Balhalla is not a place — it’s an energy. On Wednesday night, that energy filled every inch of San Jose’s SAP Center, where the Golden State Valkyries made history by hosting their first-ever home WNBA playoff game.
The matchup was relocated from Chase Center to accommodate the Laver Cup tennis event, but it didn’t matter. The Bay Area showed up in force, selling out the Sharks’ arena, filling it with violet T-shirts, and carrying the same roar that shook San Francisco all summer long. For three quarters, it felt like the Valkyries were destined to add another peak to their storybook inaugural season.
But in the end, Minnesota’s experience and championship-level composure won out. The Lynx stormed back from 17 down, outscoring Golden State 23–11 in the fourth quarter to hand the Valkyries a crushing 73–72 defeat, eliminating them from the playoffs.
A Historic Run, Cut Short
- Kayla Thornton, the first-time All-Star forward, was lost to season-ending knee surgery in July.
- Tiffany Hayes, a former WNBA All-Star, missed her 10th straight game with a knee injury.
- Temi Fágbénlé, the team’s anchor in the paint, was ruled out last-minute with knee pain.
Head coach Natalie Nakase was left with just six players in the rotation. Still, the Valkyries fought valiantly.
- Veronica Burton buried three triples.
- Monique Billings came off the bench with 15 points and 4 rebounds, her energy sparking the building.
- The team went 10-for-20 from deep through three quarters, building a double-digit lead.
SAP Center shook when Billings converted a three-point play at the third-quarter buzzer. Up 14 heading into the final frame, Golden State had the No. 1 seed Lynx on the ropes.
But Napheesa Collier, an MVP candidate, and Kayla McBride, a sharpshooting All-Star, took over. They combined to fuel a Minnesota surge that reminded the Valkyries — and their fans — what playoff basketball at the highest level demands.
Lessons From a Fairy-Tale Season
The Bay Area’s newest franchise didn’t just earn respect this year; they changed the conversation around women’s sports in California. From sellouts at Chase Center to the unforgettable playoff debut in San Jose, the Valkyries built culture, identity, and momentum in just one season.
But Wednesday’s heartbreak was a necessary reminder. Vibes and chemistry alone don’t win championships. Talent, depth, and execution in crunch time matter most — and that’s where Golden State still has work to do.
General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin will be tasked with building on this strong foundation, adding elite playmakers and bolstering depth so the Valkyries don’t just compete — they contend.
The tears on Cecilia Zandalasini’s face, the look in Burton’s eyes, the emotion in rookie Leïla Salläun’s voice postgame — they told the story. This wasn’t just the end of a season. It was the beginning of something bigger.
Bay Area, This Is Just the Beginning
The Golden State Valkyries gave us a dream first season: sellouts, highlights, energy, and proof that the Bay Area is a WNBA stronghold. Losing hurts, but heartbreak is often the foundation of greatness.
The crowd is here. The culture is here. The coach is here. The players are here. And the vision is clear: championship basketball in the Bay Area.
Fairy tales may not last forever, but dynasties begin in moments like this.
