Golden State Valkyries Make WNBA History in First Season

The Golden State Valkyries have had an amazing first season. Their fan base has fully gotten behind them, and they have been one of the best shows in the WNBA this season. They’ve done this without a single superstar on their roster. Now, to top off their great season, they made their way into the WNBA history books. 

By clinching a playoff berth the other night, the Valkyries became the first team in WNBA history to go from an expansion team to a playoff contender in their inaugural season. 

The Valkyries might not have a bona fide superstar, but their 23-18 record shows that team basketball can outshine star players. 

The Valkyries have five separate players averaging between 11 points and 14 points per game. Kayla Thornton leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 14 points and seven rebounds per game. 

Veronica Burton would probably be considered the Valkyries' other most important player. She averaged 11.9 points (2nd on the team) while leading the team in assists with 5.9 per game. She is also grabbing 4.4 rebounds per game, impressive for a point guard. 

Behind efforts from these two and really their entire roster, the Valkyries are going to get a taste of the playoffs in just their first year. This is something the Las Vegas Aces (probably the most successful expansion team in WNBA history) couldn’t even do. 

If the Valkyries are already doing things even the Aces couldn’t do, they could be on their way to a championship sooner rather than later. Although it is unlikely this season, this piece of WNBA history is a huge moment for this brand new franchise.