San Francisco – The Golden State Valkyries delivered a decisive 70‑57 victory over the Seattle Storm on a stormy evening at Chase Center, securing home‑court advantage through the second round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs. The win, the team’s final regular‑season home game, came despite the absence of three key starters—Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini—who were still recovering from the recent FIBA World Cup in Berlin.
Defensive dominance and bench production
The Valkyries stayed true to their defensive identity, recording 12 steals, four of which were credited to Kiah Stokes, who ranks third in the league for blocks per game. The bench contributed a robust 32 points, underscoring the depth that has carried the team this season.
Seattle’s effort and roster move
Seattle’s Flau’jae Johnson led the Storm with 17 points, a notable performance given that she was the Valkyries’ first‑round draft pick earlier this year before being traded to Seattle minutes after the draft. The trade remains a point of contention among some fans, but it did not alter the outcome of tonight’s contest.
Historic defensive streak and sell‑out record
The Valkyries now hold opponents to under 70 points for the sixth consecutive game, a defensive streak not seen since 2017. In addition, the sold‑out crowd marked the franchise’s second straight season of selling out every home game—a first in WNBA history.
Coach and players celebrate fan support
Coach Natalie Nakase praised the community, saying, “We don’t take this for granted at all. It is remarkable.” The night was billed as fan appreciation, featuring video messages from players and swag giveaways. Veteran forward Kaila Charles added, “We have the best fans in the world. We would not be where we are or who we are without the love. It’s indescribable.”
Key moments from the bench
When fan favorites Kaitlyn Chen and Laetecia Amihere entered the game, the arena’s volume surged. Amihere’s first basket drew a deafening roar. Rookie Juste Jocyte, the Valkyries’ inaugural 2025 draft pick who joined the roster this season, scored her first three‑point shot, going three‑for‑three from beyond the arc and finishing with a career‑high 11 points.
Romance on the court
During a timeout, Tiffany Hayes’ brother proposed to his partner on the court, a moment that was met with cheers from the packed arena. Hayes, who started the game and contributed 10 points, celebrated the proposal with a wide grin before returning to the action.
Looking ahead
With the win, the Valkyries have effectively locked in home‑court advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs, provided they continue their postseason run. One more victory would cement that guarantee. The team’s blend of veteran leadership, defensive tenacity, and bench depth positions them as a formidable contender as the playoffs approach.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
