Golden State Valkyries
SAN FRANCISCO — If you think playing an expansion team is a guaranteed win, think again.
The Valkyries have shown they are a legitimate threat against any opponent.
The Golden State Valkyries delivered their most resounding win in franchise history Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 95-68 triumph over the Las Vegas Aces in front of an electric, sold-out crowd of 18,064 at Chase Center.
The victory not only snapped a four-game skid for the expansion Valkyries but also showcased their potential to shine under the bright lights of the WNBA’s highest home attendance in a nationally televised game on ABC.
This win marked the Valkyries’ fourth consecutive home sellout and gave the home fans plenty to cheer about, culminating in a joyous wave that rippled through the stands in the final quarter.
From the opening tip, Golden State’s energy was undeniable. Kayla Thornton set the tone early, finishing with a career-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. Veronica Burton and Monique Billings joined her in double-double fashion, with Burton recording 14 points, a career-best 12 assists, and seven rebounds, while Billings added 14 points and 11 boards.
It marked the first time this season that three teammates posted double-doubles in the same game, underscoring the collective spirit and determination of this young Valkyries squad.
Additionally, the Valkyries dominated the transition game, tallying 22 fastbreak points compared to just six for the Aces.
The Valkyries' defense played a pivotal role in stifling the Aces’ vaunted attack. Head coach Natalie Nakase, fully aware of A’ja Wilson’s capacity to explode for 50 points at any time, had her team locked in defensively from the outset. “She’s the best player in the world,” Nakase reminded her players before the game. The Valkyries' relentless approach forced the Aces into a season-high seven first-quarter turnovers and held them to just 13 points in the opening frame. Las Vegas, shooting a paltry 29% in the first half, managed only 28 points by halftime, as Golden State’s 34-point second quarter, their best of the season, blew the game wide open.
Kate Martin, a former Ace, punctuated the first half with a breathtaking deep pull-up 3-pointer at the buzzer, sending the Valkyries to the locker room up 49-28.
Her passion was unmistakable, yet the game offered a glimpse into the nuanced relationships between players. In one moment earlier in the season versus the Los Angeles Sparks, Martin was not helped up, off the court by her ex-teammate and good friend Kelsey Plum. However, when Kate was asked before the game how she would respond if her former teammate A’ja Wilson were down, Martin replied with a joyful smile, “Yeah, I’d help her up.”
The game also highlighted the deep sisterhood between Becky Hammon and Natalie Nakase who, once learned from Hammon. She spoke glowingly of her mentor and the support that paved the way for her current success. “She’s always trying to learn more. She’s a really great worker. I know she’s up all hours of the night,” Hammon said of Nakase before the game. Nakase, in turn, credited Hammon for her confidence and opportunity, a beautiful testament to the deep connections forged through the game.
Despite the blowout, Wilson remained a force, finishing with 17 points, but was continually hounded by double-teams and a swarming Valkyries defense. Chelsea Gray chipped in 16 points, while rookie Aaliyah Nye provided a bright spot off the bench for the Aces with 13 points and three 3-pointers. Still, the Aces never found a rhythm, shooting just 36 percent from the field and 24percent from beyond the arc.
Hammon did not mince words after the game, calling her team’s effort “really soft mentally” and lamenting their tendency to let missed shots affect their defensive focus. “Effort has to come from your heart,” Hammon said. “The schemes, the discipline, the habits, that’s your head. Right now, we not only have a heart issue, but it’s becoming a head issue.”
On the other side, Golden State’s offense was fluid and unselfish, assisting on 24-of-34 made field goals. Cecilia Zandalasini added a career-high 18 points, and Martin contributed 12 off the bench in another strong performance. Coach Nakase was effusive in her praise, emphasizing that the team’s defensive intensity sparked their explosive offensive display. “They just make the right play,” she said. “It’s our flow, it’s making the right reads. But because we were able to get easy ones and feel-good ones, it’s because our defense ignited our transition.”
As the final horn sounded, the Valkyries not only secured their most impressive win to date, but they also sent a message to the rest of the league, this expansion team is finding its footing and building a winning identity anchored by camaraderie, hard work, and a growing sense of sisterhood. With the fans on their feet and the wave rolling through the crowd, the night belonged to the Valkyries in Ballhalla.
The Valkyries are back on the road vs. the Sparks for a Monday evening game in Los Angeles.
For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit www.valkyries.wnba.com.
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