The Golden State Valkyries will face the Minnesota Lynx in the team's first-ever playoffs game Sunday, September 14. Though the teams have played close games throughout the 2025 season (except for Thursday night's showing), going head-to-head with the No. 1 team in the W will be a tough reality for the Valkyries — and it's imperative that Golden State lands as many shots as humanly possible while doing so.
Coach Natalie Nakase said as much following the team's 72-53 loss to the Lynx Thursday night. She noted the team has to make shots in Sunday's game, "which we are capable of."
"We had a lot of, I thought, good looks," Nakase continued. "I thought we moved the ball really well. We do have to take care of it a little bit better ... we just have to make shots. I know the capability of our players. We work on our threes all the time. So yeah, I'm really obviously hopeful."
Nakase also suggested that the fact the team is going up against the Lynx so soon after their recent loss is a positive thing, because, "It's not like we have to completely change a ton of things and completely embrace and learn about a new team."
The Valkyries have blown up everyone's expectations
If there is any team in the WNBA who could surprise everyone this postseason, it's probably Golden State. The team has managed to decimate every preseason expectation placed on them, and have enjoyed an inaugural season that will serve as a benchmark for expansion teams as they enter the WNBA.
Golden State has done this while thrilling sold-out crowds at Ballhalla and invigorating fans across the country. They're the first team to make the playoffs in its inaugural season, a feat that is already tremendous — and if they can land their shots, they could even do a little more damage.
The odds are absolutely not in their favor (ESPN has projected Golden State only has a 10% chance of beating the Lynx and advancing to the semifinals), but they aren't insurmountable. The outlet also noted that the team boasts the fourth-best defensive rating in the W at 99.9, and has also managed to hold their opponents to the fewest points per game at 76.4.
As ever, the Valkyries have a steep hill to climb if they hope to make it to the second round of the playoffs this postseason... but if there's a team that can pull that off, it just might be this one.