Overview
- The Golden State Valkyries enter the second half with a 19-8 record and the league’s best defense, having closed the first half on a nine-game surge.
- Nakase said the team must 'do better defensively' and clean up recurring game‑plan mistakes exposed in a late collapse to the Washington Mystics.
- A persistent rebounding shortfall — the team ranks near the bottom in rebounds per game and lacks an established 6‑foot‑plus interior rotation — has allowed opponents extra chances that have decided games.
- With the Aug. 2 trade deadline approaching, media outlets have speculated the Valkyries could pursue Kelsey Plum to add halfcourt creation and scoring, but that remains unconfirmed and would likely require significant draft assets.
- The Valkyries’ rapid rise from expansion last season and their packed, low‑toxicity home at Chase Center underpin high expectations, though the Sept. 1–17 FIBA World Cup pause and matchups versus top teams (they are 0-5 versus the Aces and Lynx) pose risks to momentum.