Valkyries Clinch Playoff Berth With Sixth Straight Win, Beat Wings 78-70
The Golden State Valkyries are heading back to the WNBA playoffs. On Monday night at Chase Center, the Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings 78-70, clinching their second consecutive postseason appearance in front of another sellout crowd that included Warriors star Stephen Curry and his son Canon.
Gabby Williams led the way with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Veronica Burton added 16 points and five assists. Tiffany Hayes hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from just inside half court to end the first quarter, giving Golden State a 20-19 lead it never relinquished. The Valkyries outscored Dallas 24-9 in the second quarter, taking a 44-28 halftime lead and holding off a late Wings surge.
Golden State (25-9) has now won six straight and 15 of its last 17 games. The team has already surpassed its win total from its inaugural 2025 season by two, and the victory over the Wings marked the first time the franchise has reached the 25-win mark. Center Kiah Stokes returned from concussion protocol and played 23 minutes, providing a defensive anchor in the paint.
Context: A Second-Year Dynasty in the Making
The Valkyries made history in 2025 by becoming the first expansion franchise to reach the WNBA playoffs in its inaugural season. They fell just short of advancing, losing to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx by one point in Game 2 of the first round. This year, they're not just back—they're better.
Golden State has improved its record from 23-13 in 2025 to 25-9 through 34 games, and the team's chemistry is evident. Williams, a two-way standout, has emerged as a bona fide star, while Burton has provided steady backcourt play. The bench, led by Hayes and Janelle Salaun (10 points each Monday), has been a consistent source of production.
The Valkyries' success has also made them a cultural phenomenon in the Bay Area. Monday's game drew a sellout crowd, and Curry's presence—along with Warriors teammates Gary Payton II and a free-agent target, Dalen Terry—underscores the team's crossover appeal. The Warriors' stars have become regulars at Valkyries games, and their support has helped elevate the franchise's profile.
Perspective: What the Playoff Clinch Means for the WNBA
The Valkyries' rapid rise is a testament to the WNBA's expansion strategy. In just two seasons, the franchise has built a winning culture, drawn massive crowds, and become a legitimate contender. Their success mirrors the league's broader growth, which has seen record viewership and attendance in recent years.
The playoffs are now a realistic opportunity for Golden State to make a deep run. With a balanced roster, a home-court advantage at Chase Center, and momentum from a six-game winning streak, the Valkyries are a team no one wants to face in the postseason.
Dallas, meanwhile, continues to struggle. The Wings (20-15) have lost five of their last six and are fighting to secure a playoff spot. Paige Bueckers scored 21 points in Monday's loss, but the Wings have been unable to string together wins since the All-Star break. Their first postseason appearance since 2023 remains in doubt.
For the Valkyries, the focus now shifts to securing the best possible seed. With six games remaining in the regular season, they trail the league-leading Lynx but are firmly in contention for a top-two spot. "We're just trying to get through it," said Bueckers earlier this week, echoing the mentality of a team in a rut. The Valkyries, by contrast, are thriving.
As the WNBA playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Golden State. The Valkyries have already made history; now they're looking to make a statement. With Curry cheering from the stands and a growing fan base behind them, this team is poised for a memorable postseason run.
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