Valkyries Face Tough Losses Amidst Promising Performances
The Golden State Valkyries are navigating a challenging yet exciting inaugural season in the WNBA, currently holding a 10-11 record, placing them fourth in the Western Conference. The team has demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower, despite facing a series of narrow defeats against formidable opponents.
Most recently, the Valkyries suffered a heartbreaking 78-77 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center on Monday, July 15, 2025. The game came down to the wire, with Janelle Salaun hitting a crucial three-pointer and a baseline jumper in the final seconds to tie the score at 77. However, Alyssa Thomas of the Mercury secured the win with a game-winning free throw with just one second remaining. In this contest, the Valkyries showcased their shooting prowess, hitting a season-high 14 three-pointers. Key contributors included Veronica Burton with 17 points and six assists, Tiffany Hayes with 15 points, Janelle Salaun with 12 points, and Monique Billings adding 10 points and nine rebounds. DeWanna Bonner led the Mercury with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The game was played before a crowd of 18,064 fans.
This marked the second time this season the Valkyries fell to the Mercury. In an earlier matchup on June 5, 2025, the Valkyries lost 86-77, a game where the Mercury closed with an 18-1 run. Rookie Lexi Held was a standout for Phoenix with 24 points, while Veronica Burton led Golden State with 16 points.
The Valkyries also demonstrated their offensive potential in a 104-102 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on July 12, 2025, where they cracked the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history. Despite the high scoring, they couldn’t overcome a dominant performance from A’ja Wilson, who recorded 34 points and 16 rebounds for the Aces, with Jackie Young scoring their final 10 points.
Player Highlights and Team Statistics
Several Valkyries players are making significant impacts in their inaugural season. Forward Kayla Thornton has been a consistent force, leading the team with 14.8 points per game. Her talent has been recognized with a selection to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Roster, notably drafted by Caitlin Clark. Guard Veronica Burton has been a key playmaker, averaging 5.4 assists per game, and has shown her scoring ability with a career-high 21 points and five three-pointers against the Indiana Fever on July 7, 2025. Center Temi Fagbenle leads the team in field goal percentage at 54.3%.
Collectively, the Golden State Valkyries average 80.3 points, 37.0 rebounds, and 18.5 assists per game, showcasing a balanced offensive and defensive effort.
The Mythology Behind the Name
The team’s distinctive name, “Valkyries,” draws from rich Norse mythology. A valkyrie (from Old Norse: valkyrja, meaning “chooser of the slain”) is one of a host of female figures who guide the souls of fallen warriors to the god Odin’s hall, Valhalla. In Norse mythology, these figures are often depicted as fierce, helmeted women associated with battle, fate, and sometimes accompanied by ravens, swans, or horses. They are attested in various historical texts such as the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, Heimskringla, and Njáls saga. This powerful imagery aligns with the spirit of a competitive sports team, embodying strength, determination, and a warrior ethos on the court.
Looking Ahead
As the Golden State Valkyries continue their inaugural season, they will look to convert these close contests into victories. Their upcoming schedule includes matchups against the Dallas Wings on July 26 and the Las Vegas Aces on August 7, both at Chase Center. With a talented roster and a fighting spirit, the Valkyries aim to build on their promising start and make a significant mark in the WNBA.
