WNBA Playoffs/Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Dallas Wings-Golden State Valkyrie tee it up at Chase Center for game 1 of playoffs

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) is guarded by Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Can Gabby Williams continue her strong play against Dallas after averaging 22.3 points in the Valkyries’ three regular-season meetings with the Wings?

#2 How will Veronica Burton handle her matchup with Paige Bueckers, particularly after Burton averaged 16.3 points and 5.7 assists against Dallas during the regular season?

#3 Can Kayla Thornton make an impact on the boards and defensively against Dallas forward Jessica Shepard, who averaged 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists during the 2026 regular season?

#4 Will Kiah Stokes be able to control the paint and protect the rim against the Wings’ frontcourt, especially given her 1.7 blocks-per-game average this season?

#5 Can Tiffany Hayes, Kaitlyn Chen and Janelle Salaün provide another strong contribution from the Valkyries’ bench, as they did when they combined for 37 reserve points against Dallas on June 17? G Golden State Valkyries.

Michael Roberson is a Golden State Valkyrie beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Valkyries Win their last home regular season game against Seattle Storm, 70-57

Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) drives to the basket against Seattle Storm forward Mackenzie Holmes, left, and guard-forward Taylor Thierry (3) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo credits to AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries (31-11) played their final home game of the regular season, they hosted and defeated the Seattle Storm (8-34), 70-57. The Valkyries would finish the season with a 17-5 record at home. Golden State would also get the series season sweep on Seattle Storm, and now become the only franchise in WNBA history to sell out every home game in each of its first two seasons.

Coming into this game for Seattle they were on a two game losing streak, but after their trip to Ballhalla, it would turn into a three game losing streak. Seattle’s last game they hosted the Las Vegas Aces, but would lose to them 114-77. Flau’jae Johnson led the team with 25 points and Natisha Hiedman adding 12 points and seven assists. Including Storm’s loss to the Valkyries tonight, they have now lost six of seven games they played. So Seattle sent out Natasha Hiedman, Jade Melbourne, Awa Fam, Flau’jae Johnson, and Dominique Malonga.

Head coach Natalie Nakase for Golden State once again rested her stars who all just came back from playing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. However every Valkyries player has been a crucial part to the team’s success and with it being Fan Appreciation Night in Ballhalla. Golden State wanted to put on a show for the fans. So they sent out Tiffany Hayes, Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and Kiah Stokes.

With Seattle already being eliminated from playoffs contention and Golden State fighting to secure the first place seed for the playoffs. These two teams came into this game wanting to ball out for themselves and end the season on a high note. So Valkyries Veronica Burton would get the game started off of a made layup. Halfway through the first quarter, Golden State would hold the lead at 10-5. Golden State’s Juste Jocyte made a 25-foot three point jumper that would build momentum for them.

At the end of the first quarter, Golden State has the lead 21-19, but after Juste Jocyte made three pointer. The Valkyries defense and fast pace ball movement would take over. Golden State would only allow Seattle to score 6-points in the second quarter. While Golden State would have a 28-points second quarter performance.

Right at the start of the second quarter, Jocyte knocked down another three pointer. She would go perfect from shooting three pointers, going 3-for-3, and by halfway in the second quarter she would’ve made her third three pointer. The score by then was 33-21, Valkyries now had a 12 point lead over the Storm. Then Valkyrie Kaila Charles joins in on the three point shooting and gets a 26-foot shot to go in, and pushing the lead to 22 points. By halftime, the Valkyries were holding a commanding lead over the Storm 49-25.

Starting the third quarter, Seattle would have a much better offense approach. Storm would put up 21 points in the third quarter, after dropping just six points in the second quarter. Seattle would make four three pointers with two of those belonging to Storm Flau’jae Johnson in the third quarter. However the Valkyries dug the hole deep for Storm to make a comeback, so even with Johnson’s last minute efforts. It ultimately wasn’t enough as the Valkyries took control of the game.

At the final quarter, it was all just defense and staying discipline for the Valkyries. Golden State would put up six points in the final moments, and allowed Seattle to get in 11 points. The Valkyries defense would come up big and finish the game with 12 steals as a team. The final score of the game would be 70-57, Valkyries Win. Golden State was lead by Kaila Charles who had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals. Tiffany Hayes added 10 points a night before her 37th birthday.

