On June 7, 2025, the Golden State Valkyries delivered a stunning performance at the Chase Center in San Francisco, dismantling the Las Vegas Aces 95-68 in a WNBA regular season matchup. This victory marked a significant milestone for the Valkyries, improving their record to 3-4 in their inaugural WNBA season and showcasing their potential against a more experienced and talented opponent.
The Valkyries’ triumph was highlighted by a dominant second quarter, where they outscored the Aces 34-15, taking a commanding 21-point lead into halftime. Golden State extended their advantage to as much as 29 points in the second half, effectively putting the game out of reach and securing just the third win in franchise history. For a fledgling team, this was arguably their most impressive display to date, as they combined grit, discipline, and a clean 40 minutes of basketball to overwhelm the visitors.
Kate Martin, the Valkyries’ standout forward, was instrumental in the victory. Martin scored 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting and pulled down 7 rebounds, finishing the game with an impressive +30 plus-minus rating. She made several elite individual plays, notably scoring multiple buckets while being guarded by reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson. Martin’s performance was a testament to her growth since entering the league, especially given her history with the Aces. Having spent her rookie 2024 season with Las Vegas, Martin expressed her excitement about facing her former team. “It was very exciting. You know, I felt very grateful for my entire time in Vegas, and for that coaching staff and all the players that are still on the team that I got to play with last year,” Martin said in an X post shared by @FeverTrick22. “I think it was just more excitement to see them and to get to play against them.”
On the other side, the Aces endured a humbling defeat, their largest since a 38-point loss to the New York Liberty in August 2023. The 27-point margin underscored the struggles Las Vegas faced throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter where they lost control. The team’s offensive efforts were stifled, with key players struggling to find rhythm.
A’ja Wilson, usually a dominant force, was held to 17 points on 5-of-13 shooting. This marked the fourth time in the Aces’ last five games that Wilson scored fewer than 20 points, a stark contrast to her 2024 season where she was held under 20 points only three times. Wilson’s recent scoring drought has raised concerns about her current form and the team’s ability to rely on her offensive production.
Other Aces players also faltered. Jackie Young managed just 8 points on a dismal 1-of-6 shooting, while Jewell Loyd scored only 6 points on 1-of-8 shooting. Loyd’s scoring struggles have been a recurring issue this season, with double-digit points in only three of seven games so far. Chelsea Gray was a bright spot, contributing 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, but her impact was limited by only one assist, highlighting the team’s overall offensive inefficiency.
The game also carried an emotional subplot as it marked the first meeting between the Aces and Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, formerly an assistant with Las Vegas. Nakase's familiarity with the Aces’ system may have given the Valkyries an edge, but the comprehensive nature of the Aces’ defeat suggests deeper issues. The matchup became a symbolic battle between coach and former mentor Becky Hammon, with Nakase outmaneuvering Hammon tactically on the sidelines.
Hammon, reflecting on the loss, emphasized the importance of effort beyond schemes and discipline. “Effort has to come from your heart,” she said. “You know the schemes, the discipline, the habits. That's your head. Right now, we not only have a heart issue but we're letting it affect our head issue. I'm not going to coach effort. It's just one thing I can't deal with. You're in charge of your effort.” Her words underscore the frustration within the Aces’ camp as they grapple with performance inconsistencies.
Looking ahead, the Aces have a chance to bounce back quickly. They are set to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday at home, a team they defeated 96-81 in their first meeting this season. The upcoming game provides a critical opportunity for Las Vegas to regain confidence and address the lapses that led to Saturday’s heavy defeat.
For the Golden State Valkyries, the victory over the Aces is a promising sign of growth and potential. As a new franchise, they are still carving out their identity in the WNBA, and this commanding win could serve as a catalyst for future success. The Valkyries’ ability to execute a disciplined game plan against a more established opponent speaks volumes about their coaching staff and player development.
Coach Natalie Nakase’s leadership has been pivotal. Her strategic acumen was on full display as she guided her team to capitalize on the Aces’ weaknesses and maintain relentless pressure throughout the game. The postgame exchange between Nakase and Hammon at the Chase Center symbolized the passing of the torch in some ways, with the student outcoaching the teacher on this occasion.
Kate Martin’s performance epitomizes the Valkyries’ rise. Her growth from a rookie with the Aces to a key contributor for Golden State highlights the fluid nature of player development and the impact of new opportunities. Facing her former team added an emotional layer to her strong showing, but Martin’s focus remained on helping her current team secure a historic win.
Meanwhile, the Aces must confront the reality of their recent struggles. The inconsistency in scoring from their star players and the lack of cohesion on the court have put pressure on the coaching staff and roster. Becky Hammon’s candid remarks about effort reveal a team in need of renewed focus and determination to salvage their season.
As the WNBA season progresses, the dynamics between these two teams will be intriguing to watch. The Valkyries are eager to build momentum and establish themselves as a competitive force, while the Aces seek to regroup and avoid what could become a disappointing campaign. Saturday’s game was a clear statement from Golden State, but the story is far from over.
The upcoming fixtures will test both teams’ resilience and adaptability. For the Valkyries, sustaining this level of performance is key to climbing the standings. For the Aces, the challenge lies in rediscovering their identity and reigniting the fire that once made them a formidable contender.
In the world of professional sports, every game shapes a narrative, and this one added a compelling chapter to the WNBA’s 2025 season. The Golden State Valkyries’ emphatic victory over the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center was not just a win; it was a signal that a new competitive spirit has arrived in the league. Meanwhile, the Aces face a critical crossroads as they strive to overcome adversity and reclaim their status among the league’s elite.
