The Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty game may have taken the L, but they earned a hell of a lot of respect.
After getting steamrolled just 48 hours earlier, the Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty matchup at Barclays Center saw Golden State storm back with fire in their eyes, falling just short in a hard-fought 82–77 battle against the defending champion New York Liberty. It was a heartbreaker—but it was also a wake-up call to the league: these Valkyries are coming.
Bouncing Back With Heart and Hustle
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Tuesday’s 95–67 loss was rough. Coach Natalie Nakase owned it, citing her decision to prioritize “rest over rhythm” during the team’s three-day layoff. The result? A flat start that spiraled fast. But what makes this squad special isn’t just talent—it’s resilience. And Thursday night, Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty showed it in spades.
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Golden State came out sharper, scrappier, and laser-focused. After a film session and shootaround reset, the Valkyries made it clear: they weren’t going to be anyone’s highlight reel twice in one week.
Temi in Trouble, Bench Steps Up
Starting center Temi Fágbénlé, a key voice and veteran anchor, picked up her fourth foul early in the third. Big blow. But Monique Billings answered the call, banging the boards, bodying up on Breanna Stewart, and grabbing some massive second-chance rebounds to keep the momentum alive despite the tough matchup against New York Liberty.
Still, foul trouble loomed large, and despite Janelle Salaün’s all-out performance (more on that in a sec), the Valks couldn’t quite get over the hump in the Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty encounter.
The Rookie Shines Bright
Let’s talk Salaün. The rookie was relentless, pouring in 18 points and snagging 12 boards for her first career double-double. She attacked the paint fearlessly, hustled on the glass, and flat-out refused to be intimidated. Even when the shots didn’t fall, she kept coming. That’s the mentality we love in Golden State Valkyries.
Late-Game Drama, NYC Escape
Golden State was right there in the final minutes—down by one heading into the fourth. Nakase drew up a smart baseline play late, but the Liberty’s pressure forced a five-second violation. Painful. New York, ever the execution machine, used Stewart’s gravity to open a lane for Natasha Cloud to seal the deal with a layup.
Still, the Valks had one last chance. Down three, 10.1 seconds to go. The play was for Cecilia Zandalasini, back for her season debut. She got a clean look… but the left-wing three missed everything, missing the opportunity to upset New York Liberty.
Ballgame. But don’t let that miss define this game. Zandasalani’s return added spark, spacing, and swagger—and she’ll be crucial moving forward.
The Bigger Picture: This Team Is Legit
Look, we wanted the W. But this was more than a moral victory—it was a statement. From the improved defensive rotations and first-quarter ball pressure, to the poise shown down the stretch, this team isn’t just fun to root for—they’re dangerous.
Sabrina Ionescu might’ve cooked early, but Cloud and Stewie were bottled up thanks to a renewed Valkyries defense. And the Liberty—who walked into Tuesday’s matchup expecting another cruise—were visibly rattled early. That’s progress. That’s culture-building for the Golden State Valkyries facing New York Liberty.
Credit GM Ohemaa Nyanin and Nakase: this squad is already showing playoff grit, even at 2–3.
🟣 Final Word from a Valkyries Fan
We didn’t walk out of Barclays with a win. But we walked out with pride, promise, and proof that this team is battle-ready.
The Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty game showed the Valkyries are finding their rhythm. And when they do?
The league better be ready.
