After just two seasons in the WNBA as an expansion team and a much-anticipated WNBA Finals , the Golden State Valkyries are champions. Gabby Williams' outstanding second-half performance powered the Valkyries to a 68-63 win over the Atlanta Dream. There are many reasons behind how this team pulled off a finals win in just the first two years of the franchise. Let's take a look at what contributed to this major achievement.
Oct 31, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) and head coach Natalie Nakase celebrate after winning the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase is no stranger to coaching a team in the playoffs. Nakase was an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces between 2022 and 2024. In two of those years, 2022 and 2023, the Aces won the WNBA Championship. In 2025, Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year. Despite being an expansion team, the Valkyries made the 2025 WNBA playoffs in their inaugural season. The Coach of the Year Award was well deserved.
Nakase puts all of her effort into her work, spending hours studying basketball film. She often participates in team practices to work with her team on drills and simulated gameplay. Another major key to Nakase's coaching is building strong bonds with the players. This contributes to the togetherness, which will be brought up again below.
During the offseason, the Valkyries re-signed veteran Tiffany Hayes and signed Kaitlyn Chen on a Training Camp Contract. Chen ultimately made the roster and was a strong player off the bench throughout the playoff run. Hayes was a bench player throughout most of the season, but was in the starting lineup during the last four finals games. Her leadership and experience were beneficial. Kiah Stokes , who is now a four-time WNBA champion, was another solid offseason move, bringing in heaps of experience.
One of the biggest offseason moves in the entire league was when the Valkyries acquired Gabby Williams . World Cup standout Williams played the best WNBA season of her career. She averaged 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during the regular season. During the playoffs, Williams averaged 21.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. When her team needed her the most, she stepped up. Williams won WNBA Finals MVP after her 30-point performance and record-breaking 28 points during a half.
All season long, the Golden State Valkyries dominated on the defensive end. Their team defensive rating was 100.6 , the best in the WNBA. Having both Stokes and Williams on the roster meant the defensive presence would be strong. Stokes broke a league record, recording 19 blocks during the WNBA Finals.
Veronica Burton ranked 6th in the league with 69 steals, while Williams ranked 8th with 64 steals during the season. Stokes ranked 2nd in the league with 74 blocks in the season. These defensive statistics from these players prove just how good Golden State's defense is. The Atlanta Dream also have a strong defense and stellar three-point shooters. There were a few games in which the Valkyries held the Dream below their season point-scoring average.
Team chemistry is just as important on the court as it is off the court. Coach Nakase wants this type of bond between her team. These Valkyries players gelled together the entire season. On the court, there was an immense amount of chemistry. Whether there were plays with quick passing or multiple players there to defend, the team was always in sync.
Off the court, the team had a strong energy and good vibes. One moment that stands out in particular is before Game 7 of the finals, Chen, Burton, and Kaila Charles put out a video of them dancing in the locker room. While Game 7 would include high levels of stress, these three players were trying to stay positive and calm their nerves. Even in the highest-stakes situation, the players found a way to put their emotions at ease.
Between an experienced coach, smart offseason acquisitions, and a culture that valued defense and togetherness, the Valkyries had plenty going for them in the 2025-26 WNBA season. But reaching the heights they have in just their second year in existence is still hard to fathom. The expansion-blueprint Golden State Valkyries are a model for success that expansion teams will try to emulate for decades. Most importantly, though, what they are right now is 2026 WNBA Champions.
Featured Image: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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