Golden State Valkyries fight for historic WNBA playoff spot
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Veronica Burton will play a key role as the Valkyries vie for the playoffs. Photo: Eakin Howard via Getty Images
We're two weeks out from WNBA playoffs, and the Golden State Valkyries are poised to become the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Why it matters: The rookie team has shattered expectations at all levels, already setting a WNBA record for most wins in an expansion team debut, but will have to overcome a string of injuries to clinch a playoff spot.
State of play: The Valkyries currently stand at No. 7 in the league (19-18) and have managed strong performances in recent weeks, even amid injuries to several players and with the Seattle Storm nipping at their heels in the standings.
- All-Star forward Kayla Thornton, one of Golden State's most consistent scorers, was ruled out for the rest of the season in late July after undergoing surgery for a knee injury.
- Fellow forward Cecilia Zandalasini stepped up as a shooter in her absence but has missed the last two games with a calf strain. She won't play in Saturday's game against the Washington Mystics either.
The squad's injuries have forced head coach Natalie Nakase to experiment with the lineup, giving bench players including Kate Martin more opportunities to shine.
The big picture: The Valkyries have sold out all 17 of their home games so far, averaging a league best 18,064 fans, and they are the first team to secure over 10,000 season ticket holders.
- Nakase, the WNBA's first Asian American head coach, is also a serious contender for Coach of the Year — though she recently told Clutch Points' Kenzo Fukuda "nobody cares about that. ... Our goal is to make the playoffs."
Yes, but: Golden State still has seven more games before the postseason.
What we're watching: ESPN gave the team a 76.8% chance of making the playoffs as of Tuesday.
- Their upcoming matches against the Indiana Fever, New York Liberty and Seattle Storm — all teams jostling for the playoffs — will prove especially critical.
- Golden State will rely on guard Veronica Burton, a breakout star who currently leads active Valkyries players in scoring, assists and steals, to maintain her aggressive play on both ends of the court.
How it works: Playoffs kick off Sept. 14 with eight of the league's 13 teams participating.
- First-round series are best of three, followed by best of five in the semifinals and best of seven in the finals, according to the W.
- In each game, the team with the better record gets home-court advantage.
What's next: The Valkyries face off against the Mystics 5:30pm Saturday at Chase Center.