The Golden State Valkyries celebrated a historic achievement on Thursday night, becoming the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the playoffs in their debut season. In front of another sold-out home crowd, the Valkyries mounted an exciting comeback to defeat the Dallas Wings 84-80 for their fifth consecutive win.
The game highlighted the Valkyries’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure. After struggling in the second quarter and falling behind at halftime, the team regrouped to deliver a strong second-half performance. Key defensive plays and timely scoring in the final minutes were crucial in turning the game around and securing the memorable victory.
👑 A Historic Night in San Francisco
The atmosphere was electric as the Valkyries officially clinched their playoff spot. It was a special moment for the new team and their dedicated fans, who have sold out every home game this season. After the final buzzer, forward Janelle Salaun celebrated with the crowd, shouting, “Let’s goooooo!” as her teammates put on their new playoff T-shirts.
💪 A Tale of Two Halves
The game was a story of momentum shifts. The Valkyries had a tough stretch towards the end of the first half, missing 12 of 13 shots, which allowed Dallas to go on a 17-3 run and take a 41-32 lead into the break. The Wings looked in control, but Golden State managed to find their rhythm again in the third quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
🔥 The Fourth-Quarter Comeback
The Valkyries’ comeback gained steam in the final period. Salaun, who led the team with 19 points, hit two crucial three-pointers that kept her team in the fight. Though the Wings’ Paige Bueckers put her team ahead 74-72 with just over three minutes left, Golden State responded with decisive plays. A key block by Monique Billings led to a go-ahead jumper, and the Valkyries never looked back.
⭐ Key Performances Sealed the Win
In the final moments, several players stepped up for the Valkyries. Veronica Burton was instrumental, scoring 15 points, including a critical three-point play with 22.3 seconds left and four clutch free throws to seal the win. For the Wings, Paige Bueckers had an outstanding game with 27 points and six assists, and she also passed a rookie milestone by moving into fifth place on the all-time rookie scoring list. However, it wasn’t enough to stop her team’s losing streak.
