The Valkyries star puts up 28 points in the second half to deliver an historic WNBA title for Golden State in their second season.
Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith has covered women’s basketball nationally for more than three decades. A 2024 inductee into the U.S. Basketball Writer’s Hall of Fame, Smith has worked for ESPN.com, The Athletic, the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as Pac-12.com and WNBA.com. She is the 2017 recipient of the Jake Wade Media Award from the Collegiate Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA) and was named the Mel Greenberg Media Award winner by the WBCA in 2019.
Posted inThe IX Basketball
Nakase’s trusted Valkyries identity enough to adjust it
Golden State’s second year head coach is learning and applying the most important lessons: there isn’t one way to win a game. Adjustments are required. And a two-game losing streak doesn’t define a team.
Posted inGolden State Valkyries
Hayes holds off Dream’s second-half push in Valkyries’ win
Hayes scores 13 critical points in the second half as Golden State evens the WNBA Finals and heads home to San Francisco.
Posted inBasketball Insider
Golden State Valkyries are charting a new course in the WNBA
The IX Sports: Basketball Insider with Michelle Smith, Oct. 21, 2026
Posted inGolden State Valkyries
Veronica Burton’s constant composure drives Valkyries’ late-game poise
Valkyries point guard sets the tone for Golden State’s WNBA Championship run with leadership and defense
Posted inACC
2026-27 ACC preview
The ACC enters the season with a clear group of championship favorites: Duke, Louisville and North Carolina
Posted inGolden State Valkyries
Good health has been more than good luck for the Valkyries
Nakase’s intentional approach to rest and depth gives Golden State a full roster heading into the WNBA Finals.
Posted inGolden State Valkyries
Hayes’ leap of faith is paying off for the Valkyries
The 37-year-old veteran has her team up 2-0 against the defending champs and one game away from the WNBA Finals
Posted inWNBA
Takeaways from Golden State’s dominant Game 1 win over Dallas
Valkyries break offensive records in their first-ever playoff win
Posted inGolden State Valkyries
The Valkyries have never beaten the Lynx. Now, they must
Wednesday’s home matchup with Minneapolis is critical checkpoint for Golden State’s title aspirations
