Golden State Valkyries Make History in Their Debut Season
The Golden State Valkyries have made history in the WNBA, becoming the first expansion franchise to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season. The team achieved this feat after defeating the Dallas Wings with a score of 84-80 at the Chase Center.In a crucial moment of the game, Veronica Burton faced Paige Bueckers, the number one pick of the 2025 draft, with less than 30 seconds on the clock and Golden State leading by only two points. Burton, after a strategic move, managed to score a spectacular shot that extended her team’s lead.Many people didn’t believe in us, and that ignites a fire in us. It’s good to start as the ‘underdog’ and prove it to everyone. I know the girls on this team have always been in this position. It’s something we’re used to, and we did it as a group.
Janelle Salaun
Burton finished the game with 15 points and five assists, while Janelle Salaun led the team with 19 points. Carla Leite contributed 15 points and an impressive rating of +28. After the final whistle, the players celebrated on the court, wearing commemorative jerseys from the 2025 playoffs. The fans, excited, remained in their seats, dancing to the rhythm of Rihanna. Salaun took the microphone and shouted “Let’s go!”, while in the locker room, the players sprayed themselves with water. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase watched the celebration from a distance, knowing that the work would continue in the video room the next day. Golden State has only three games remaining in the regular season, two against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, and each of them is crucial to securing a good position and avoiding falling to seventh or eighth place in the standings.I went blank. I was just trying to get a basket when it mattered in the crucial moment. I wasn’t looking for the foul, I just wanted to finish. It was a great help that everyone instilled confidence in me.
Veronica Burton
I know I’m a party pooper. We’re not done yet. Maybe after the season, after all this is over, I’ll reflect… I must stay present. I must stay where my feet are… and I think that’s why we’ve been able to do what we do, because we stay present. I don’t really let them celebrate. Obviously, they can enjoy it, but I also keep them humble. Do they want to keep moving forward? Then, let’s stay focused.
Natalie Nakase
Golden State has broken several records during its first season. They became the first team in the history of women’s sports to surpass 15,000 season ticket reservations. They led the league in attendance, selling out all 22 home games at the Chase Center, which has a capacity of over 18,000 spectators. Now, they are the first expansion team to compete in the playoffs.I told the girls this: We chose you for this reason: to do things for the first time.
Natalie Nakase
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Valkyries will not play their first home playoff game at Chase Center. Instead, Game 2 will be held at SAP Center in San Jose, 48.4 miles from San Francisco.This is incredible, honestly. It’s a testament to all the work we did, a testament to the faith our coaching staff had in us; Ohemaa [Nyanin], the front office, all of them. Doing it with the group we have, we’re enjoying it, soaking it in. Obviously, there’s a long way to go, but (we’re) able to sit back and enjoy it.
Veronica Burton
It remains to be determined who the Valkyries will face in the first round. They are currently in sixth place, one game behind the New York Liberty. The Seattle Storm are one and a half games behind the Valkyries in seventh place. The Dream, Phoenix Mercury, and Las Vegas Aces are competing for the second through fourth place positions.We can’t control it. We trust our fans to keep supporting us. Wherever we play, we’re going to bring our basketball. We’re confident, we’re excited for the opportunity to compete. Regardless of where we are, we’re going to show up.
Veronica Burton