The Golden State Valkyries finish off their season on the road with just two games left. Their first stop will be in Portland to take on Fire, Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Then they’ll play their final regular season game in Los Angeles against the Sparks on Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie are back in action and host Portland Fire Friday night at Chase

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and Valkyrie forward Kiah Stokes (41) who defends at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 With the Valkyries sitting at 29–11 and in second place, can Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün and the rest of the team close the gap on the Minnesota Lynx during the final four regular-season games?

#2 How important will Gabby Williams’ return from the FIBA Women’s World Cup be for Golden State’s playoff preparation after she was named the tournament’s Best Defensive Player and selected to the All-Star Five?

#3 Can Janelle Salaün’s outstanding season continue to put her in contention for the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award after averaging 12.9 points and shooting 39.7% from three-point range?

#4 What impact could the Valkyries’ new multiyear partnership with Athleta have on the team’s fan base, merchandise and community programs aimed at empowering girls through sports?

#5 With Golden State returning to action September 18 against the Portland Fire, how will Natalie Nakase use the final four games to prepare the Valkyries for their second consecutive WNBA playoff appearance?

Michael Roberson is a WNBA and Golden State Valkyrie analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva: Valkyrie favored in next meeting with Portland Friday 18th at Chase

Golden State Valkyrie forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and center Kiah Stokes (41) defending in first half action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 at Chase Center in their next game (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva

#1 Can Kayla Thornton lead the Valkyries in scoring against the Portland Fire after her strong performance in their previous meeting?

#2 How will Veronica Burton use her playmaking and defense to help the Valkyries control the game against Portland?

#3 Can Kiah Stokes dominate the boards and protect the paint against the Fire’s frontcourt?

#4 Will Tiffany Hayes provide another major scoring contribution for Golden State after her 18-point performance against Portland on August 30?

#5 How important will Cecilia Zandalasini’s shooting and offensive versatility be for the Valkyries if she is available for the September 18 matchup?

Michael Villanueva is a beat writer covering the Golden State Valkyrie at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva: Zandalasini leads Valks with 20 points in 79-60 win over New York

Golden State Valkyries guard Gabby Williams (1) drives on the New York Liberty forward Breanna Steward (30) at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Thu Aug 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 How did Cecilia Zandalasini’s 20-point performance set the tone for the Valkyries’ 79–60 victory over the Liberty?

#2 What impact did Veronica Burton make beyond scoring, particularly with her season-high 13 assists and zero turnovers?

#3 How did Gabby Williams contribute to Golden State’s offensive success with 16 points and four 3-pointers?

#4 What did Tiffany Hayes and Kiah Stokes provide off the bench and defensively that helped the Valkyries control the game?

#5 How did the combined performances of Zandalasini, Burton, Williams, Hayes, and Stokes help Golden State hold New York to a season-low 60 points?

Michael Villanueva is a Golden State Valkyries beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Minnesota takes down Golden State, 77-66, snapping Valkyries 6-Game Winning Streak

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase argues with a referee in the second quarter of a WNBA game against the Minnesota Lynx at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. (Photo Credits to Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The best of the best battled each other on Wednesday night. The Golden State Valkyries, second place in the WNBA, hosted the Minnesota Lynx, first place in the WNBA, at Chase Center. Both teams have already clinched their spots in the playoffs. The matchup determined who would ultimately hold the first-place seed, and it went to Minnesota after the Gophers defeated the Valkyries 77-66. Golden State is also now 0-9 against Minnesota all-time.

Minnesota came into Ballhalla hoping to get their 30th win of the season. The Lynx have gone 19-2 against Western Conference teams. In their last ten games, the Lynx have gone 9-1, and are 15-2 on the road this season. Minnesota is also on a four-game winning streak, and not looking to slow down. So the Lynx started with guards Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams, forwards Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, and center Natasha Howard.

After Monday’s win over the Dallas Wings, Golden State have secured and clinched a spot for the postseason. The Valkyries are 10-6 against Western teams in the season so far. In the last ten games, the Valkyries have gone 8-2, and are 15-4 at home. So Golden State would send out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and center Kiah Stokes. The team is also riding a six-game winning streak and is hoping to make it seven wins.

