Golden State Valkyries Clinch Postseason Berth in Inaugural Season with 84-80 Win Over Dallas
SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 4, 2025) — The Golden State Valkyries (21-18) defeated the Dallas Wings 84-80 on Wednesday night at Ball Arena, becoming the first WNBA expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in its inaugural season.
Photo Credit: Javaghn Mendoza
The victory marked Golden State’s fifth consecutive win, the longest winning streak of the season. The Valkyries join the 1998 Detroit Shock (six games) and 1999 Orlando Miracle (five games) as the only expansion teams in league history to win five or more consecutive games.
Golden State also recorded its 21st consecutive home sellout, maintaining a perfect attendance record in its first season.
By the Numbers
Five players scored in double figures for the 12th time this season.
Janelle Salaün scored a team-high 19 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, on 75.0 percent shooting from three (3-4). She also added six rebounds and one assist.
Carla Leite recorded 15 points on 75.0 percent shooting (6-8) off the bench, with a team-best +28 plus-minus. She scored 12 points in the second half on 83.3 percent shooting (5-6).
Monique Billings added 11 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench.
Iliana Rupert contributed 10 points and four assists.
Veronica Burton finished with 15 points and five assists, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter. She also went 5-for-5 from the free throw line, her 19th perfect free throw performance of the season.
As a team, Golden State shot 82.6 percent from the free-throw line (19-23).
Photo Credit: Javaghn Mendoza
Quote from Head Coach Natalie Nakase
On clinching a playoff spot:
“I told the girls, we intentionally picked you guys for this reason to do things for the first. That was what Tip (Tiffany Hayes) said when we celebrated in the locker room. She goes, ‘we’re the first.’ And I said, well, I intentionally chose you guys as well to do first things. Credit to Ohemaa (Nyanin), obviously Joe (Lacob) too, just the leadership. It starts there. And it’s the support, it’s the motivation. Joe pushes me to not just settle and not just be mediocre. And then the players were intentionally chosen to do a lot of the first.”
Up Next
The Valkyries continue their homestand as they look to extend their winning streak and prepare for postseason play.