The Golden State Valkyries have no interest in being a cute team that doesn’t win. Unlike the Atlanta Dream, which lost its first 17 games with an overall 4-30 season, or even the 1962 New York Mets, an expansion team that went 40-120-1. And they are doing all that while having been provided a roster that some considered expendable or rookies who are yet to face the wild in W. So, it’s fair to say they are on Robert Frost’s “Road Not Taken”. However, their fans who had been craving for a women’s basketball team for years are rallying behind them with full support.
The Golden State Valkyries attracted some serious footfall in their first three games, bringing a crowd of over 18,000 people. It was a big deal, especially when we look back at how the Atlanta Dream were received way back in 2008, and the performances they put up, as mentioned. On the Courtside Club, show host Rachel DeMita had her own insights to share about the expansion team and its fanbase.
“The Golden State Valkyries have so much hype behind them. And I love their fanbase because its also genuine. It’s an authentic fanbase.” She said, praising the group led by Monique Billings. “They are there for the new girls, like they are riding for their team through the wins, through the losses.”
She went on to talk about how the Golden State Valkyries are really fun to watch. Obviously, we get it! Yes, they did drop their third game in a row on Sunday night, this time losing 86-75 to the all-powerful Minnesota Lynx. But, you see, all three Ls have come courtesy of the league’s top two teams, the other being the Liberty.
Aside from getting steamrolled by Sparks, Golden State’s actually been putting up a fight. They’ve been scrappy, loud, and honestly, pretty fun to watch, even if the scoreboard isn’t always on their side. As is the case with their NBA counterparts, they really push the pace on offense, and space the court really well. Billings handles business inside the paint, while newcomers like Kate Martin showcase their skills from deep.
All they’re missing is some time, and DeMita agreed! “I see them being a team, that in a few years, I think they’re going to get it together.” We saw glimpses of greatness from the Valkyries in their 82-77 loss against the Liberty, and so did the rest of the league. There’s no doubt that the rest of the twelve teams in the league are on their toes because of this, and as they should be!
The game against the Lynx further cemented that the Valkyries have all the pieces they need to succeed; they just need the right guidance and a little time. But what can the Valks take home from their rough start to the season? Well, emerging star Kate Martin has her take on it!
Growing pains are not affecting the Golden State Valkyries
First things first, the worst-case scenario has already been avoided. The Golden State Valkyries haven’t succumbed to the pressure of the big leagues like the Atlanta Dream did in ‘08, and the record for the worst start to a WNBA season does not have their name. But where do the Valks lack? Well, their offense is quite dynamic, and they love getting shots off quickly, but it all depends on whether they can get going.
Consistently putting up around 75 points as an expansion team is quite good, but allowing as many offensive possessions as they do is just as bad! Luckily, the team seems to be cognizant of their errors, as Kate Martin certainly put us all at ease after the 86-75 loss to the Lynx.
Jun 1, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) shoots against Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) and forward Napheesa Collier (24) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Martin had her breakout game against Minnesota, putting up 14 points in 19 minutes! She went 50% from both the field and from beyond the arc. However, that didn’t stop her from getting candid about where her team lacked the most. “We talked about in the locker room a little bit like when our shots aren’t falling, and we’re not getting great offensive flow, we can’t let that affect the defensive side of the floor” She said, and we could see it in action.
The Valkyries weren’t able to pressure the Lynx enough around the arc. Minnesota ended up shooting about 42% from deep and was relentless on defense! So when we bring up the Valks and their figure of 26.5% from 3, we can see where exactly their defense collapsed.
However, they’re not panicking! Kate Martin has fixes prepared for all their issues. “I think some of it comes from earlier communication, picking up in transition earlier. But we know the adjustments we need to make, and we will make them going forward.” But frankly, they’re already blowing expectations out of the water!
The thing about expansion teams is that you never know what’s going to be on the plate. You can have a diamond in the rough or just a pile of coal, and you’ll never know until they take the court. Luckily, the Valkyries have proved that they shine bright. It will be interesting to see how the team fares as time goes on and whether they’ll be able to become a winning team soon enough. Stay tuned for more basketball in the bay!
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