Minnesota’s Courtney Williams would score the first bucket of the night off of a 11-foot running jump shot. After that, Minnesota would have most control of the game over Golden State. The Valkyries would have a rough shooting start, but this isn’t anything new to the Valkyries. In their last three home games, Golden State would find themselves trailing going into the second quarter, and the highest they scored in the first quarter out of the three games was just 20 points. At the end of the first quarter, the Valkyries found themselves down by eight to the Lynx, 21-13.

Going into the second quarter, the Valkyries’ shooting on the floor was a low 22%, going 4-for-18 shooting as a team. While the Lynx were shooting comfortably in Ballhalla at 60% from the floor, going 9-for-15 shooting as a team. Minnesota’s passing has been all over Golden State’s defense, and the Lynx keep finding their players in the paint. The Lynx have scored 18 points compared to Valkyrie’s four points in the paint.

At the end of the second quarter, Minnesota’s lead would extend to 15 points over Golden State, 41-26. The Valkyries’ shooting still hasn’t improved, but the Lynx defense has been stellar on their close-out shots and covering the floor when they’re back on defense. Golden State is now shooting at a 24%, going 9-for-37 on the floor as a team.

At the start of the third quarter, the Lynx shooting in the paint didn’t slow down as Olivia Miles made a 15-foot step-back jump shot to start the second half of the game. In fact, Minnesota would make Golden State take an early timeout with not even two minutes in the third quarter due to the Lynx making their first three shots of the quarter. After that, Minnesota would start to slow down on their shooting, and the Valkyries were able to see some openings and shots to fall down. In the final three minutes of the quarter, Golden State was down by 18 points, and once the quarter was over, the lead would drop to 13 points, 54-41.

In the final quarter of the game, Golden State was able to get some life into them, and a lot of that had to do with their guard Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaun. Salaun would go on an 8-0 scoring run by herself, and then Hayes, showing off her toughness, was able to find her way to get in the paint for the easy buckets. In the final three minutes of the game, Minnesota had the lead by 8 points, 69-61. The Valkyries haven’t led the game once, while the Lynx held the lead the whole game.

Then Minnesota’s Kayla McBride would make a big-time three-pointer to push the lead back 11 points, 72-61. McBride would have herself a night, as she would set a new franchise record with 106 made three-pointers and counting. Then, with a minute and a half left in the game, Valkyries Gabby Williams would make a 26-foot three-pointer to cut the lead back to ten points, and hopefully find a way to come back and get the win. Unfortunately, with 30 seconds left and the score now at 77-66, the game was pretty much set and done in Ballhalla.

As the game time clock expired, the Minnesota Lynx would come into Ballhalla and take the win from the Valkyries, snapping their six-game winning streak. After a big adjustment in the second half, Golden State’s efforts weren’t enough. However, this is not the end of these two teams meeting. In five days, the Golden State Valkyries and Minnesota Lynx will face off one more time in the season. Golden State was led by Janelle Salaun with her 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The Golden State Valkyries will begin their five-game road trip starting on Friday, August 21st. The Valkyries will start in Chicago and take on the Sky, once again at 4:30 p.m. in Wintrust Arena. The game will be broadcast live on ION. This game will also be the final game that Golden State and Chicago will play against this season, with the winner taking the season series between them.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie to host 2027 WNBA All Star Game; Williams leads with 23 points beat Dallas as Valkyrie head to post season for second year in row

Golden State Valkyrie forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Sheppard (32) and center Kiah Stokes (41) defends in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 The WNBA announced that the Golden State Valkyrie will host the WNBA All Star in July 2027 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

#2 How did Gabby Williams’ 23 points and seven rebounds help the Valkyries control the game?

#3 What impact did Veronica Burton have with 16 points and five assists, particularly during Golden State’s second-quarter surge?

#4 What did Kiah Stokes’ return from concussion protocol add to Golden State’s defense and interior play?

#5 How did Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaün contribute off the bench as the Valkyries built their halftime lead?

#6 How did the Valkyries’ defense, led by players such as Williams and Burton, disrupt Dallas and help Golden State overcome the Wings’ fourth-quarter comeback?

