On May 16, the Golden State Valkyrie played their first official game in the WNBA. The expansion team entered the league with much hope and ambition, and it was very much evident from their preseason games. It didn’t take much time for the franchise to record its first win as they defeated the Washington Mystics in their second game.
While it was a great start to the season, they continued their run in the season with some shocking wins and unexpected defeats. The HC Natalie Nakase is even seen as a strong contender for Coach of the Year. But the Valkyries coach showed no interest in individual accolade. She has her eyes set on playoff qualification.
Golden State Valkyries Has A Few Must-Win Games For Postseason Qualification
Midway into the season, the Valkyries were in the top five teams in the league. They looked like an unstoppable force, with each and every player looking to make the most of the opportunity. The side even had a solid four-game winning run until the it all fell apart.
A series of losses, including against their closest rivals, put them in eighth place in the league standings. Still, the San Francisco WNBA team is so close to qualifying for the playoffs that it is ready to make history as the first expansion team to play in the postseason.
With seven games in hand and just a 1.5-game advantage over the ninth-placed Los Angeles Sparks, they have some work to do. Here are three wins that would extend their 2025 season.
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— WNBA (@WNBA) August 28, 2025
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August 31: The Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever
Nakase’s side has a good chance of winning this encounter, as they have won every game played against Caitlin Clark’s team so far. Moreover, their win margin of over 15 points per game puts them in a solid position to clinch a win at home. Sadly, the Fever team has found its mojo at the right time and will also be aiming for a win, making the fixture intriguing.
September 2: The Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty
Can the Expansion team take advantage of the defending champions’ current struggles? At the start of the season, this match-up would have been a one-sided affair, but the Valkyries now have 37+ games of experience, and the Liberty is struggling with some injuries. The game will be at the Chase center and fan support could play crucial role in the evenly matched game. Beating the fifth rank Liberty would be a major feat for Golden State.
September 9: The Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
Currently in seventh place, the Seattle Storm has just a 0.5-game advantage over the Valkyries. A win would turn the tables, handing the Golden State franchise a massive boost for the remaining schedule. Natalie Nakase outplayed the four-time champions twice in the last three meetings, and there is a massive chance that they could once again deliver for the sake of qualification.
By the time this game arrives, the playoff picture will be clear, and teams will be looking to rest their star players to keep them fresh for the postseason.
Players to Watch During The Golden State Valkyries’ Exciting Run
There have been many star players in the Valkyries’ progress so far in the season. However, the most important player on their roster is Veronica Burton. The veteran guard is leading the team in scoring and assists. She even tops the team at the defensive end with 1.1 steals and a block in every game.
The efficient Burton even set a WNBA record during a loss against the Phoenix Mercury. She will seek support from her backcourt partner, Tiffany Hayes, and forward Janalle Salaun, who will give the team second chances.
Fans will not have to wait for much as the next two weeks will clear the postseason match-ups.