Despite playing without All-Star Kayla Thornton and veterans Cecilia Zandalasini and Tiffany Hayes, the Golden State Valkyries never bowed out of the playoff race. Led by Temi Fagbenle’s 16 points, the Valkyries got a 66-58 win over the defending champions. The Liberty were playing without All-Star Sabrina Ionescu, but it was still a major victory for the Valkyries as they handed the Liberty their worst loss of the season. It was the first time New York didn’t reach the 60-point mark. The defending champions only scored 62 points twice in losses to the Sun and Dream, but never scored below sixty before this game.
With a fourth consecutive win that put the Valkyries back into sixth place, a trip to the postseason is right on their fingertips. ESPN’s Kendra Andrews broke down how the Valkyries can clinch their first-ever playoff spot, noting that the quickest way to do so would be relying on the Dream to beat the Sparks and taking care of business against the Wings.
With the Valkyries' 66-58 win over the Liberty, their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now two. Quickest way to that is an LA loss tomorrow to the Dream and GSV win on Thursday against the Wings.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) September 3, 2025
The Valkyries’ first-ever playoff appearance could soon be secure
The Sparks went on a tear in late July and early August, storming back into the playoff race. They are only one game behind the Fever. Even though shorthanded, Indiana currently occupies the final playoff spot. The Sparks still have their eyes set on that spot, especially after a 91-85 win over the struggling Storm.
Los Angeles has shown the ability to beat potential contenders, taking down the Aces and the Liberty earlier this season, and shouldn’t be underestimated. Still, it wouldn’t be crazy to assume that the Sparks will lose to the Dream on Wednesday. Atlanta is well established as one of the top teams in the WNBA on both ends of the floor.
Likewise, the Valkyries have a solid chance of beating the Wings for a third time this season. The Wings won the first matchup between the two teams 80-71, but a lot has changed since then. Dallas has been hit by a string of injuries, losing several players for the rest of the season. They had to play their last game against the Lynx without Li Yueru, Luisa Geiselsöder, Arike Ogunbowale, Ty Harris, Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, and Haley Jones. The Wings even came dangerously close to having to forfeit a game because so many players were injured.
On top of that, Dallas is well out of playoff contention and has lost eight consecutive games. While Paige Bueckers can always try to keep her team alive, the Valkyries should be able to take care of business against a very short-handed Wings team.
So, the Valkyries’ path to clinching a playoff spot isn’t just obvious now. It is also very possible to accomplish, especially with an assist from the Dream.