Join Michael Roberson for the Golden State Valkyrie podcasts weekly at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Valkyries clinch the Playoffs on their 25th win of the season against the Dallas Wings, 78-70

Golden State Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes (15) celebrates a 3-point basket by Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) against the Dallas Wings in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (Photot credits to Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries started the week off with a win, and clinched their spot in the playoffs for the second time in the team’s second year in the WNBA. On Monday night, the Valkyries knew that with a win tonight, they could clinch a spot for the postseason, and they did. The team hosted and defeated the Dallas Wings in front of another sellout crowd with the final score of 78-70. The Valkyries are also now on a 6-game winning streak that will slowly secure their spot for the second seed in the playoff bracket.

The Dallas Wings came into this game holding on to the last spot of the playoffs, and trying to get as many wins as they can so they can hold on to it. However, Dallas just came back from a loss while on the first stop of their two-game road trip back in Indiana, and is so far 10-9 on the road. Also, in their last 10 games, they have gone 3-7. So they started guards Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, forwards Jessica Shepard, Alysha Clark, and center Alanna Smith.

Valkyries have been shocking the league and showing the WNBA world that they are ready and want to play in the postseason. Golden State was on a 5-game winning streak, now on a 6-game winning streak, and have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games. They also hold the second-place seed in the WNBA. So they went with guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and center Kiah Stokes.

The game would get going with some hot shooting from both teams. This game has so much meaning for both of these teams’ playoff hopes, so the Valkyries and Wings were locked in. Wings Alanna Smith and Valkyries Kayla Thornton start it off with 3-pointers for each other. After that, Dallas and Golden State’s defense picked up. However, Golden State would end the first on a 12-4 scoring run, and hold a 1-point lead at the end. That 1-point lead would come from Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes by hitting a deep 3-pointer (33-foot) for Golden State.

In the 2nd quarter, the Valkyries and Wings didn’t slow down on their defensive plan. Both teams were starting to make every shot more difficult and contested each other. Especially Golden State started to take advantage of Dallas turnovers by stealing their passes and making it difficult for Dallas to spread the ball. With that, the Valkyries were able to find some momentum and go on an 11-2 scoring run halfway through the 2nd quarter.

At halftime, Golden State would extend their lead to 16 points over Dallas with the score at 44-28. Dallas’s second quarter performance was very poor, and they were able to score only 9-points in the second alone. While Golden State would go on and drop 24 points altogether, the Valkyries had already made eight 3-pointers so far.

At the start of the 3rd quarter, Dallas would come in with some energy, especially from Wings Alysha Clark, who would make a 25-foot three pointer jumper. After that, the Wings found a little offensive rhythm and would get the lead to 10-points from Golden State, 39-49. Then shortly, the Wings were able to cut it as low as 8 points, 46-54.

Though the Valkyries were not gonna let up, and kept giving the Wings no more optimism. Golden State would hit some tough shots and not slow down on their drives to the paint on transition breaks. At the start of the 4th quarter, the lead would jump to its largest of the night for Golden State with a 18-point lead over Dallas, 46-64.

All of the 4th quarter was Dallas’ last efforts to try and come back and win this game. The Wings would drop 24 points in the 4th, but it still wasn’t enough. Valkyries guard Gabby Williams would lead Golden State to a win with her 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. She got lots of help from her teammate Veronica Burton, who would drop 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Golden State has now gone 3-0 in the season series against Dallas.

Golden State will get a short rest, but have some comfort in their mind knowing they have clinched a spot in the postseason. The Valkyries return to Ballhalla on Wednesday, August 19th, to host the 1st place team in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx are coming off a win just two days ago against the Las Vegas Aces, 92-87. The game will be broadcast live on USA Network at 7 p.m.

Valkyries Win on Violet’s Birthday over Chicago Sky, 91-71

Golden State Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes, front, steals the ball from Chicago Sky’s Gabriela Jacquez in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (Photo credit Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Wednesday night was not just any ordinary night in Ballhalla. The Golden State Valkyries honored and celebrated their mascot Violet’s birthday. So the Valkyries wanted to get this win for Violet and extend their winning streak to five games, and they did. The Valkyries hosted the Chicago Sky and won by 20 points, 91-71.

Golden State Valkyries were riding a four-game winning streak but lost two key players who have been a huge part of the Valkyries’ success this season. The team lost Janelle Salaun (right knee) and Kiah Stokes (Concussion protocol) for this home game, with their return still questionable. So Golden State sent out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, and center Laeticia Amihere.

