The Golden State Valkyries secured a postseason spot on Monday night following a 78-70 victory against the Dallas Wings. This win in San Francisco represents the team's sixth straight victory and a landmark achievement for the franchise.
The Valkyries' historic run as the first inaugural expansion team in the playoffs
The Golden State Valkyries have achieved a feat previously unseen in the league, becoming the first expansion franchise to qualify for the playoffs during its inaugural 2025 season. According to the report, the team currently holds a 25-9 record , which already exceeds their total win count from the previous season by two games.
This rapid ascent is a significant departure from the typical trajectory of expansion teams,which often spend several years in the cellar of the standings before becoming competitive. By securing a berth so early in their existence, the Golden State Valkyries have shifted the expectations for how new franchises are built and integrated into the professional basketball landscape.
Gabby Williams' 23 points and the 11-0 second-quarter surge
The game was defined by a dramatic shift in momentum after a sluggish start for the home team. The Golden State Valkyries began the contest poorly, hitting only 3 of their first 13 shots, while the Dallas Wings caiptalized early to lead 15-8. However, a buzzer-beating three-pointer from half-court by reserve guard Tiffany Hayes ended the first quarter and shifted the energy in favor of San Francisco.
The Golden State Valkyries then dominated the second quarter, capping the half with an 11-0 run to establish a 44-28 lead. Gabby Williams led the offensive charge with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Veronica Burton contributed 16 points and five assists to ensure the Dallas Wings could not recover their early lead.
Kiah Stokes' 23-minute return from concussion protocol
A critical component of the Golden State Valkyries' depth was the return of center Kiah Stokes, who played 23 minutes on Monday night.. As the report noted, Stokes had been sidelined since last Wednesday's victory over Chicago while adhering to the league's concussion protocol.
The presence of Kiah Stokes in the paint provided necessary stability, complementing the bench production of Janelle Salaun, who added 10 points. This rotation depth has been a hallmark of the Golden State Valkyries' recent form, as the team has won 15 of its last 17 games overall.
Stephen Curry and the sellout atmosphere at Chase Center
The victory was celebrated by a sellout crowd at the Chase Center, highlighting the massive crossover appeal between the Golden State Valkyries and the NBA's Golden State Warriors. The attendance included Warriors star Stephen Curry and his son, Canon, signaling a strong institutional and community backing for the women's team in the Bay Area.
This synergy between the two franchises has created a high-pressure, high-reward environment for the players. The ability to consistently fill the Chase Center suggests that the Golden State Valkyries are not just a sporting success, but a commercial powerhouse in their first full year of operation.
Paige Bueckers' 21 points and the Dallas Wings' five losses in six games
Despite the loss, the Dallas Wings saw strong individual performances, with Paige Bueckers scoring 21 points in an attempt to rally her team late in the game. Arike Ogunbowale added 17 points and Alanna Smith contributed 13 points and five rebounds, but it was not enough to stop the Golden State Valkyries' momentum.
The defeat marks the fifth loss in six games for the Dallas Wings, leaving them in a precarious position. Furthermore, while the Golden State Valkyries have clinched their spot, a lingering question remains regarding their ability to handle the elite of the league; the report mentions a previous one-point loss to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a first-round matchup, suggesting that the Valkyries still have a significant hurrdle to clear if they wish to make a deep postseason run.
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