Valkyries Become First Ever Expansion Team To Make Playoffs with 84-80 comeback vs Paige Bueckers & Wings

SAN FRANCISCO — Expansion team no more.

The Golden State Valkyries etched another piece of history on Thursday night in Ballhalla, clinching a postseason berth in their inaugural season with an 84-80 win over the Dallas Wings.

In front of yet another sold-out crowd at Ballhalla, their 21st consecutive sellout, Golden State showcased the resilience, depth, and determination that has fueled their remarkable first-year journey. With the victory, the Valkyries extended their winning streak to a season-best five games, becoming only the third expansion team in WNBA history to string together at least five straight victories.

The atmosphere inside Chase Center was electric from start to finish. Fans erupted at the final buzzer as players pulled on black playoff T-shirts, celebrating the momentous achievement.

Janelle Salaün, who led the team with 19 points, could not contain her emotions, screaming “Let’s goooooo!” into the microphone during the postgame celebration. Her passion was emblematic of a squad that has defied expectations and embraced the underdog role all season long.

Salaün was pivotal in the closing minutes, drilling two huge three-pointers in the fourth quarter and finishing 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Nine of her 19 points came in the final frame, underscoring her ability to deliver in the biggest moments.

Veronica Burton was equally crucial, scoring 15 points, including nine in the fourth quarter. Her composure at the free-throw line sealed the win, as she went a perfect 5-for-5 from the stripe, marking the 19th time this season she has been flawless from the line.

Golden State’s ability to lean on multiple contributors proved decisive.

Carla Leite provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting and posting a team-best plus-minus of +28. Twelve of her points came in the second half as she helped spearhead the comeback.

Monique Billings was impactful as well, recording 11 points, seven rebounds, and a critical late-game block that set up a Leite jumper.

Iliana Rupert added 10 points and four assists, while Kate Martin’s timely three-pointer in the third quarter was the jolt the Valkyries needed to start turning the tide.

Head coach Natalie Nakase praised her team’s resilience and balance, emphasizing that the victory was the product of collective effort. Reflecting on the milestone of reaching the playoffs, Nakase said, “I'm bittersweet in terms of, I'm supposed to do this. That's my mental, that's me kind of saying, it’s a must win. I told the girls, we intentionally picked you guys for this reason. To do things for the first.” She credited the leadership and vision behind the franchise, while also applauding the players for embracing challenges and thriving under pressure.

The Valkyries certainly needed that toughness against a scrappy Dallas squad led by rookie sensation Paige Bueckers. Bueckers scored 27 points and passed Cappie Pondexter for fifth place on the all-time rookie scoring list with her opening basket of the night.

During pregame, Bueckers had an optimistic view about facing the challenges of her first season. "It's been fun. Truly, I know people probably wouldn't expect me to say that because we are what our record is. We compete on every night. Obviously, every team has games where they get blown out. I just really enjoy what we're building and the foundation that we're setting."

The Wings jumped out to a 10-0 lead and used a dominant 17-3 run to close the first half, taking a 41-32 advantage into the locker room. Golden State endured a stretch of missed shots and turnovers but never lost belief in its ability to rally.

Nakase pointed to Leite’s emergence as a turning point, saying, “Carla came alive. It was just hard. I know we're a well-conditioned team. I think they take pride in it, and so I think it was great that our bench just really kind of came to life. Ja (Janelle Salaün) finished the game really well, making clutch threes and then V (Veronica Burton) shooting free throws. I think everyone just stepped up tonight, which is really nice.”

The players echoed their coach’s sentiments about the significance of the victory. Burton called it a true team accomplishment, noting, “To do it in such a team-oriented way, honestly, these two especially (Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite), Kate (Martin), Mo (Monique Billings), and LA (Laeticia Amihere), everyone stepped up and everyone contributed in such a big way. We're not winning that game without literally our entire team.”

For Salaün, the playoff berth was especially meaningful given the doubts surrounding an expansion team’s chances. “It feels great, because, like you said, I think a lot of people didn't believe in us. But it fires us up, it’s a good thing. It's better to start as an underdog and just prove to everyone,” she said, highlighting how the team’s identity has been forged by overcoming skepticism.

Burton also singled out Leite’s readiness for the spotlight, describing her as “unguardable” and praising her poise as a rookie. “Being a rookie in this league and to step up in the way that she did is a testament to her, to her mentality, her confidence, and obviously her skill set,” Burton said.

For the Valkyries, the night was about more than just a victory over Dallas. It was validation of months of work, proof that their roster was built to compete immediately and confirmation that they could embrace the pressure of big moments.

With one more home game on the horizon, Golden State has the chance to complete a perfect season of sellouts and carry its momentum into the postseason.

In their first year of existence, the Valkyries have already achieved something historic. If Thursday’s performance was any indication, this team is just getting started.

Sit back and enjoy the ride. The Valkyries have arrived.

UP NEXT

• Golden State hosts its regular season finale this Saturday, September 6 against the Minnesota Lynx at 5:30 p.m. on KPIX, KMAX, 95.7 The Game and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.