's a struggle. It's been some two months since Hayes took a blow to the nostrils on a post-up by Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin. The injury leaves her nasal passage still restricted. The wheeze lives with her for now, until she can address it comprehensively in the offseason. A black protective mask covers her face during games. Multiple hits to the face since then remind her of its necessity. Advertisement 'The mask is staying for now,' said Hayes, affectionately dubbed 'Tip' by most. 'It's chippy out here. People just do a little too much sometimes. So, yeah, it's definitely going to stay. I like the mask. 'Masked Tip' be hooping.' The irony, though, is that Hayes is breathing easier than she ever has. Because what she's inhaling now isn't the stale, recycled air of others' expectations. The pressurized toxicity of outside validation no longer fills her lungs. That was another life. Another version of Tip. The Hayes who did what others thought was best. Who quietly pursued affirmation in praise and accolades, who found value in their attainment. This Hayes, the one who came out of retirement and won Sixth Woman of the Year in 2024, the one who assumed the leadership role of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, has found something rare in pro sports. Peace. 'I used to do things that were best for other people, and I regret it,' she says now. 'So I just try to do what's best for me. And it's been working out great.' Perfect tip to Tip 🎯 Kayla Thornton finds Tiffany Hayes for three! PHX-GSV | League Pass — WNBA (@WNBA) July 15, 2025 The signing of Hayes, infusing her into the building blocks of this infant franchise, has been one of the best moves in this surprising season. It took Hayes a long time to reach this enlightenment. She'll be 36 in September. She's in her 13th season. But she looks and plays 10 years younger thanks to the fresh air she's found above the fray. Her value, she's convinced, is independent of accolades. Her game, her character, her contributions to whatever team she's on — they're valuable no matter who sees them. The peace she owns made jumping into the expansion life an easy call for Hayes. It explains why she seems to be loving it, why she embraces being in the center of this patchwork huddle. Advertisement She came to the Bay without fanfare. No billboard. Just a lowkey deal between a veteran who'd seen it all and a franchise just opening its eyes. Golden State needed credibility. Someone who wouldn't flinch at what was to come. Hayes needed freedom to be herself, play her game. A place where she could be Tip. They found each other at the perfect time. 'To be a pioneer is hard,' Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said. 'This was an opportunity to co-create an experience that would be beneficial for both. She has a beautiful entrepreneurial spirit. And what I pretty much told her was that this is a class in entrepreneurship — 101 to 501 in one year. To really put an idea to paper. To give us a precious year of her career to help build what we thought would be something amazing. … And she took a chance.' Expansion teams can be a mess. Overwhelmed to the point of disorganization. A locker room lacking cohesion from its hurried collaboration, loaded with misfit pieces and fringe players hoping to carve out relevance. But the Valkyries? They've been shockingly cohesive. Professional. Even joyful at times. They hit a rough patch before the All-Star break, losing five of six. But they're still in the playoff hunt. Somehow, Golden State has made it work. In part because of Hayes. Hayes starred at UConn — from the 90 straight wins era — and spent 10 years with the Atlanta Dream. She made her lone WNBA All-Star appearance in 2017. Should have been more than one, if you ask her. Hayes is now on her third team in three seasons. She retired and came back. She's started and come off the bench. She excelled at scoring and played defense. She's played for Team USA and the Azerbaijan women's national team. Her wealth of experiences made her ideal for this inaugural season. She came in equipped to deal with just about whatever would come. Advertisement Including the warmth she's found. The camaraderie of being on a team furnished with overcomers. 'I still believe that I was an underdog in most of my career,' Hayes said, 'and kind of unseen for most of my career. I've been having my head down and being a good professional and playing my hardest every single season I've been in the league. So to be on a team full of people like that, and a team full of people who want everybody to the left and right to succeed, it's super dope to be part of. So I'm grateful.' Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase predicted this. She told Nyanin to go and get Hayes. Nyanin didn't know Hayes. She knew she'd never heard a bad word about her, and remembers appreciating her reasoning for opting out of the WNBA bubble in 2020. But Nakase was with Hayes last season in Las Vegas. Nakase was an assistant coach as Hayes came out of retirement to average 9.5 points in 21 minutes off the bench — shooting 50 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from 3. According to Nyanin, Nakase was certain Hayes would be ideal for the locker room. Nakase knew she'd need a true vet. She also knew Hayes deserved an opportunity like this, to be liberated as a player and leader. Nakase was proven right immediately. One illustrative moment came after she sustained a nose injury. Hayes missed the next three games. Upon her return, coaches were considering lineup combinations — including Hayes coming off the bench. An early chance to create tension in this new relationship. But Hayes was clear. She told coaches she didn't come to the Valkyries to start. She came to win. Whatever it takes. 'And to hear that from your ultimate vet, the person who took a chance on this new franchise,' Nyanin explained. 'There's been a ton of growth (in Hayes), and I'm just grateful to be a part of it.' Her teammates call her auntie. Auntie Tip. Auntie is a term of endearment, a reference to the mom-aged woman young people like being around. Aunties are cool, with their cocoa butter and classic music. They don't call her Auntie Tip just because she's the eldest on the squad and eight years above the league average. It's an appreciation of her sophistication and polish. Recognition of the swag that comes with her experience. Advertisement 'I don't mind it though,' Hayes said. 'It's whatever. I don't look like your auntie. I probably look younger than you. But go off.' Hayes embodies the Valkyrie's personality. The urgency. The rebellious energy. The aggressiveness. It's the character of the roster and the foundation of the new franchise. The freedom to compete, to be uninhibited in pursuit of victory. One play in Minnesota earlier this month, she lost her shoe during a possession and tossed it aside. She ended the same possession by draining a 30-footer. The type of moment to laugh about in film sessions. The type of moment that's memorable because it meant more than it looked. It was gritty. Unorthodox. Unbothered. Just like this team. Hayes sets the whatever-it-takes tone. Whether being glued to Caitlin Clark — which is why she's 7 of 26 from the field against the Valkyries this season, including 2 of 12 from 3 — or lighting up Seattle like she did at Chase Center in June. Hayes' energy, which still seems endless, feeds the team. TUFF BUCKET TIFFANY HAYES! Tip is up to 14 PTS and counting for the @valkyries NYL-GSV | League Pass — WNBA (@WNBA) June 26, 2025 Mask on, motor humming, cutting through defenders like it's 2015 again. There's still fire in her game. She still boasts the first-step quickness that made her a menace in Atlanta. But what Hayes has now is a calm spirit to match. Hayes worked for this peace. Earned it. Built it brick by brick out of heartbreak, hard lessons, and a whole lot of self-reflection. Emotionally. Mentally. She's never been clearer. She meditates. She prays. She enjoys uplifting music. She savors good food. She consumes fashion. And that's not to say she likes nice clothes. She can rock gigantic fur pants, or shorts with a blazer, or incorporate 10 ties into her outfit — and make it all look fly. Advertisement It's all part of her bent to stimulate her mind and body. 'I don't even like to be associated with negativity,' Hayes continued. 'Nowadays it's just like people feed off that, especially in the W. People, the fans, feed off of negativity, and it just seems like that's growing a little too much for me. And I don't really like that. So I try to stay out of it. I try to duck the smoke, like the kids say, whatever that is.' It's easier to breathe that way. (Photo of Tiffany Hayes: Michael Hickey / Getty Images)
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mystics vs. Sky odds, tips and betting trends - 7/29/2025
The Chicago Sky (7-18) will visit the Washington Mystics (12-13) after losing three consecutive road games. It tips at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Washington lost at home to Phoenix 88-72 last time out, and was led by Shakira Austin (20 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK, 44.4 FG%) and Sonia Citron (13 PTS, 37.5 FG%). In its previous game, Chicago lost at home to Indiana 93-78, with Rachel Banham (26 PTS, 5 AST, 53.3 FG%, 6-11 from 3PT) and Kia Nurse (14 PTS, 35.7 FG%) leading the way. Ahead of watching this matchup, here's what you need to know about Tuesday's action on the court. Watch the WNBA on Fubo! Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky odds and betting lines WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 2:05 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Mystics moneyline insights Sky moneyline insights Mystics vs. Sky: Game time and info Watch the WNBA on Fubo!
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chicago takes on Washington on 5-game skid
Chicago Sky (7-18, 1-10 Eastern Conference) at Washington Mystics (12-13, 6-5 Eastern Conference) Washington; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Chicago Sky enters the matchup against Washington Mystics as losers of five in a row. The Mystics are 6-5 against conference opponents. Washington is third in the Eastern Conference with 8.7 offensive rebounds per game led by Kiki Iriafen averaging 2.7. The Sky are 1-10 in Eastern Conference play. Chicago allows 87.1 points to opponents while being outscored by 10.3 points per game. Washington is shooting 43.1% from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points lower than the 45.0% Chicago allows to opponents. Chicago has shot at a 41.7% rate from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point fewer than the 42.7% shooting opponents of Washington have averaged. The two teams square off for the third time this season. The Mystics defeated the Sky 81-79 in their last meeting on July 8. Shakira Austin led the Mystics with 15 points, and Angel Reese led the Sky with 22 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Sonia Citron is averaging 13.6 points for the Mystics. Austin is averaging 14.8 points over the last 10 games. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 12 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Sky. Rachel Banham is averaging 13.7 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Mystics: 5-5, averaging 77.2 points, 34.1 rebounds, 18.7 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.8 points per game. Sky: 3-7, averaging 75.0 points, 37.0 rebounds, 17.7 assists, 5.3 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.9 points. INJURIES: Mystics: Georgia Amoore: out for season (acl). Sky: Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Chicago takes on Washington on 5-game skid
Chicago Sky (7-18, 1-10 Eastern Conference) at Washington Mystics (12-13, 6-5 Eastern Conference) Washington; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Chicago Sky enters the matchup against Washington Mystics as losers of five in a row. The Mystics are 6-5 against conference opponents. Washington is third in the Eastern Conference with 8.7 offensive rebounds per game led by Kiki Iriafen averaging 2.7. The Sky are 1-10 in Eastern Conference play. Chicago allows 87.1 points to opponents while being outscored by 10.3 points per game. Washington is shooting 43.1% from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points lower than the 45.0% Chicago allows to opponents. Chicago has shot at a 41.7% rate from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point fewer than the 42.7% shooting opponents of Washington have averaged. The two teams square off for the third time this season. The Mystics defeated the Sky 81-79 in their last meeting on July 8. Shakira Austin led the Mystics with 15 points, and Angel Reese led the Sky with 22 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Sonia Citron is averaging 13.6 points for the Mystics. Austin is averaging 14.8 points over the last 10 games. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 12 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Sky. Rachel Banham is averaging 13.7 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Mystics: 5-5, averaging 77.2 points, 34.1 rebounds, 18.7 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.8 points per game. Sky: 3-7, averaging 75.0 points, 37.0 rebounds, 17.7 assists, 5.3 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.9 points. INJURIES: Mystics: Georgia Amoore: out for season (acl). Sky: Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
