Valkyries Hold Narrow Lead After First Quarter of Game 2 in WNBA Finals
The Golden State Valkyries wrapped up the first quarter of Game 2 Monday evening with a narrow, three-point lead against the Dream.
Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, Kayla Thorton and Veronica Burton started the game. The Dream scored the first basket of the night, but the teams went shot for shot all quarter.
Tiffany Hayes, cleared to play after a fall in Game 1, joined the game early in the first quarter.
Angel Reese led offense for the Dream while Kaila Charles led the scoreboard for the Valkyries, sinking 8 and 6 points respectively. Rhyne Howard drew a two personal foul within the first five minutes.
So far, the Valkyries remain undefeated at Chase Center this postseason.
The team has come a long — and fast — way since its debut in 2024.
As the WNBA’s 13th addition to the league, the Valkyries have seen an explosive rise, with one of the league’s most devoted fan bases. Violet-clad crowds flock to Chase Center to cheer them on, and the team has already broken records.
Earlier this month, Sportico reported that the Valkyries became the first professional women’s sports team in history to surpass $100 million in annual revenue. It also estimated that after a full WNBA Finals run, the Valkyries could end up bringing in around $30 million more.
The Athletic’s podcast, No Offseason, said that Ballhalla gives the Valkyries a significant home-court advantage. The Valkyries sold out every game this season and last — packing the stands with violet wigs, sequin jackets and fans chanting “G-S-V” until they lose their voices.
Fans gathered outside the stadium this evening, well before tipoff, ready to support their team. Kim Cruise, a member of the “founding guard,” a group of inaugural season-ticket holders, rejoiced in sharing the Valkyries culture with her 11-year-old grandson.
“I need him to see and know that it doesn’t matter who we are, we all are family,” Cruise said. “We are a community no matter what color, no matter disability, no matter what gender.”
“Everybody, when you come here, is family,” Cruise added.
To the players, Cruise said, “When it gets hard, look up to your sixth man and know that we’re here pushing to the very end.”
Ellen Kreitzberg came with a sign that read “For the Gays,” and said that back in June, the Valkyries declared “they’re going to win for the gays.”