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Valkyries Become 1st WNBA Expansion Team to Reach Playoffs in Inaugural Season After Win over Wings
The Golden State Valkyries achieved a historic playoff berth with a five-game winning streak, overcoming injuries and strong opponents, driven by key players' performances.
- On Thursday night, the Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, clinching the spot with an 84-80 comeback win over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center.
- After an early 1-9 start, the Golden State Valkyries rallied despite Tiffany Hayes missing her fifth straight game and buoyed by 21 Chase Center sellouts.
- Janelle Salaun paced the Valkyries with 19 points, while Veronica Burton's late three-point play and clutch free throws plus Carla Leite's efficient 15 points helped seal the 84-80 win.
- The result leaves the Valkyries 23-18 and positioned as the sixth seed, but they could still fall to eighth and face Minnesota with a remaining schedule including Saturday against the Lynx.
- Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said the playoff clinch marks unfinished business after a season of team resilience and defying expectations at the Chase Center celebration.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Playoffs Expected for Golden State Valkyries, Coach Praises Leadership
The Golden State Valkyries made history by becoming the first WNBA expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in its inaugural season.Needless to say, Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase recognized the milestone while emphasizing the franchise’s mindset. The first-year coach explained the intentionality behind the scenes that led to this moment. file under: history-making moments pic.twitter.com/UMT5zA9n85 — Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) …
Wings HC Gets Message From Valkyries Counterpart After Paige Bueckers-Related Allegation Hits His Image
When the Dallas Wings entered this season, they had every piece they needed: from DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith (both of them traded) to No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. Still, the team was off to a 1-9 start. And that left many, including Sheryl Swoopes, with the perception that Chris Koclanes wasn’t worth it for the job. “Maybe you’ve been an assistant coach for 20 years. That doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a better coach than I…
The Mercury news
East Bay TimesHistory made: Valkyries secure playoff spot with grit, heart
SAN FRANCISCO — The buzzer barely finished echoing when white steam burst from the back of the backboard and purple streamers tumbled from the Chase Center rafters onto the cheering fans below. At center court, Valkyries players leapt into each other’s arms while jumping to the beat of Rihanna’s and Calvin Harris’ disco hit “This is what you came for.” Above them, in bold gold lettering, the jumbotron announced what an expansion dream once made…
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