Here comes the real test. The Golden State Valkyries have a golden chance to show that they’re not just the shiny new kids. Sitting at 7-6, they’ve already knocked off Vegas, Seattle, and Indiana – some of the most seasoned squads out there. Now imagine what adding a win over the mighty New York Liberty would do. Well, that could be the boost that sends them flying into serious playoff conversations.
Meanwhile, things aren’t all glitter for New York right now. They’ve lost two in a row, and three of their last four. That “we’re better than everybody” vibe officially took a hit after Seattle beat them. Now, heading into the Bay, they’re not exactly at full strength. How are things looking before the game? Let’s get into it.
Where to Watch
Date: June 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco
Where to watch:
TV: WWOR, KPIX, Liberty Live
Streaming: FuboTV (Free trial available, Pro plan $84.99/month)
Injury Report
New York Liberty: Star guard Sabrina Ionescu is listed as questionable. She missed Sunday’s game due to a neck issue that came up during travel. Coach Sandy Brondello said it’s something she’s dealt with before and hopes she’ll be okay for tonight. But nothing is confirmed yet.
Oct 13, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Lynx during game two of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Jonquel Jones is out for a few weeks with a knee injury, and Leonie Fiebich is still playing for Germany in the EuroBasket tournament.
Golden State Valkyries: Only Leite is on the injury list with a back issue. She’s also listed as questionable.
Probable Starting Lineups
New York Liberty
Breanna Stewart
Nyara Sabally
Rebekah Gardner
Natasha Cloud
Marine Johannes
Golden State Valkyries
Kayla Thornton
Stephanie Talbot
Monique Billings
Tiffany Hayes
Veronica Burton
Prediction: Who Breaks the Streak?
This game has got storyline written all over it. If Sabrina plays, it’s a Bay Area homecoming for the Walnut Creek native – facing Golden State at Chase Center for the first time since they joined the league. But not to forget, the last time(s) these two met. It wasn’t pretty for the Valkyries. Liberty dominated, building a 20-point lead early and kind of just cruising the rest of the way. Even on May 30, the very next game, New York handled business again, 82–77. Stewart and Sabrina were the main reasons why.
This time though, things might look different. Golden State has momentum with two straight wins, while the Liberty are looking to snap a three-game funk. Also, the Valkyries are pretty solid at home. They’re second in the West in offensive rebounds thanks to Temi Fagbenle. They’re also third in steals. Sure, their shooting is not great – last in three-point percentage – but they make up for it with hustle stats.
May 21, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15), forward Kayla Thornton (5), guard Veronica Burton (22) and center Temi Fagbenle (14) huddle during a game against the Washington Mystics in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Liberty are still the top dogs defensively in the East. Just 77.2 points allowed per game. They also shoot a much better 46.4% from the field, way better than GSV’s 39.8%. And Golden State’s defense allows opponents to shoot 40.9%, so it’s not a huge mismatch, but New York’s offense definitely has the edge. Add to that: New York’s 4-2 on the road. They know how to win in tough places. But then again, Golden State’s been unpredictable this season, so don’t count them out.
Prediction: Liberty to win
If Sabrina plays, that tips the scales even more in Liberty’s favor. But even if she doesn’t, Stewart and that elite defense might be enough to carry them through. Golden State will give them a fight, no doubt. But based on how the first two matchups went, we’re leaning towards New York.
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