Chicago came into Ballhalla riding a two-game losing streak, with their most recent loss to Seattle at the Storm’s home, with the final score being 97-88. Sky also announced yesterday that the team would play without their guard Sydney Taylor (groin). So Chicago went with guards Courtney Vandersloot, Jacy Sheldon, forwards Natasha Cloud, Azura Stevens, and center Kamilla Cardoso.

Chicago Sky Natasha Cloud would get the first bucket of the game, going inside the paint for a quick lay-up. Then, after another made jump shot from Sky, Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton hits a 27-foot three-pointer to give Golden State their first basket. Chicago has gone 6-for-9 and has taken an early 7-point lead. Sky is relying heavily on their midrange shots, and those shots are falling for them.

At the end of the 1st quarter, Sky found their offensive rhythm fast and collected nine team assists in the first ten minutes of play. The lead would extend for the Valkyries by eight points, 24-16. Chicago’s early offensive success was huge for Sky since they’ve seen season struggles on the road. Sky has gone 4-12 on the road, and the team uses 16 players, which is the 2nd most in the WNBA.

In the second quarter, it was a huge turnaround for the Golden State Valkyries. After just dropping 16 points in the 1st, the Valkyries would drop 27 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Valkyries Tiffany Hayes had a big contribution to that, coming off the bench. She also got help from her teammate, Gabby Williams. Their hustle and determination were necessary to take over this game. They both would drop 6 points each in this quarter.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, Golden State would hold the lead over Chicago at 43-40. Sky was only able to drop 16 points, compared to the hot start they had in the 1st when they dropped 24 points on the Valkyries. After that, the Valkyries took advantage of their home court and just locked in on their offensive plan, and their defense was starting to become a problem for Chicago.

Going into the 3rd quarter, we saw the Valkyries continue from where they left off in the 2nd quarter and just keep giving Chicago a hard time in Chase Center. This quarter would be another huge scoring quarter for Golden State, as this time, the team dropped 29 points in the 3rd. Again, Valkyries Tiffany Hayes had her foot on the gas the entire game, and really in the 3rd quarter. Hayes showed her mobility and athleticism as she kept attacking the basket and was getting sent to the free throw line because Chicago’s only response to stopping her was just fouling her.

Heading into the final quarter, it was all smooth sailing for Golden State. With Chicago struggling to get any points for themselves, the Valkyries’ defense was also a factor in that. Golden State would finish the game with 16 steals on Chicago. As the game clock would wind down, Golden State would get the win by 20 points at home, with the final score being 91-71. Tiffany Hayes would lead Golden State while coming off the bench with her 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. This was all done in less than 20 minutes, 17 minutes to be exact.

The Valkyries are gonna get a five-day rest before they return to action in Ballhalla. Golden State will host the Dallas Wings on Monday night, August 17th, with tip-off being at 7 p.m. Dallas is currently in 4th place in the Western Conference division. The game will be broadcast live on Peacock.

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Thornton leads Vaklyries with 20 points in 92-82 win

Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) heads down the floor against the Toronto Tempo at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Aug 4, 2026 (Golden State Valkyries photo)

Golden State Valkyies podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Golden State Valkyries Janelle Salaun scored 21 points and Kayla Thornton scored two three pointers and got two more in the early minutes of the second half finishing with a total of 20 points for a 92-82 win on Tuesday night.

#2 The Valkyries Veronica Burton scored 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and had seven assists in this second of two games with the Toronto Tempo. The Valkyrie also won the first game 96-79 on Sunday.

#3 Salaun owns the Tempo scoring 61 points over the last three games against Toronto and hit 8-12 and got four 3 pointers finishing with 21 points on Tuesday night.

#4 Michael, talk about how beneficial it is for a traveling team to stay in a city like the Tempo did and play two games over three days. It gives a visiting team some rest rather than play one night and fly out that same night.

#5 Next up for the Valkyrie they hit the road against the Dallas Wings Fri Aug 7th for a 6:30pm PDT tip off. The Valkyrie have won 11 of their last 13 games going into Friday’s game.

Michael Roberson does the Golden State Valkyrie podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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