"SAN FRANCISCO The buzzer barely finished echoing when white steam burst from the back of the backboard and purple streamers tumbled from the Chase Center rafters onto the cheering fans below. At center court, Valkyries players leapt into each other's arms while jumping to the beat of Rihanna's and Calvin Harris' disco hit This is what you came for. Above them, in bold gold lettering, the jumbotron announced what an expansion dream once made improbable: Playoffs clinched."
"From the nosebleeds to the court-side seats, 18,064 fans waved their black and violet rally towels and chanted Let's go Valkyries until the sound rattled through the arena like a victory drumbeat. To put it simply, the vibes were immaculate. In comeback fashion, the Valkyries clinched their spot in the postseason by beating the Dallas Wings 84-80 at home on Thursday night."
Golden State Valkyries clinched a postseason spot with an 84-80 comeback win over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center on Sept. 4, 2025. The team became the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season. Chase Center hosted 18,064 fans who waved black and violet rally towels, chanted and celebrated with streamers, steam effects and music. The season featured resiliency through injuries and defying expectations. Players embraced an underdog identity and celebrated together on court. Rookie forward Janelle Salaun said disbelief from others fueled the team and made proving doubters satisfying.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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