Balhalla Was Packed for Japanese Heritage Night and the Valkyries Did Not Disappoint

The Golden State Valkyries win comfortably on Japanese Heritage Night at Valhalla without Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaun, and Cecilia Zandalasini, and the message in the postgame presser is the same one this team always gives: next person up, and everyone stepped up. The defense held the opponent to just 66 points and Veronica Burton led the way with 6 steals, the most in team history for a single game. Her teammates put it simply: that is just V. You think you have an open pass and she comes out of nowhere and takes it. Every single night. You can always count on it.

LA had a strong night and the mutual appreciation between her and Kaitlyn in the presser said everything about this locker room. Kaitlyn talked about how special it was to see LA do at Balhalla what she does every day at practice. LA talked about how patient and precise Kaitlyn was in ball screen situations. That is how this team operates. Tiffany Hayes picked up right where her strong August left off. Her teammates said she makes life easy on the floor, stays composed when opponents try to get in her head, and brings a veteran steadiness this team is going to need heading into the playoffs. The World Cup break was used well. The practices were intentional. The preparation was pointed directly at these last four games and what comes after. The Valkyries are ready.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Players Presser | Kaitlyn Chen, Laeticia Amihere | Japanese Heritage Night | Tiffany Hayes, Veronica Burton | 2025

00:00 — Team Defense First: How the Valkyries Held Them to 66
00:09 — Kaitlyn Chen on LA's Big Night at Valhalla
00:18 — LA on What Kaitlyn Brought to the Game
00:26 — Coming Back From the Break: Was the Rust Gone?
00:36 — Veronica Burton's 6 Steals: That Is Just V
00:46 — LA Growing Into Her Role: Two Good Games in a Row
01:00 — No Gabby No Ceci No Janelle — What Does That Say About This Roster?
01:07 — Japanese Heritage Night: What It Meant to Kaitlyn Chen
01:18 — Valhalla Energy: They Missed It, and They Need It for Playoffs
01:28 — Tiffany Hayes: The Veteran Presence That Makes Life Easy