On Thursday, the Golden State Valkyries headed to Brooklyn to face the New York Liberty, widely considered to be one of the best teams in the league and definite title contenders. Many fans tuned in expecting to watch a close, competitive game, and the majority foresaw the Liberty taking it. Instead, the Valkyries routed the 2024 champions, winning 87-70.
Both teams sit atop the league rankings, but there are very few outlets that have the Valkyries even sniffing a title this year. They are, to be fair, only in their second year in the league, and none of their roster are considered to be a part of that coveted superstar tier. After dominant wins against the Liberty and Mercury so far–teams that reached that last two finals and one that won–it may be time to start regarding the young franchise as a real threat.
The Liberty are still short-handed
Before overreacting, it's worth mentioning that the Liberty haven't been at full strength so far this season. Two of their projected starters, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, have missed time with injuries, and they are bound to make a huge difference. Sabally did check in for the first time this season against the Valkyries, but struggled, which is to be expected from a player that hasn't played since October 2025. It's hard to imagine a Liberty team with Ionescu, Sabally, Breanna Stewart–along with former MVP Jonquel Jones, rising star Marinne Johannès, and ROTY candidate Pauline Astier–not winning games.
With Johannès stepping into this new role of one of the Liberty's top offensive engines, the team isn't yet used to pivoting when she's shut down. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase told media after that game that the French guard was at the top of their scouting report, and the team did an amazing job, holding her to 0 points and only five shot attempts. When Ionescu comes back, teams will most likely not be able to guard Johannès this hands on, opening up 3-point shooting that'll push the team over the finish line.
Overall, Liberty fans shouldn't be worried, but there is absolutely room for improvement for this team if they hope to get back to the Finals stage. They have a tough slate of games coming up, and its time to show the league that contender level of play
Are the Valkyries legit?
Golden State looks dangerous. Gabby Williams is on track to have a career year, currently averaging 15 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals a game in her new role as top contributor. She's shooting the three at 46.2%, and isn't afraid to let it fly.
Two 3s already for Gabby Williams pic.twitter.com/f09Mq86dBw
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) May 22, 2026
This type of production, paired with Veronica Burton's wizard-like court vision, Janelle Salaün's three-point shooting, and dominance down-low from the Valkyries' bigs, makes this team look like it could take down any team on any night. The bench unit–led by Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere–does an amazing job at holding onto leads when the starters sub out, and who knows what Justė Jocytė will contribute when she comes back.
The thing about the Valkyries is that their highs are extremely high, and their lows are really hard to watch. This team's identity is rooted in defense, and when they are unable to get the stops they want, the team struggles to get going in a way that's conducive to winning. This might come back to bite them against teams like the Aces, who have players like A'ja Wilson, who's impossible to truly stop.
I'm not sure anyone expected the Valkyries to be in these kinds of conversations in only their second year in the league, but the staff and players have made it clear that their sole goal is to win. They've already done a great job on that front: the question is how far they can take it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google