Valkyries maintain playoff momentum but face questions about Salaün's absence
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 9:26 PM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
The Golden State Valkyries play the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA playoffs, having won their first four home playoff games at Chase Center. They enjoy a strong home-court advantage after eliminating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round. Veronica Burton's late-game performance, including a decisive 3-pointer, has been crucial for the Valkyries, though she has contributed less against the Aces. Janelle Salaün, recently awarded Sixth Player of the Year, has not been a featured contributor in this series, raising questions about her effectiveness.
- •Valkyries are 4-0 in home playoff games this season.
- •Veronica Burton scored a key go-ahead basket late in Game 1.
- •Janelle Salaün won Sixth Player of the Year but is underperforming.
- •Team head coach Natalie Nakase expressed concerns about player fatigue.
- 9:26 PMYahoo Sports — Valkyries leaning into the Balhalla effect in the playoffs, but where's Janelle Salaün?
"The Golden State Valkyries have home-court advantage and have won their first four playoff home games. Will that prove decisive? Plus updates on Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaün.
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