Even with the ambitious target of winning a championship in the first five years of the Golden State Valkyries' existence, owner Joe Lacob could not have imagined such a seamless transition into the WNBA.
So far, the league's newcomers have enjoyed an impressive start to life as a professional franchise, winning 19 out of their 37 games—a WNBA record for an expansion team (ahead of the Detroit Shock, who registered 17 wins in 1998).
The Valkyries' roster has been devastated by injuries, which has dampened spirits and resulted in a demoralizing three-game losing streak in recent days.
However, head coach Natalie Nakase may have manufactured a solution during her team's most recent 90-81 victory over Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings, which has reopened the door for hopes of a postseason run—even if it comes with some demanding conditions: the Valkyries’ top players will have to play heavy minutes to close out the rest of the regular season and keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.
Key players will have to fill exhausting roles
Nakase has discovered which stars she can place her unwavering trust in over the course of her enthralling inaugural season as a head coach. This has never been more evident in previous matchups as injuries continue to plague the franchise—most notably, superstar Kayla Thornton, who has been ruled out for the year after sustaining a knee injury.
During Golden State's triumph over the Wings, four players out of the starting five recorded 34+ minutes on the floor, with only Kate Martin being on the court for more than five minutes (17) from the bench.
Despite only averaging 29 minutes per game throughout the 2025 WNBA campaign, Veronica Burton clocked a staggering 38 minutes versus Dallas. On the night, the 25-year-old savagely enacted revenge on her former team, registering 25 points, five rebounds, four blocks, and 13 assists—continuing an impressive stint of performances.
With five players currently listed on Golden State's injury list, this could be a trend that continues for the franchise for the remainder of the year. The limited players that Coach Nakase has at her disposal may have to endure serious physical and mental fatigue, and possibly grind out the season with niggling injuries themselves.
Is this the formula of a championship-contending franchise? It does not take a mastermind to assess this question and realise it is not. Nevertheless, the Golden State Valkyries will not be throwing in the towel just yet; fans can expect a thrilling end to their first campaign in the WNBA.