Golden State Valkyries Become First Expansion Team to Make WNBA Playoffs in Inaugural Season
THEY HAVE DONE IT! A first in the women’s national basketball association. Something no W fan has seen throughout the 29 years the league has existed since being founded in 1996. After defeating the Wings, the Golden State Valkyries have become the very first expansion team to make it to the WNBA Playoffs in their inaugural season.
In front of more than 18,000 fans, Golden State cemented a new triumphant legacy. All season they battled through injuries, tough opponents and the weight of being the “new kids on the block.” But they prevailed against all odds and showed that they are not a team to be discounted, but a franchise that is on a mission to bring a title as well as trophy to the Bay Area.
Ahead of their matchup with the Dallas Wings, the Valkyries found themselves currently sitting in sixth place with a 22-18 record. While also 1.5 games back from the fifth-place New York Liberty and 2.5 games ahead of the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks. With their magic number down to just one, the inevitable seemed just hours away. A clinched playoff berth and a date with the WNBA history books.
Golden State Valkyries Become First Expansion Team to Make WNBA Playoffs in Inaugural Season
And these talented ladies delivered. Defeating Dallas in a game that had the sold out crowd standing on their feet for most of the four quarters. Nonetheless, Golden State’s success is not too surprising. The franchise has had great support from ownership and their growing fanbase (with merch selling in all 50 states and 70+ countries). Every home game has also been sold out. And owner, Joe Lacob, from the get-go set a goal for the Golden State Valkyries to win a championship within 5 years; making it clear the team will have the resources available to make it happen.
So then, the support and motivation is in place. However, the Valkyries had to deliver step one; make the playoffs. So then, as for the actual game on Thursday… IT WAS ELECTRIC!
The Wings got off to hot start with Paige and company making the only buckets for the first few minutes. However, the Valkyries at last found their warrior spirit and tied the game up, before finally taking their first lead towards the end of the first quarter. Kate Martin, Monique Billings, Carla Leite and Veronica Burton played amazing offense as well as defense.
Yet, the first ended close. How close? GSW would lead 20-21. How about by the half? Dallas would get back to form and walk into halftime with a 9 point lead, 41-32. Therefore, would Golden State get it going in the second half?
The Valkyries would indeed in the third. Cutting down the Wings to just a four point lead by the end of the third quarter. Therefore, it would all come down to the fourth. Who wanted the victory more?
Paige Beuckers and Dallas would make things extremely interesting in the end; continuing to bring the score within two or three points. But GSW would hold on! Janelle Salaün would hit a three to initially take a definitive lead. Then, Burton would make the difference maker bucket within 60 seconds left of regulation; along with key free throws. Certainly one of the best games of the season. However, congratulations to GSW, they definitely earned their place in WNBA history.
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