The Golden State Valkyries and Indiana Fever met for the first time in league history on June 19, creating a buzz that lived up to the hype. From the opening tip, both teams brought energy, intensity, and a playoff-like atmosphere to the court in front of a sold-out crowd in San Francisco.
Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation, showed once again why she’s at the center of the WNBA spotlight. She scored 29 points, dished out 8 assists, and hit five three-pointers, keeping Indiana within striking distance throughout the night. Her fast-break vision and deep shooting range energized her team and fans alike.
The Valkyries countered with a balanced offensive attack, led by veteran forward Napheesa Collier and sharpshooter Kelsey Plum, who combined for 47 points. Their execution in the final minutes proved crucial, as they withstood Clark’s late-game push to secure their eighth win of the season.
Golden State’s defense tightened in the closing minutes, forcing key turnovers and grabbing clutch rebounds. A late three by Plum with under a minute left gave the Valkyries the cushion they needed to close it out. The Fever’s final possession ended in a contested miss that sealed their fate.
Despite the loss, Indiana showed resilience and flashes of growth, especially from their younger core. As Clark continues to settle into her role and the Fever gain chemistry, they remain one of the league’s most intriguing teams to watch moving forward.
