The Golden State Valkyries are about to do what no WNBA expansion team has ever done before. In a jaw-dropping upset, they just knocked off the defending champion New York Liberty, inching closer to potentially becoming the first rookie team to clinch a playoff spot in the league’s 29-year history.

This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. The Valkyries demolished the Liberty with a 66-58 victory that felt more like a blowout than the scoreboard suggests. Led by center Temi Fágbénlé’s 16 points, the team went on a stunning 23-7 run in the second quarter that left New York reeling.

Making Bay Area Basketball History

With just four regular season games remaining, the Valkyries are tantalizingly close to playoff glory. Their “magic number” is down to two, meaning two more wins could automatically punch their ticket. Even more impressive? They’ve sold out every single home game this season at Chase Center.

Breaking Records and Expectations

This victory marks only the second time in WNBA history that an expansion team has defeated the defending champions. The Valkyries currently hold the fifth playoff spot, and if things go their way on Thursday against the last-place Dallas Wings, they’ll make history.

A New Basketball Dynasty?

One small hiccup: playoff games might not actually happen at Chase Center due to a tennis tournament. But let’s be real - playing in Oakland or San Jose isn’t going to slow down these rising stars. The Valkyries are proving that the Bay Area knows how to build championship teams, one game at a time.