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.
“I’m bittersweet in terms of we’re supposed to do this,” Nakase said to the media on September 5. ” That’s my mental. That’s me, um, kind of saying must win. Like, and I told the girls like, we intentionally picked you guys for this reason.”
Golden State Expansion
The Valkyries were approved as the league’s 13th team in 2023, backed by Golden State Warriors Owner Joe Lacob and entrepreneur Peter Guber. On December 6, 2024, the Valkyries held their expansion draft, laying the foundation for this season’s roster.
Throughout the season, Golden State has experienced ups and downs. Kayla Thornton, who was the team’s only All-Star selection, suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice the week of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Break.
Needless to say, the front office continued to sign pieces to the team, whether it was a hardship contract or 7-10 day contracts. The Valkyries signed Bree Hall and Kaila Charles, to short-term contracts.
On the flip side, the roster’s core remained intact, and some players played extended minutes.
The Valkyries Resilience
Although Golden State may not have a franchise player, they continue to bond together as a team. Veronica Burton, who is the heartbeat of the team, has made significant strides as a player.
Burton continues to be included in conversations for most improved player. While that award selection will come at a later date, the numbers are hard to ignore.
The 5-foot-9 guard is leading the team in scoring, assists, steals, and blocks, posting career highs of 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Not to mention, she has played every game of the season thus far.
In addition to Burton’s renaissance year, Tiffany Hayes continues to lead as a veteran while chipping in 11.7 points per game, while shooting 40.6% percent from three.
Cecilia Zandalasini (11.2), Janell Salaün (11.1), and Iliana Rupert (9.2) have contributed offensively. The Valkyries are top three in the league in three-pointers made (405), Rebounds per game (35.2), and free-throw percentage (81.6).
Leadership
Even as the first expansion team to make the postseason in season one, the franchise still wants more. The leadership of the organization thrives on a winning attitude.
Nakase continued to talk about the franchise’s culture and mindset in her post-game press interview. “I credit Ohemaa, obviously Joe, too as well. Jess, the leadership it starts there, and it’s the support, it’s the motivation,” Nakase said.
“Joe pushes me, he really does push me to not just settle and not just be mediocre. So I credit that, and the players were intentionally chosen to do a lot of the first.”
Currently, Golden State is sixth in league standings, and they have three more games remaining. The franchise can either fall to eighth or move up to the fifth.
If the postseason started today, the franchise would take on the Atlanta Dream.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Playoffs Expected for Golden State Valkyries, Coach Praises Leadership appeared first on Heavy Sports.