The Golden State Valkyries stand second in the WNBA standings with a 24-9 record, positioning themselves to become the first expansion franchise in league history to win a postseason series in their second year. Following an eighth-place finish and a first-round sweep by the Minnesota Lynx during their inaugural 23-21 campaign, the Valkyries head toward another playoff berth armed with the league’s top defensive rating.
WNBA Expansion History and the Postseason Precedent
Since the first WNBA season in 1997, there have been 13 expansion teams. Past second-year playoff contenders faced early exits under various postseason formats. The Detroit Shock (now the Dallas Wings) joined the league in 1998. By their second season, they were in the playoffs. Back then, the first round was a single-game elimination. Detroit lost to Charlotte, experiencing an early end to their first postseason outing. Similarly, the Orlando Miracle and the Miami Sol both made the playoffs in their second seasons in 2000 and 2001 respectively, but dropped their opening series to the Cleveland Rockers and New York Liberty. The Atlanta Dream also advanced to the postseason in their second year before falling 0-2 to Detroit.
Defensive Identity and Free Agency Additions
Golden State anchors its success on defense, allowing opponents fewer than 80 points per game on average as the only WNBA team to achieve that mark. According to team data, the offseason acquisitions of Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes reinforced a unit that already built its identity on stopping opponents last year. Alongside defensive anchors, the team maintains the league’s sixth-best offensive rating. Contributions from Veronica Burton, Janelle Salaün, and Cecilia Zandalasini give the roster multiple scoring options to complement their defensive stops.
Did you know?
The Valkyries set a WNBA record for most wins by an expansion team in their inaugural season with a 90-59 win over the Sky in Chicago on Friday, surpassing the Detroit Shock, who had 17 wins in the 1998 season, according to valkyries.wnba.com.
Home-Court Advantage at Ballhalla
Playing in front of home crowds at Ballhalla provides a distinct edge for Golden State as they secure a top-four finish and home-court advantage for the upcoming playoffs. Opponents face one of the most difficult environments to play in. If the postseason began immediately, the Valkyries would draw a matchup against the Dallas Wings, a squad Golden State has already defeated twice this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any WNBA expansion teams won a playoff series in their second year?
No. Across 13 expansion franchises in league history, none have won a postseason series during their second season.
What is the Valkyries’ current standing?
The Valkyries hold a 24-9 record, placing them second in the standings.
How did the Valkyries perform in their inaugural season?
Golden State finished eighth overall with a 23-21 record last year, becoming the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its first season before being swept by the Minnesota Lynx.
What are your predictions for the Valkyries’ postseason run? Drop a comment below and subscribe to our newsletter for more WNBA updates and analysis.
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