Fans Rally at Chase Center as Valkyries Win Their First Playoff Game on Sunday
The Golden State Valkyries’ second playoff run is off to a strong start after the team won 104 to 80 against the Dallas Wings on Sunday night at home at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
The night saw a packed house and major milestones for the Valkyries in a couple different ways: the team’s first playoff win ever, the highest number of points scored in the franchise’s two years and six players who hit multiple threes — the last of which made the walls of Chase Center (a.k.a. Ballhalla) rattle with the cheers of a fandom that has become well known for its passion and loyalty.
Considering the Valkyries’ debut last year brought in a whole new wave of basketball fans, KQED has guides on how to join in on the WNBA fandom, how to follow playoffs and how to attend a game at Chase Center.
We also spoke to some of the fervent fans decked out in purple before the game to see how they are feeling about the Valkyries’ playoff chances and what advice they have for newcomers. Because, as Dallas Wings guard and WNBA fan favorite Paige Bueckers said after the game, Valkyries fans are the team’s “sixth man.”
“I think they have one of the best home courts in the league,” Bueckers said. “There’s not a silent voice in the crowd. So, it’s tough to play here, but as a competitor, you kind of love that and you want to embrace that environment.”
The Valkyries went hard during the first half of the game, leading by 21 points. After a very Bay Area halftime show that featured West Coast hip-hop legend Too $hort (much to the delight of Valkyries player Gabby Williams), the Wings were unable to close the gap and push through the Valkyries’ defense.
The Valkyries will be facing the Wings again on Wednesday, this time in Texas. In a postgame press conference, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase — fresh off a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup win with Team USA — said she is already telling the players to start thinking about the next game.
“They’re already in recovery mode right now. I told them it was a must because tonight’s recovery is going to be so, so important,” she said in a postgame conference. “We have to really expect a Dallas Wings team that’s going to be hungry.
“Next game mentality; nothing carries over from this game,” she said. “We’re already onto the next.”
Prospects for the Valkyries are much better during this year’s playoffs than last year, when the freshman team, ranked eighth in the league, lost twice to the Minnesota Lynx. Now, the Valkyries are ranked second in the league and, if they beat the Wings in a best-of-three, will face either the Las Vegas Aces or the Indiana Fever.
“That’s part of our identity, knowing I can play as hard as I can when I’m on the court, because as soon as someone else comes in, we have another burst,” Valkyries forward Williams said. “That’s just what we’ve hung our hat on all season — is our depth.”
Nakase also commented on the growth of the team — and how that has been reflected in Ballhalla and the fans.
“[The crowd is] more in unison,” she said. “Our team this year is a lot more connected; you could see the whole Ballhalla community is more connected.”
If you are hoping to get in on the hype during this major point in the WNBA postseason, here’s what several friendly fans recommended to those just joining in:
Janene Wendrick, Oakland
How are you feeling right now?
“I’m feeling ready. I’m so excited that we’re in the playoffs for the second season and second time around. People thought that we just weren’t gonna make it … I’m ready to be loud in the building.”
What’s your favorite thing about Ballhalla?
“Every single game you see, you meet new friends, and you just smile. You leave happy. It doesn’t matter if we win or lose. You’re just still leaving happy.”
If you had advice for someone going to Ballhalla for the first time, what would it be?
“We’re gonna welcome you. We’re going to show you all the little tips that we have for you.
“I always tell someone: Don’t forget to get your free cup. Don’t forget to go to the activations. Don’t forget to go down to check out the Sephora vending machine. Don’t forget to stay in your seat … there’s so much you want to see [during the] halftime; stay in your seat.”
Jodi Howard, Sunnyvale
What was your favorite moment of the season?
“You know, Friday night’s game was terrifying, and winning that game at the very end was probably my favorite moment.”
How long have you been a WNBA fan?
“Maybe for like a year before the Valkyries. Not too long. I started following the [Las Vegas] Aces because a friend of mine loved them.
“I just knew that when we were getting a team that it was something I wanted to support and get into, and it has been the best decision I’ve made in a long time, so I’ve loved it. “
If you had advice for someone going to Ballhalla for the first time, what would it be?
“You’re going to be amazed at the kindness of the fans, at the energy of the fans; it feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced.
“Chase Center tip? I like the adult Slurpees. They’re delicious, but the food is really expensive — so eat before you go in.”
Kashina Garner, San Francisco
How are you feeling right now?
“I’m feeling great. The Valkyries are No. 2 seed, so we need to just take this home … I’m feeling over the moon right now.”
How long have you been a women’s basketball fan?
“I’ve been a basketball fan for quite some time now, but I’ve really become a fan since the Valkyries became a part of the WNBA.
“First of all, the color is my favorite color. And just all around the environment that this, you know, the women’s empowerment and… the atmosphere that it brings, you know, it’s also amazing.”
Eva LaMorte, Sacramento
Can you tell me a bit about your outfit?
“I was going for cutesy, sporty cutesy. I love to customize my own shoes, so I definitely went all out on my shoes today, but I would say more cutesy sporty.”
How are you feeling today?
“This is my first playoff. I know they went last year, but it’s my first playoff game with them, so just super duper excited.
“It’s just spending time with my daughter out here. It’s become our thing to come together, and being here with her is the best part of it.
“We used to have the Sacramento Monarchs out there. Now we have the Valkyries out this way. I just love women’s sports. Like, we need more of it.”
If you had advice for someone going to Ballhalla for the first time, what would it be?
“A lot of people are intimidated … just sit and watch. It becomes a blast.
“Anywhere is a good seat; I love Ballhalla for that reason … I’ve really only ever been here for the basketball games. So whether you’re up high or up close, you’re really seeing it all.
“Everybody in the place is just incredible to be around. Anywhere you sit, not only the view, but the people.”