Win and In: Valkyries Stare Down Playoff Berth
Portland Fire Spoil the Party: Valkyries Must Wait for Playoff Spot
What Happened in Sunday’s Game?
The Portland Fire (a brand-new team in the WNBA!) played a thrilling game against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday night. Portland was behind for most of the game but came roaring back to win 88-85 on the road.
Important Point: This win meant the Golden State Valkyries could not officially clinch a playoff spot on Sunday. They have to wait at least one more day.
How the Game Unfolded
First Half: Mercury Take Control
- DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas each scored 6 points in the first quarter.
- Phoenix led 22-18 after one quarter.
- Bonner had 14 points by halftime.
- Mercury went into the locker room leading 42-36.
Second Half: Fire Fight Back
- Frieda Buhner and DiLeo hit big 3-pointers late in the third quarter.
- Portland cut the lead to 64-61 heading into the fourth.
The Exciting Finish
| Time Left | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 1:12 | Carla Leite scores twice → Fire lead 81-80 (first lead!) |
| ~30 sec | Emily Engstler (Fire) and Kahleah Copper (Mercury) trade baskets |
| 20 sec | Katie Lou Samuelson hits 1 of 2 free throws → Fire up 84-82 |
| Final | Portland holds on for the 88-85 win |
Star of the Night: Carla Leite
- 23 points for the Fire
- Scored the final two baskets in a game-changing 6-0 run
- Helped spoil Diana Taurasi’s special halftime and postgame ceremonies (Taurasi is a Mercury legend!)
Why the Valkyries Are Still in Great Shape
Even though they didn’t clinch on Sunday, Golden State is having an amazing season!
Their Record & Standing
- 24-9 (second place in the whole league!)
- Only 3.5 games behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx
- 1.5 games ahead of the third-place Las Vegas Aces
- Winners of 5 games in a row
The "Magic Number" Reality Check
Important Point: For the Valkyries to miss the playoffs, they would have to lose all 11 remaining games AND Portland would have to win all 9 of theirs. That’s basically impossible!
How They Clinched: Monday at Home
The Valkyries can officially punch their playoff ticket Monday night when they host the Dallas Wings at Chase Center.
The Secret to Golden State’s Success: Defense!
Coach Natalie Nakase has built a defensive juggernaut. Even without their starting center Iliana Rupert (out all season for pregnancy), the Valkyries lead the league in:
- Fewest points allowed per game: 76.9
- Best defensive rating: 102.9
- Fewest field goals allowed per game: 26.7
- Fewest assists allowed per game: 18.3
Key Players Stepping Up
- Gabby Williams (All-Star addition) → fueled the team’s rise
- Veronica Burton, Janelle Salaun, Kaitlyn Chen (returners) → improved offense
- Kiah Stokes (center) → dependable rim protector in Rupert’s absence
- Note: Stokes missed Wednesday’s game with a concussion; now day-to-day
What’s Next for the WNBA?
Upcoming Schedule
- Monday: Valkyries vs. Wings (Chance to clinch!)
- Regular season continues until late September
- International Break: Aug 31 – Sept 16
- Many players (including Gabby Williams) will play for their national teams
- Playoffs begin after the break
- Top 8 teams make it
- Top 4 teams get home-court advantage in Round 1
Last Year’s Playoff Run
- Valkyries were the #8 seed in 2024
- Lost 2-0 to the #1 seed Minnesota Lynx in a best-of-three series
- This year: aiming much higher!
Summary
- Portland Fire stunned the Phoenix Mercury 88-85 behind Carla Leite’s 23 points.
- The win delayed the Golden State Valkyries’ playoff clinching by at least one day.
- Valkyries (24-9) are still in second place and virtually guaranteed a playoff spot.
- They can officially clinch Monday at home vs. Dallas Wings.
- Golden State’s success is built on elite defense (league-best in 4 categories) despite missing starting center Iliana Rupert.
- International break coming Aug 31–Sept 16, then playoffs begin with top 8 teams.
FAQ
How many teams make the WNBA playoffs?
8 teams out of 12 total teams qualify for the postseason.
What does "clinching a playoff spot" mean?
It means a team has mathematically guaranteed they will finish in the top 8, no matter what happens in their remaining games.
Why was Diana Taurasi being honored?
Diana Taurasi is a Phoenix Mercury legend and one of the greatest WNBA players ever. The team held special ceremonies for her on Sunday.
Who is Carla Leite?
She’s a player for the Portland Fire (an expansion team in their first season) who scored 23 points and hit the go-ahead baskets in Sunday’s win.
When is the WNBA international break?
August 31 through September 16. Many players leave to compete for their countries in international competitions (like the Olympics or World Cup qualifiers).