WNBA power rankings: Are the Golden State Valkyries title contenders?
It is time to reset my preseason title tiers, and the top group officially includes Golden State (in addition to Minnesota, Las Vegas and New York). For all of my concerns about their offensive firepower — middle of the pack offenses don’t usually win titles — the Valkyries’ defense is good enough to overcome their scoring droughts. And as they ascend the WNBA standings, it’s important to remember that the Valkyries have the toughest home court in the league, an advantage that will matter in the playoffs.
On Sunday, Golden State held the Liberty below 70 points for the second time this season, joining … a previous performance by the Valkyries in Brooklyn. It’s an especially impressive feat considering Golden State’s best defensive attribute is preventing points in the paint, and New York is 12th in the league at scoring inside. That particular skill was helpful against the Valkyries’ prior opponent Atlanta, the league leaders in points in the paint. Golden State limited the Dream to 37 percent shooting and 26 total assists over a two-game set.
The Valkyries’ length and activity essentially forces every team into isolation. Those that rely on ball movement or paint kickouts find themselves stifled. It’s also why the Aces haven’t really struggled against Golden State this year, because they have a handful of the league’s best isolation scorers all on one roster.
That’s how you end up with a team that’s had seven different leading scorers in its 20 games, including Kaila Charles pacing the Valkyries with 13 off the bench against the Liberty. While opposing teams are suffocated by Golden State’s pressure, the Valkyries don’t have one primary option to shut down; even players on the second unit like Charles and Janelle Salaün can carry the offensive burden.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7405110/2026/06/29/wnba-power-rankings-golden-state-valkyries-title-contender/