Valkyries continue winning their way as WNBA's buzzsaw hurtles toward title contention

The Golden State Valkyries are proving their debut success in 2025 was no fluke.

After reaching the playoffs as an expansion franchise last year, the Valkyries have leveled up in year two and are among the best teams in the WNBA at this early stage.

Golden State on Tuesday improved to 6-3 with a comfortable 95-77 win over the Portland Fire in Commissioner's Cup action. The Valkyries won as they've been winning all season: by launching more 3s (40 attempts to the Fire's 24), making more 3s (18 to 9) and playing some of the league's best defense.

MORE: Golden State found an unlikely Caitlin Clark problem-solver in Veronica Burton

Entering play Wednesday, the Valkyries lead the WNBA in 3s made (110), 3s attempted (282) and percentage (39.0). With the arrival of Gabby Williams in free agency, Golden State's defense got one of the WNBA's most athletic and disruptive players on that end; the Valkyries have gotten even better defensively, ranking third in efficiency after placing fourth in 2025.

Don’t just talk about the future. Build it. Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams for SLAM 262. pic.twitter.com/tCWa7qfuEU

In addition, Golden State has welcomed back All-Star forward Kayla Thornton after an ACL injury ended her 2025 season prematurely, and she had her best performance of 2026 against Portland.

Thornton has struggled to get going this season, but she dropped 19 points and eight rebounds against the Fire, her combination of size and spacing again proving decisive.

Golden State's proficiency from deep has helped the Valkyries improve offensively, all the way up to a fourth-place ranking in offensive efficiency. The Valkyries' plus-9.6 net rating is the second-best in The W.

The core of Thornton, Williams and Veronica Burton has Golden State thinking of scaling heights that a second-year franchise ordinarily doesn't reach.

It's still early, but the Valkyries have the look and feel of a title contender already.

More WNBA news:

• Fever's Sophie Cunningham reveals the major issue that has held Indiana back

• Angel Reese reaches milestone only a handful of WNBA stars accomplish this fast

• Why Fever reporter lost credentials for spreading 'inaccurate information' after reporting on Caitlin Clark

• Cameron Brink's five-word message after heated WNBA clash says everything