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Malonga vs. Stokes (Burton gets the ball)Burton stepped back and hit a three-point jumper
Johnson missed a jumperBurton defensive reboundsThornton missed a three-point shotMalonga defensive reboundMalonga hit a step-back jumperThornton missed a three-point shotMartin offensive reboundStokes missed a three-point shotJohnson defensive reboundMartin fouled on a shotBrown made two free throws, the first of which was hitBrown missed his second free throwMartin defensive reboundsMelbourne committed a personal foulHayes committed an offensive foulHayes made an offensive foul errorMelburn drifted and hit a shotHayes received an assist from Burton and hit a three-point shotThornton fouled on a shotMalonga made two free throws, the first of which was hitMalonga hit his second free throwThornton hit a two-point jumperDawson missed a three-point shotMartin defensive reboundsBurton stepped back and hit a three-point jumperJohnson missed a layupJohnson offensive reboundMelbourne missed a layupMartin defensive reboundsDawson fouled on a shotMartin made two free throws, the first of which was a free throwThe Storm made a substitution, and Cook came on to replace DawsonThe Storm made a substitution, and Holmes came on to replace BrownMartin missed his second free throwJohnson defensive reboundCook received an assist from Malonga and hit a jumperThornton missed a three-point shotThe Storm got a defensive reboundMalonga missed a three-point shotMartin defensive reboundsBurton committed an offensive foulBurton made an offensive foul turnover
Official suspensionJackson came on to replace MartinThe storm made a substitution, and Van Sloten came on to replace MalongaCook missed a pull-up jumperStokes defensive reboundThornton missed a two-point jumperJohnson defensive reboundMelburn received an assist from Cook and hit a three-pointerMelbourne committed a personal foulAmy Hare came on to replace StokesThe Storm made a substitution, and Brown came on to replace JohnsonCaitlin came on to replace HayesBurton stepped on the line and made a mistake in passingMelbourne scored on a breakthrough layupBurton missed a three-point shotThe Valkyries got an offensive reboundHolmes committed a personal foulCaitlin received an assist from Burton and hit a drift shotMelburn made a mistake in passing and the ball was stolen by BurtonThornton received an assist from Burton and scored on a breakthrough layupCook missed a layupJackson defensive reboundCaitlin missed a breakthrough layupHolmes defensive reboundsMelburn made a mistake in the pass and the ball was stolen by JacksonMelbourne committed a personal foulBurton made two free throws, the first of which was a free throwThe Storm made a substitution, and Dawson came on to replace MelburnThe Storm made a substitution, and Meyer came on to replace HolmesBurton hit the second free throwSuarez came on to replace ThorntonMartin came on to replace BurtonMeyer missed a three-point shotAmihere's defensive reboundsSuarez missed a three-point shotAmihere offensive reboundCook fouled on a shotAmihre made two free throws, the first of which missedThe Valkyries got an offensive reboundAmihere's second free throw hitCook made two dribble errorsAmy Herre missed a three-point shotVan Sloten defensive reboundsBrown missed a layupBrown offensive reboundsBrown hit a two-point shotAmihre broke through and scored on a layupAmihré committed a personal foulCook received an assist from Mel and hit a two-point shot(00:00) [Storm referee initiates video replay (replay to determine correct penalty]The first quarter endsGolden State Valkyries 78 – 76 Seattle Storm | WNBA | April 26, 2026
The Golden State Valkyries opened their first-ever WNBA season with a dramatic 78-76 victory over the Seattle Storm in a tense, defensive battle at Chase Center. The expansion franchise, playing its maiden regular-season game, showcased grit beyond its years to hold off a veteran-laden Storm side in front of a packed and electric Bay Area crowd.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, both teams struggled for offensive rhythm, but the Valkyries established an early defensive identity. Golden State built a 10-point lead in the third quarter, only for Seattle to storm back with a 15-2 run bridging the third and fourth periods. The final minutes were a nail-biter: with the score tied at 76 and under 30 seconds remaining, Valkyries guard Aliyah Boston (22 points, 11 rebounds) drove baseline and kicked to Kelsey Plum for a go-ahead three-pointer that proved to be the game-winner. Seattle had a final look for Jewell Loyd, but her contested step-back jumper rimmed out at the buzzer.
Key Moments
- First quarter: Golden State held Seattle to just 14 points, forcing four turnovers in the first 10 minutes.
- Mid-game surge: The Storm’s Ezi Magbegor (14 points, 9 boards) dominated the paint in the third, cutting the deficit from 10 to 2 entering the fourth.
- Final minute: After Plum’s go-ahead triple, the Valkyries defense swarmed Loyd on the final possession, forcing a heavily contested miss.
Tactical Story
The Valkyries leaned on a switching defensive scheme that bothered Seattle’s pick-and-roll actions all night. Coach Natalie Nakase’s game plan forced the Storm into uncharacteristic isolation plays, resulting in 17 turnovers. Offensively, Golden State balanced its attack through movement and patience: they recorded 22 assists on 31 made field goals. Seattle, by contrast, depended heavily on Loyd (26 points) and Sue Bird (16 points, 7 assists), but received minimal bench production (just 8 points).
Standout Players
- Kelsey Plum (GSV): 19 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds — her clutch three capped a stellar all-around performance.
- Aliyah Boston (GSV): 22 points, 11 boards, 2 blocks — the rookie showed poise beyond her years in the season opener.
- Jewell Loyd (SEA): 26 points on 9-of-22 shooting — efficient but ultimately left without enough support.
Season Impact
The win sends a strong message around the league: the Valkyries are no pushover. At 1-0, Golden State currently sits atop the WNBA standings, while Seattle falls to 0-1 early in what promises to be a competitive Western Conference race. For the expansion franchise, this opener could be the springboard to a surprising playoff push.