The Golden State Valkyries are proving their resilience in the face of adversity after losing their leading scorer Kayla Thornton to a season-ending knee injury. In a powerful display of team spirit, the Valkyries secured an 86-76 victory against the Dallas Wings, demonstrating that their championship hopes aren’t derailed.

Head coach Natalie Nakase was candid about the challenge, stating that replacing Thornton is “impossible”. Yet, the team’s performance told a different story, with five players scoring in double digits and showing remarkable adaptability.

Rookie Janelle Salaün emerged as a standout performer, scoring 16 points and showcasing her versatile offensive skills. Cecilia Zandalasini stepped into the starting lineup, adding 10 points and proving the team’s depth. Veteran Tiffany Hayes led the scoring with 17 points and provided critical leadership during this challenging moment.

The game’s turning point came in the third quarter, where the Valkyries’ French trio - Salaün, Carla Leite, and Iliana Rupert - combined for 24 points, electrifying the Chase Center crowd. Rupert’s back-to-back three-pointers particularly highlighted the team’s potential for innovation.

With a challenging eight-day, five-game road trip ahead, the Valkyries face a critical period that could define their season. Their best-case scenario is a 2-3 record, but the team remains committed to their “next player up” philosophy.

As Kate Martin, a team member, eloquently put it: “People come and go… we want to make KT proud and do everything in our power to keep pushing and continue our success”.

The Valkyries have proven they’re more than just an expansion franchise - they’re a team with heart, resilience, and the potential to surprise everyone in the league.