‘You Just Never Know’: Chris Koclanes Explains Li Yueru’s Limited Minutes vs. Golden State Valkyries

After Friday’s 86–76 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes offered insight into the team’s evolving rotation and decision to use smaller lineups.

Starting center Li Yueru logged just 13 minutes in the loss as the Wings turned to smaller, more versatile combinations throughout the night. The move stood out given how central Yueru had been in recent games. Before Friday’s game, she was in the middle of a four-game stretch averaging 13.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 61.1% from the field and 53.3% from 3-point range, a highly efficient run that had solidified her presence in the rotation.

Chris Koclanes Explains Li Yueru’s Minutes

Koclanes explained that the decision to limit Yueru’s minutes wasn’t a reflection of her performance, but rather a strategic adjustment based on matchups and lineup dynamics.

“You know, it’s different every night,” Koclanes said. “It’s our competitive depth that I like. In this game, with some of the matchups, we thought we had something going playing small — really small, with Haley [Jones] at the five at times. You just never know from night to night.”

The lineup shift allowed Dallas to spread the floor and play faster, but it came with consequences on the interior. The Wings were outrebounded 39–29 and gave up 11 second-chance points, including several critical late possessions that helped Golden State pull away.

Interior Struggles Emerge for Dallas Wings

The Wings’ small ball lineups often Haley Jones at the four or five in multiple stretches. While the group provided offensive flow, Golden State exposed mismatches late and capitalized at the free-throw line. The Valkyries went 13-of-15 from the stripe in the fourth quarter and 23-of-25 overall.

“That’s on the whole team — we all have to crash, box out, and grab the ball,” Luisa Geiselsöder said. “We have the length, so we have to grab the ball.”

Koclanes also pointed to the schedule as a factor in how minutes are managed. Dallas is navigating a stretch with five games in eight days, including four in six beginning Sunday against Las Vegas.

“Health and safety is the number one priority,” Koclanes said earlier this week. “There are days when players may need to take the whole day off or be on minute restrictions. Those are conversations we’re having constantly.”

With limited rest and a demanding schedule ahead, the Wings will need to find lineup combinations that maintain offensive rhythm without sacrificing an interior presence.

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