Quick Read
- Golden State Valkyries extend winning streak to four games.
- Team edges closer to becoming the first WNBA expansion team to make playoffs.
- Temi Fagbenle leads with 16 points in a 66-58 victory over the Liberty.
- Valkyries’ defense shines, holding opponents to record-low scoring quarters.
- Playoff race tightens with four games left in the regular season.
In a season filled with dramatic twists, the Golden State Valkyries are rewriting history as they edge closer to becoming the first WNBA expansion team to secure a playoff berth in their inaugural season. With a decisive victory over the New York Liberty on September 2, 2025, the Valkyries extended their winning streak to four games and moved within two games of clinching a playoff spot. This achievement underscores the team’s resilience and tactical brilliance, cementing their place as one of the league’s most compelling stories this year.
**A Historic Playoff Push for the Valkyries**
Tuesday night’s 66-58 victory against the defending champions, the New York Liberty, was a defining moment for the Valkyries. The game, held at San Francisco’s Chase Center, showcased Golden State’s defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. Temi Fagbenle led the Valkyries with 16 points, while Kate Martin and Kaila Charles contributed double-digit scores to secure the win. As noted by NBC Sports, the Valkyries now boast an 8-3 record in their last 11 games, a testament to their consistent performance during the critical closing weeks of the regular season.
The second quarter proved pivotal, with the Valkyries outscoring the Liberty 26-8. This scoring run marked the fewest points Golden State has allowed in a single quarter in their brief franchise history, according to Fox Sports. By halftime, the Valkyries had built a 14-point lead, which they maintained throughout the second half despite late-game pressure from the Liberty.
**Key Players Stepping Up**
In their win over the Liberty, Golden State’s Temi Fagbenle stood out as a dominant force. Fagbenle’s versatility on the court was evident as she scored six of the team’s first eight points and finished the game shooting an impressive 70% from the field. Veronica Burton also delivered a standout performance, recording nine assists and nine rebounds, further solidifying her reputation as one of the league’s most versatile guards. Monique Billings made a triumphant return after missing 14 consecutive games due to an ankle injury, contributing five points in 20 minutes of action, as reported by WNBA.com.
On the opposing side, the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and Natasha Cloud combined for 38 points but struggled to match the Valkyries’ depth and defensive intensity. Stewart, who has been a linchpin for the Liberty this season, expressed frustration with the team’s inability to play consistently, a sentiment echoed by head coach Sandy Brondello. The Liberty’s shooting woes were evident, as they recorded their lowest field goal percentage of the season at just 31.6%, per New York Post.
**The Road Ahead for Playoff Contenders**
With just four games remaining in the regular season, the Valkyries are poised to make history. Their next two games, both at home, offer them a significant opportunity to secure their playoff spot. Up first is a matchup against the Dallas Wings, followed by a clash with the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. Golden State’s head coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the importance of maintaining a playoff mindset, a message echoed by the players in their post-game interviews.
The playoff race remains tight, with the Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, and Seattle Storm all vying for the final spots. The Fever, currently in eighth place, face a challenging schedule that includes games against playoff-bound teams like Phoenix and Chicago. Meanwhile, the Sparks, who hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Indiana, remain just two games behind. This competitive landscape adds an extra layer of drama to the Valkyries’ historic push.
**What This Means for the WNBA**
The Valkyries’ success in their inaugural season is a milestone not just for the franchise but for the league as a whole. As an expansion team, their rapid ascent highlights the depth of talent in the WNBA and the growing parity among teams. Their journey serves as an inspiration for future expansion efforts and underscores the league’s commitment to fostering competitive balance.
Moreover, the Valkyries’ strong fan engagement and home-court advantage at the Chase Center have set a new standard for how expansion teams can integrate into their local markets. The roaring ovation for Monique Billings during her return exemplifies the passionate support the team has garnered in its first year.
As the WNBA regular season nears its conclusion, all eyes are on the Golden State Valkyries. Their remarkable journey not only adds intrigue to the playoff race but also cements their status as a team to watch in the years to come.