Overview

• The Valkyries went 3-2 on their longest road trip of the season to improve to 14-13 and claim the league’s seventh playoff spot.
• Coach Natalie Nakase credited the team’s adaptability and collective toughness in overcoming season-ending and multiweek injuries to Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings.
• Midseason additions Iliana Rupert and Kaila Charles have bolstered the lineup with scoring and floor-spacing since the All-Star break.
• Despite ranking among the WNBA’s top defenses, Golden State has struggled to contain opposing guards and lacks a consistent go-to scorer.
• With Thursday’s trade deadline looming, the Valkyries are targeting potential acquisitions such as Arike Ogunbowale and Stefanie Dolson to shore up scoring and frontcourt depth.