Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyries Create History, Become First Expansion Team to Reach WNBA playoffs

It wasn't an easy game for the Valkyries as they were trailing by 41-32 at the halftime.

Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

There was plenty of celebrating on the Valkyries bench Thursday night as Golden State became the first expansion team in the WNBA history to reach the playoffs in its inaugural year. Golden State Valkyries overcame the Dallas Wings 84-80 to secure their 23rd victory of the season and confirmed their place in the top-8 for the 2025 WNBA playoffs. It was the debut season for the Valkyries and they set a big benchmark to chase the history.

The First of a Lifetime.

The Valkyries are officially playoff bound — the first expansion team in @WNBA history to make the postseason in their first year.

Valks Fam, you’ve never doubted us — and we’re not done yet ⚔️@Sephora | The Firsts pic.twitter.com/cRxgDBoicp
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) September 5, 2025

Also Read: Caitlin Clark Injury Update: Indiana Fever Star to Miss Entire Season

Golden State Valkyries Rally in the Second Half to Clinch 2025 WNBA Playoffs

It wasn’t an easy game for the Valkyries as they were trailing by 41-32 at the halftime, thanks to a 21-11 2nd quarter surge from the Wings. Before the second half, it was the Wings, who had a complete control led by Paige Bueckers. Golden State reduced the deficit to four points and extended the momentum in the the final period. During the fourth quarter, the Valkyries outscored the Wings 26-18 to snatch a victory.

Janelle Salaun scored a team-high 19 points and Burton had 15 on 5-of-10 shooting and five assists. Carla Leite, who came in the reserving role, dropped 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Monique Billings chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.

“I don’t even know what I was feeling. … I was just trying to get a bucket when it mattered in crunch time,” Burton said. “I wasn’t looking for the foul, I was just looking to finish. … It was a huge help having everyone instill a bunch of confidence in me.”

PLAYOFFS BABYYYYY ✨🪽 pic.twitter.com/u1RTTdXsFV
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) September 5, 2025

After winning the game, all the players gathered at center court and put on T-shirts that read “Playoffs 2025.” Salaun, who was the leading scorer of the team, took the arena mic and yelled, “Let’s Goooo.”

Emotions Rises for Golden State Valkyries but Job is not Done Yet!

Golden State Valkyries was the first expansion team in 17 years. Atlanta Dream was the last team to make entry in the league in 2008. But, the Dream couldn’t crack the playofffs. In their first season, the Valkyries became the first team in women’s sports history to cover 15,000 season-ticket deposits which shows the value of this franchise. It’s 22 home games went sold out at Chase Center.

The Valkyries has just three games remaining in the regular season and their main focus will now be on the better finish. Golden State would try to avoid seventh or eighth seeding in standings. If they fall to 8th seed, they will face the Lynx and it will be tough to reach the next round. Meanwhile, Golden State will not play their first home playoff game at Chase Center. Game 2 will be hosted at the SAP Center in San Jose, which is close to San Francisco.

Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyries

WNBA 2025

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.