The Valkyries’ historic inaugural season was only the first of many steps in an ambitious long-term plan to bring a WNBA championship to the Bay Area. If owner Joe Lacob gets his wish, that will happen within the next few years.
Golden State played an impressive first season. The Valkyries set a new record for total wins by an expansion team in its first season, became the first expansion team to make the playoffs, set attendance records at their home games, and took home two end-of-season awards—Coach of the Year and Most Improved Player. They achieved everything except for winning a playoff game.
The Valkyries’ historic first season was cut short in heartbreaking fashion. After getting crushed by the Lynx in Game 1, the Valkyries were determined to avoid that same fate in San Jose. Golden State got out to a big lead quickly. After the third quarter, Natalie Nakase’s team was up by 14 points. Minnesota clawed back from the deficit to win the game by one point and eliminate the Valkyries from the playoffs.
That defeat did nothing to deter the Valkyries from their long-term plans. “The goal is the goal. We gotta win a championship in five years,” Natalie Nakase declared after the game. “I love that challenge. I wanted to win this year. So, to me, I’m disappointed in myself. I can’t wait for next year.”
The Valkyries put up an impressive fight against Minnesota
After struggling to score in their playoff debut, the Valkyries came out firing in their second postseason game. They shot 43.8% from the field and 50% from three. The Valkyries also won the battle in the paint and stifled the Lynx’s offense early on.
Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard, who caused the Lynx’s bounce back in Game 1, combined for only two points. Courtney Williams only scored six points. Minnesota is usually an exceptional 3-point shooting team, but shot only 8-28 in this game.
Cecilia Zandalasini was the star of the show for the Valkyries. She finished the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, and was tasked with taking the final, potential game-winning shot. Janelle Salaün, Veronica Burton, and Monique Billings also had big games.
Without three starters—Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, and Temi Fagbenle all had to miss the game—the Valkyries were just one basket away from beating the number-one seed in a playoff game. That alone is a huge accomplishment, even though the Valkyries let a big lead slip away.
The Valkyries built the foundation for long-term success
The Valkyries’ goal of winning a championship within five years may seem ambitious, but they successfully built the perfect foundation to achieve that goal. The team has an established culture and proved its dedication to winning by chasing a playoff appearance instead of a high lottery pick in its first year. On top of that, the ownership has shown the willingness to invest in facilities and player experience that is necessary to attract big-time free agents.