SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Valkyries have clinched a postseason berth after rattling off a sixth-consecutive win following a dominant performance against the Dallas Wings in a 78-70 victory on Monday, Aug. 17. It was a complete team effort as the Valkyries received contributions from different players whenever the team needed someone to step up. The atmosphere was nonstop, rambunctiously loud throughout the game as more than 18,000 fans showcased why Chase Center — known as Ballhalla to the Valkyries and fans — is one of the toughest places to play in the WNBA. The Valkyries responded to their fanfare with havoc-wrecking defensive plays and turned around to deliver a series of 3-pointers to build upon their lead. Golden State was led by Gabby Williams with 23 points and six rebounds. Veronica Burton put up 16 points, five assists and four rebounds to help balance Golden State's attack. Defense is where they hung their hats. As a team, they forced the Wings into 18 turnovers, with Golden State scoring 20 points off takeaways. The victory gives the Valkyries their second consecutive postseason appearance. It is also their 25th win of the season, which continues to extend a franchise record. The Valkyries' 25-9 record is the second-best mark in the WNBA. Here are takeaways from their Aug. 17 game against the Dallas Wings:
Winners Here are some of the positive takeaways from the Valkyries win against the Wings: Valkyries' defense-first mindset Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has her team playing with a defensive mindset. It's the engine that makes the team go. Golden State forced 18 turnovers against the Wings. It also held Dallas to 22% shooting from 3-point distance. Wings scoring leader Paige Bueckers was held to 1-for-7 shooting in the first half. She finished with 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting, yet committed seven turnovers. Second unit changed the game Golden State's cheat code is their depth. The way the Valkyries can bring players off the bench and not miss a beat is a superpower. In some cases, the team gets a burst once subs are made. The energy shifts. If it was high before, it's even more maxed when Tiffany Hayes, Kaitlyn Chen and Janelle Salaun are in the game. Salaun and Hayes each scored 10 points off the bench, pacing the Valkyries' second unit. They helped Golden State outscore Dallas' bench, 27-12, throughout the contest. Valkyries culture shines Golden State clinched its second postseason berth. The Valkyries have developed a culture in their two seasons since forming the franchise. They've proven that their style of play is a successful method that translates to winning. It's all for one, team-inspired basketball where it's next player up. Through that they've set a tone within their organization that attracts blue-collar, hard-working players that will emphasize defense before offense, that will come.
Losers Here are some takeaways to consider ahead of the Valkyries' next game: Valkyries' defenses lapse after halftime Golden State held Dallas to just nine points in the second quarter. Specifically, the Valkyries held a one-point lead, 26-25, with 5:55 remaining in the second quarter. Head coach Natalie Nakase called a timeout because they couldn't get a stop against Dallas. They then ended the half on an 18-3 run. However, they were outscored in the second half, including allowing the Wings to have a 24-point fourth quarter. Paige Bueckers' second-half Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers had an off-night in the first half. However, a night-and-day performance when compared with the second half. The first half, she shot 1-for-7, but Bueckers finished with 21 points after shooting 7-for-11 in the second half. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Golden State Valkyries clinch playoff berth: Takeaways from milestone win