Valkyries Fight Off Caitlin Clark & Fever 90-88

SAN FRANCISCO — Round 2 of the slugfest between the Valkyries and Fever goes to Golden State.

The Golden State Valkyries continued their remarkable start to the 2026 season Thursday night, surviving a fierce, aggressive challenge from the Indiana Fever for a hard-fought 90-88 victory before a sold-out crowd of 18,064 at Chase Center.

The win improved Golden State to 5-2, tied for the best record in the WNBA, while extending the franchise's home dominance over Indiana to 3-0 all-time.

As expected, the matchup between two of the league's most talked-about teams delivered playoff-like intensity from the opening tip. The game featured physical defense, contested rebounds, and multiple momentum swings, with neither side willing to back down.

Burton Leads the Early Charge

Golden State set the tone early by attacking aggressively rather than waiting to react.

No player embodied that mindset more than Burton.

"I think we were super intentional about how we were coming out and not waiting for them to punch first," said guard Veronica Burton. "I think we went and made things happen on both sides."

The Valkyries guard delivered her best performance of the season, scoring a season-high 25 points while going 10-for-12 from the free throw line and a career-high five blocks as part of a franchise-record 11-block night for Golden State.

Head Coach Natalie Nakase praised Burton's growth as a leader after the game.

"I think V's leadership really took a big leap today," Nakase said. "She controlled the tempo. She was composed and fearless every moment. On the defensive end, she made sure we were organized and had the matchups we wanted. I'm very proud of her."

Burton Help From Teammates

Burton received plenty of help from her teammates.

Janelle Salaün continued her strong season with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting while adding a season-high seven rebounds. Gabby Williams matched Salaün with 19 points while contributing six rebounds and a season-best six assists.

Rookie Justé Jocyté provided another encouraging glimpse of her future, knocking down her first field-goal attempt on a three-pointer and adding two assists. Kiah Stokes anchored the interior defense with four blocks, helping fuel one of the best defensive performances in franchise history.

Golden State's offense was equally impressive. The Valkyries recorded 24 assists on 31 made baskets, with nine different players contributing assists. Their unselfish play generated a season-high 42 points in the paint and repeatedly forced Indiana's defense to collapse.

Fever Rally Turns Up the Pressure

However, the Fever refused to go away.

Indiana's biggest surge came during the second quarter. After Golden State built an early advantage behind its aggressive offense and defensive pressure, the Fever responded with a run that briefly shifted momentum.

Caitlin Clark began finding open teammates in transition, while Indiana attacked the paint and generated trips to the free throw line.

The Fever's physical play disrupted Golden State's rhythm and helped erase much of the Valkyries' early cushion.

What had looked like a game Golden State might control quickly became a back-and-forth battle, as Indiana's comeback energized its bench and reminded everyone why the Fever remain one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams.

Rather than allowing the game to completely swing, however, the Valkyries weathered the storm and answered with key baskets of their own, setting the stage for the tense finish that would follow.

Defense Delivers in Crunch Time

The intensity only increased in the second half.

Golden State's defense focused heavily on aggressively attacking Fever star Caitlin Clark, and the strategy paid dividends. After a productive first half, Clark was held to just five second-half points while shooting 1-for-6 from the field after halftime.

Burton credited the team's defensive success to the trust developed throughout the roster.

"It's awesome when you have a back line," Burton said of playing alongside Stokes and Golden State's shot blockers. "It allows us to really trust in our ball pressure because we know she's got our back."

The Valkyries carried a narrow lead into the final minutes, but Indiana continued to apply pressure.

As the crowd inside Ballhalla rose to its feet, every possession felt critical. Golden State answered key Fever runs with timely baskets, but the visitors remained within striking distance until the final seconds.

The dramatic finish nearly spoiled an otherwise complete performance by the Valkyries.

Trailing by two points, Indiana had two separate opportunities to tie the game in the closing moments. Golden State's defense forced a difficult attempt on the Aliyah Boston's first chance, but Indiana managed to regain possession and create one final opportunity before time expired.

With the outcome hanging in the balance, the Boston's last attempt again failed to fall, allowing the Valkyries to escape with a dramatic 90-88 victory.

When the final buzzer sounded, the sold-out crowd erupted hitting 104.3 dB on the decibel scale, as Golden State celebrated another signature win in front of what was the franchise's 28th consecutive sellout.

Ballhalla Celebrates Another Statement Win

The game also pushed Ballhalla past 500,000 fans in attendance since the franchise's inaugural season.

Nakase praised her team's resilience throughout the emotional contest.

"Tonight you could see our team really stuck together," Nakase said. "The ebbs and flows of the game, we stayed composed. Everyone did their role tonight and everyone gave max effort. From the bench to the starters to the players who weren't even dressed out, I could feel them. That's what's special about this group."

That togetherness has become a defining characteristic of the Valkyries' early-season success.

"I think the buy-in is incredible," Burton added. "Genuinely it's fun and we support each other. We ride for each other."

On a night filled with physical play, defensive stops, and late-game drama, the Valkyries once again demonstrated why they are quickly becoming one of the WNBA's toughest teams to beat. Behind Burton's career performance, a franchise-record defensive effort, and another unforgettable atmosphere at Ballhalla, Golden State protected home court and strengthened its position among the league's early contenders.

UP NEXT

• The Valkyries take on the reigning-champion Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, May 31 at 12:30 p.m., airing on NBC, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.