The Golden State Valkyries have claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2026 WNBA power rankings. A five-game winning streak pushed the expansion side past former champions the New York Liberty for the first time this season.
And their defense is what carried the climb.
Valkyries' Defense Shuts Down Washington Mystics
On Monday against the Washington Mystics, Golden State shot just 35% from the field and scored only 62 points. Still, the Valkyries won by 13 after holding Washington to 49, a league-low score this season. The Mystics managed just 16 second-half points, also the fewest by any WNBA team this year.
Not a single Golden State starter reached double figures. Instead, the Valkyries' bench made the difference.
Guard Kaitlyn Chen led all scorers with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 21 minutes, sparking 39 combined reserve points.
"Our defense is all effort and sort of a mental thing," Chen said after the game. "It's something we put all our focus in every day."
Coach Natalie Nakase also credited halftime adjustments for Golden State's win over the Mystics. The Valkyries allowed 22 points in the paint before the break, then just eight after it.
Golden State Valkyries Pull Ahead of New York Liberty in Power Rankings
While the New York Liberty search for consistency as they try to stay in the playoffs race, Golden State (15-7) is building its case on the defensive end.
The Valkyries will next face the Toronto Tempo on Wednesday at 7 PM ET on WNBA League Pass.
