Splash Sisters 2.0? Valkyries Rain Threes to Snatched Preseason Win Over Storm
Splash Sisters 2.0? Valkyries Rain Threes to Snatched Preseason Win Over Storm
The Golden State Valkyries aren’t just a new name on the block; they’re a whole new problem for the WNBA. On Saturday night at Chase Center, the Valkyries proved that the "Splash" DNA is alive and well in San Francisco, riding a wave of 15 three-pointers to a gritty 78-76 win over the Seattle Storm.
It was a homecoming, a debut, and a statement all wrapped into one. If you thought this expansion squad was going to play it safe, you weren't paying attention to the perimeter.
The Long Range Artillery
Let’s look at the math: Golden State shot a blistering 45% from downtown, more than doubling Seattle’s output. That’s a 24-point advantage just from beyond the arc. Veronica Burton set the tone early, looking like she never left. She dropped 14 points in just 14 first-half minutes, with all seven of her field goal attempts coming from deep. When Burton cooled off, training camp standout Miela Sowah took over, going a perfect 4-for-4 from distance in the second half—including a 65-second heat check where she buried three straight triples.
The Return of a Star
The loudest cheer of the night wasn't for a rookie, but for the franchise’s first-ever All-Star: Kayla Thornton. Returning from a brutal non-contact knee injury that robbed her of half of last season, Thornton looked like she hadn't lost a step. She was aggressive, fearless, and finished a left-handed layup through contact like she was never gone. When she buried a corner three late in the second, it was clear: KT is back, and she’s still the focal point.
The Rookie Duel
On the other side, the Storm’s future looks bright behind Flau'je Johnson. Facing the team that drafted her in her first-ever pro action, Johnson showed why the hype is real, leading Seattle with 12 points and 4 rebounds. She played with a level of confidence that usually takes years to develop. Paired with former #2 pick Dominique Malonga (10 points, 5 rebounds), the Storm have a young core that’s going to be a nightmare to deal with in transition.
System Over Personnel
The Valkyries led the league in three-point attempts and makes last season, and the coach clearly hasn't changed the playbook. Despite trailing by nine at the half, Golden State didn't panic—they just shot their way out of it. They went 9-for-13 from deep in the second half alone. With eight different players hitting at least one triple, this team is built to punish you if you leave even an inch of space.
The Bottom Line
The Valkyries have an identity: they are going to shoot, they are going to run, and they are going to win the math game. Seattle has the young talent, but they couldn't overcome the sheer volume of Golden State’s attack.
Sanchez’s Take: The Valkyries just proved that their "Splash City" mentality isn't just marketing—it's a lifestyle. Flau'je Johnson is going to be a star, but she just learned that in the WNBA, the three-ball is the great equalizer. If Golden State keeps shooting 45% from deep, this "expansion" team is going to be a playoff lock.
