In a jaw-dropping display of defensive prowess, the Golden State Valkyries have proven they’re more than just a rookie team in the WNBA. Tuesday night’s electrifying match against the defending champion New York Liberty wasn’t just a game , it was a statement.

The Valkyries, in their inaugural season, dismantled the Liberty with an impressive 66-58 victory, showcasing a defensive strategy that left even seasoned fans in awe. Center Temi Fágbénlé led the charge, tying her season-high with 16 points and anchoring the team’s remarkable performance.

What makes this win truly special is the team’s trajectory. Their first encounter with the Liberty in May was a stark reality check, resulting in a 28-point defeat. But fast forward to Tuesday, and the Valkyries demonstrated remarkable growth, turning their home court , affectionately nicknamed “Ballhalla” , into an impenetrable fortress.

Head coach Natalie Nakase’s strategic vision of building a defense-first team is paying dividends. The Valkyries held the Liberty, typically an offensive powerhouses averaging 85.1 points per game, to a season-low 58 points. Star players Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones were effectively neutralized in the first half, scoring just two and five points respectively.

The team’s success isn’t just about individual performances, but collective determination. “We didn’t call ourselves an expansion team,” Nakase emphasized, “We want to create our own story”.

With four games remaining in the regular season, the Valkyries aren’t just participating , they’re competing. They’re comfortably positioned for a playoff berth, potentially climbing as high as fifth place. This isn’t just a feel-good story of an expansion team; it’s a testament to strategic planning, relentless practice, and a team that refuses to be underestimated.

As Fágbénlé succinctly put it, they’re growing “1% each day,” and Tuesday’s performance proves that incremental progress can lead to extraordinary results.