The Golden State Valkyries nearly pulled off one of the most dramatic wins of their inaugural season. However, they fell just short in a heartbreaking 73–72 loss to the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena. The match-up between the Golden State Valkyries vs Seattle Storm was intense and kept fans on the edge of their seats.
This was no ordinary game. It was a battle for playoff positioning, and it delivered everything: grit, drama, clutch shots, and a gut-punch ending.
How It Happened
Golden State came out firing defensively, holding the Storm to just 12 points in the first quarter and leading 18–12. After a tight second frame, the Valks dominated the third. They rode a 25–20 run to take a 61–53 lead into the final quarter.
But Seattle struck back. The Storm opened the fourth with a 10–0 run, turning the game into a seesaw thriller. The Valks tied it at 63, 65, and 70. This showed the same resilience that’s carried them to history in Year 1.
Then came the dagger sequence:
- Iliana Rupert buried a clutch three with 37.4 seconds left, putting Golden State up 73–72.
- But former MVP Nneka Ogwumike grabbed her own miss and found Erica Wheeler. She drained a jumper with 19.2 seconds left to give Seattle the lead.
- On the final possession, Janelle Salaün’s contested shot in the paint rimmed out, and her second attempt from distance missed as well. Seattle secured the board and the win.
What It Means
With the loss — and the Indiana Fever’s win over Minnesota — the Valkyries slid to the seventh seed in the WNBA standings. At 22–19, Golden State is sandwiched between Indiana (sixth) and Seattle (eighth), with one game left to decide everything.
- Win the finale @ Minnesota Lynx ➝ Valks climb to 6th seed
- Lose ➝ fall to 8th and draw the top-seeded Lynx in Round 1
The Lynx (25–6) have already locked up the No. 1 seed and may rest starters. This gives Golden State a real chance to snatch momentum before the postseason.
Why It Matters
The Valkyries have already made WNBA history by becoming the first expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in its inaugural season. But now, the mission is clear. They must avoid the eighth seed and set up a more favorable first-round matchup against either the Las Vegas Aces or the Atlanta Dream.
The Bay Area crowd has carried Golden State all season long with 22 straight sellouts at Chase Center. However, Thursday in Minnesota, it’s all about grit, composure, and finishing the job.
History is already written. But how far can the Valkyries fly in their debut playoff run?
