Built on defense, belief and Ballhalla, Valkyries keep dream alive
When it comes to the Golden State Valkyries, its where their entire identity lies. That was evident in their Game 3 elimination game against the Dallas Wings in the first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs on Friday, Oct. 2.
The Golden State Valkyries, a WNBA team built on defense, belief, and the energetic support of their fans, known as Ballhalla, have made their mark in the playoffs. Despite being a second-year franchise, their identity revolves around their tenacious defense, which they showcased against the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. In Game 1, held at their home arena, Chase Center, the Valkyries secured a 71-60 victory, holding the Aces to a season-low 60 points.
This defensive performance, coupled with strong rebounding, allowed Golden State to outscore their opponents 52-25. Forward Gabby Williams, the team's go-to player, contributed with a double-double, scoring 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and adding five assists. When Williams is aggressive and hitting her shots, the Valkyries become a formidable team to beat.
Williams, known for rising to the occasion in high-pressure situations, expressed her love for these moments and her belief in her team's abilities. The Valkyries' success is attributed not only to their defense but also to the electric atmosphere created by Ballhalla's fans. The sold-out crowd of 18,064, filled with violet-clad supporters, provided a significant homecourt advantage, boosting the team's performance.
This advantage, coupled with the team's strong defensive record and Williams' leadership, has propelled the Valkyries to the playoffs, where they aim to bring a championship home in their second season as an expansion team.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
