The Golden State Valkyries didn’t just win their first WNBA title Saturday night; they made history, becoming the fastest expansion team in major North American professional sports to claim a championship. These 45-1 preseason longshots pulled off a nerve-shredding 68-63 fightback against the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the finals, proving that “unbreakable love” is more than just a phrase, it’s a championship formula.
The Maverick Coach Who Believed When Nobody Else Did
This title isn’t just about pure talent, it’s a full-on proof of concept, championed by a coach who lives it. Natalie Nakase has built a career out of seizing those tiny openings, transforming a walk-on spot at UCLA into a scholarship and an unsolicited scouting report into a coaching gig in Japan’s top men’s league. Her Valkyries, in just their second season, delivered a championship in 534 days from the franchise’s very first game. That’s extraordinary speed, but it’s built on a deliberate foundation: investment, opportunity, and trust from the coach, with players expected to give back in spades by defending, competing, and embracing any role that helps the team win.
Nakase, absolutely keyed-up during the trophy ceremony at a packed Chase Center, where their 53rd home game was also their 53rd sellout crowd on “Ballhallaween” night, declared, “We have unconditional love that’s fucking unbreakable, guys.” She didn’t stop there. “This is for all the people that have been underrated, misunderstood,” she shouted, “This is for all y’all, because this is proof: if you put all your heart and all your soul, you fucking win championships!” You gotta love that fire!
From Waived to WNBA Champs: The Overlooked Stars
Nakase’s philosophy isn’t just talk, it’s etched into the very DNA of this championship roster. Take Veronica Burton, their starting point guard. Dallas literally gave up on her two years ago, waived her. She went back home to the West Suburban YMCA in Newton, Massachusetts, training with her high school coach, just waiting for another shot. Connecticut signed her, then left her unprotected in the expansion draft. Guess what? With Golden State, she became the league’s most improved player. Talk about a glow-up!
And then there’s Kaila Charles, the starting forward. Can you believe this? She’d been cut five times in five seasons! FIVE! She was back at her parents’ home, training with her brother, seriously mulling her professional future, even preparing to visit Trinidad. The Valkyries gave her that trust and opportunity, and now she’s a WNBA champion. This team was literally built with players every other team passed over, players who were ready to give their heart and soul.
What a series it was, a grueling best-of-seven slugfest where Golden State fought back to clinch Game 7. They won Game 1 (68-64), dropped Game 2 (65-79) and Game 3 (71-97), but then rallied to take Game 4 (67-62), Game 5 (64-55), before losing Game 6 (69-80), setting up that epic Game 7 showdown. This championship isn’t just a trophy, it’s a blueprint for any team looking to build something special by believing in the underestimated. It shows you what happens when a team embraces a demanding basketball obligation of defense, competition, and role acceptance, all fueled by “unbreakable love.” What a story for the WNBA and for anyone who loves an underdog!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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