The Chase Center erupted in pure excitement Thursday night as the Golden State Valkyries delivered a stunning 88-77 victory against the Indiana Fever, decisively neutralizing WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark.

In a breakthrough performance that defied expectations for an expansion franchise, the Valkyries showcased an extraordinary defensive strategy that completely disrupted Clark’s typical gameplay. The rookie sensation, known for her exceptional three-point shooting, was held to just 11 points and went 0-for-7 from beyond the arc, her worst shooting performance in her young professional career.

Head coach Natalie Nakase’s tactical approach was crystal clear: suffocate Clark’s offensive prowess and leverage the team’s defensive depth. “We want to be the best defensive team. We hang our hats on the defensive end,” Nakase stated postgame, emphasizing her squad’s commitment to disruption and physicality.

The game’s momentum dramatically shifted in the second half, with the Valkyries overcoming a 13-point deficit through a remarkable 24-5 scoring run. Key players like Kate Martin and Laeticia Amihere were instrumental in this turnaround, energized by the passionate “Ballhalla” crowd.

Tiffany Hayes, the team’s sole WNBA All-Star, delivered a crucial performance, not just defensively neutralizing Clark but also scoring a pivotal driving layup that secured the Valkyries’ first lead since the early first quarter.

With 45 bench points, 17 forced turnovers, and an undeniable team spirit, the Valkyries proved that collective effort can triumph over individual stardom. As Kayla Thornton, the Western Conference Player of the Week, eloquently put it: “We look to literally everybody on this team to contribute, and that’s really what we did today”.

This victory isn’t just a win, it’s a statement from San Francisco’s newest basketball franchise that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA.