The Golden State Valkyries have undergone a remarkable transformation in the 2026 WNBA season. After struggling with late-game leads in their inaugural season, the team has emerged as a formidable force, thanks to a combination of elite defensebench depth and the rise of Gabby Williams as a true game-changer.
With a 10-1 record when leading going into the fourth quarter, the Valkyries have proven their mettle. Williams, known for her defensive prowess, has stepped up as a clutch performer, averaging 5.3 points in the final frame, the ninth-highest in the league. Her ability to close out games has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Gabby Williams: The Valkyries’ New Star
Gabby Williams joined the Valkyries in the offseason on a three-year, $3.7 million deal with the expectation that she would contribute on both ends of the court. She has exceeded those expectations, becoming the team’s go-to player in crucial moments. “She’s absolutely a star, she’s our star,” said Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase. “She’s definitely an All-Star, but she’s going to give credit to her teammates, because that’s who she is.”
Williams’ defensive skills, combined with her offensive versatility, have made her a cornerstone of the Valkyries’ success. Her ability to guard multiple positions and make clutch plays has been a game-changer for the team. With a 4-6 record when not leading in the fourth quarter, the Valkyries will need Williams to continue her stellar performances to secure more victories.
The Bench Depth: A Key to Success
The Valkyries boast the WNBA’s top-scoring bench, averaging 34.3 points per game. Janelle Salaûn a French forward, leads the bench with 12.5 points per game the second-highest among bench players in the league. Salaûn’s role was reinvented this season to fit the new starting lineup, and she has embraced her new position with enthusiasm.
Other key contributors from the bench include Kaila Charles who ranks third on the team with 4.6 rebounds per game and Tiffany Hayes who is shooting a solid 44.2 percent from the field. Laeticia Amihere has also made significant contributions with crucial rebounds and blocks as the backup center to Kiah Stokes.
A Dominant Defense
The Valkyries’ defense has been a standout feature of their season. With the second-best defensive rating in the WNBA at 102.1 they have proven their ability to shut down even the most potent offenses. Despite being an undersized team, they allow the fewest points in the paint (31.2 per game) and the fewest shots made per game (26.9).
“I think they just take pride on that side of the ball,” Nakase said. “Those are the players we intentionally went after. When we talk about deep roster and strength in numbers, it’s because you need to be able to sustain guarding a Sabrina [Ionescu], a Paige [Bueckers], a Kelsey Plum. I think it’s heart and hustle.”
The defensive duo of Williams and point guard Veronica Burton has been particularly effective, making it difficult for opponents to penetrate. Stokes has also been a dominant force in the paint, providing crucial shot-blocking support. The Valkyries are 8-1 when they hold teams to under 80 points.
“It genuinely is our entire team,” Burton said. “We have a lot of people that take pride on the defensive end, and a lot of really incredible defenders. It allows us to get into people. A lot of guards like to shoot threes, and it’s hard to get into them because a lot of teams don’t have a back line that they can rely on, but we do.”
Kaitlyn Chen: A Reliable Backup
One of the Valkyries’ biggest question marks before the season was the backup point guard position. Kaitlyn Chen who rejoined the team last year, has proven to be more than adequate. Chen leads the Valkyries in shooting at 53.1 percent from the field and is fifth among bench guards with at least five games played. With the team looking to rest Burton more frequently, Chen has become one of the Valkyries’ most valuable players.
Offensive Consistency: The Next Step
While the Valkyries’ defense has been stellar, their offense has shown moments of inconsistency. They lead the league in three-pointers made per game (10.8) but have the lowest points in the paint per game (35.5). Their record is 9-4 when they shoot more three-pointers than their opponents but 3-3 when they shoot fewer.
The Valkyries have experienced several cold shooting streaks, such as a 1-for-12 fourth quarter in Seattle and a scoreless stretch of six and a half minutes in Las Vegas. While their defense has helped them survive these slumps in some games, against top teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx consistency on offense will be crucial.
As the Valkyries head into the second half of the season with a road trip against AtlantaWashingtonTorontoConnecticut and Indiana improving offensive consistency will be key to their transformation into a true contender.
