The Golden State Valkyries are so close to qualifying for the playoffs that you can almost feel it. The rookie team has shattered every expectation placed on them this season and are currently ranked No. 7 overall in the league — a position that would guarantee Golden State a spot if the playoffs were decided today.
Unfortunately for the Valkyries, there are still plenty of games to fight through before that happens, and the team has three big matches coming up that will are crucial wins.
Valkyries vs. Fever: Sunday, August 31
Golden State will host Indiana in Ballhalla on Sunday, August 31. It's more than fair for Valkyries fans to be cautiously optimistic about the outcome of this game: the team has shut down the Fever each time they've met so far this season (and done so by an average of 15 points). But this game is just as important for Indiana as it is for Golden State, which means the latest configuration of the Fever will likely be playing a very tough game of basketball.
Valkyries vs. Liberty: Tuesday, September 2
Golden State faces yet another tough challenge days later when the team hosts the Liberty in San Francisco — and they don't have a history of beating New York. The Liberty has won each match against the Valkyries so far, though more recent games between the two teams have been closer than their initial meeting. Beating the No. 5 ranked Liberty would be a major feat for Golden State.
Valkyries vs. Storm: Tuesday, September 9
Assuming Golden State and Seattle are both still in playoffs contention at this point, this game could end up being the crucial match that decides the fate of both teams. Golden State will enter with a 2-1 advantage, but the Storm have rallied in recent weeks and are likely to offer a strong challenge. Should Golden State win, this is the game that will lock the team into their first-ever playoffs — during their first-ever season.
Like the Fever, the Valkyries have seen their season upended by a string of unfortunate and unexpected injuries. Coach Natalie Nakase has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate those injuries with ease, but that doesn't mean the pressure isn't wearing on her roster.
Golden State has been playing without star Kayla Thornton since she suffered a season-ending knee injury soon after the All-Star break. The team is also missing Monique Billings, who hasn't played since July, and Cecilia Zandalasini, Carla Leite, and Iliana Rupert have each missed games in recent weeks.