The Golden State Valkyries have quietly turned a deep bench into a competitive advantage, a factor that has helped them string together a winning streak and stay in the thick of the playoff race.
Players such as Janelle Salaun, Kaila Charles, Tiffany Hayes, Laeticia Amihere and rookie Kaitlyn Chen bring a blend of shooting, rebounding, hustle and poise that stretches the team’s options beyond the starting five.
Salaun’s reputation as one of the league’s most lethal three‑point threats opens the floor for teammates, while Charles’s knack for grabbing clutch rebounds has turned missed shots into second‑chance opportunities. Hayes adds veteran savvy and quickness, and Amihere’s relentless effort in the paint often sparks fast‑break points.
Second‑year guard Kaitlyn Chen has emerged as a surprise contributor, averaging 6.8 points per game and giving the coaching staff the flexibility to rest starting point guard Veronica Burton without sacrificing ball‑handling quality.
Bench Scoring Sets the Pace
The Valkyries now top the league in bench production, posting an average of 34.4 points per game from the second unit. That depth not only fuels comebacks but also sustains defensive intensity, allowing the team to maintain a consistent defensive identity night after night.
At 15‑7, the club sits just half a game behind the league leaders, a position that feels both familiar and fresh after years of rebuilding. Upcoming matchups against the Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics could determine whether the bench’s momentum translates into a higher seed.
Coach Natalie Nakase’s emphasis on rotation and health management has paid dividends, keeping the roster fresh and the bench ready to step up when called upon.