Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 10:50
The Golden State Valkyries closed their regular-season home schedule with a decisive 70-57 victory over the Seattle Storm on Saturday night.
Played at Chase Center in San Francisco, the win solidified a strong 17-5 record heading into the WNBA playoffs.
With three veteran starters sidelined for FIBA World Cup duty, the Valkyries relied heavily on their second unit. Kaila Charles led the charge with a career-high 16 points alongside 12 rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Laeticia Amihere continued her scoring streak with double-digit points across consecutive games. Juste Jocyte added 11 points, marking another milestone in her expanding role.
Nakase praised the squad preparation and mental toughness. The coaching staff views these final minutes as crucial tuning rather than mere tryouts. Players emphasized team continuity over individual spotlight.
We need everybody. So its next woman up, and its good to have these reps for everybody to sharpen up. And once we add them, were just going to be even stronger.
Jocyte exited in the fourth quarter reporting a lower left leg issue. Medical staff and head coach Natalie Nakase downplayed the concern. The roster features balanced scoring threats across multiple positions. This versatility provides tactical flexibility during high-stakes postseason matchups.
The victory drew strong support from Bay Area fans at Chase Center. San Francisco continues to build momentum around professional women basketball. Local businesses and transit hubs reported elevated foot traffic during the evening matchup. Regional media coverage highlighted the franchise rapid development since its inception.
The Valkyries entered their inaugural WNBA campaign with developmental goals focused on player acquisition and system installation. International competition temporarily disrupted lineup consistency throughout August. The team adapted by rotating minutes evenly across the active roster.
Golden State transitions directly into a two-game Western Conference road trip following Monday rest day. Playoff series begin next Sunday with full availability expected for returning veterans. Fans should monitor official team channels for ticket updates and broadcast schedules.
