Basketball in 2026 is moving fast. If you’ve been paying attention to the WNBA lately, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s not just about the old guard anymore. When the Connecticut Sun vs Golden State Valkyries matchup pops up on the calendar, it’s a collision of two completely different worlds. You have the Sun, a franchise basically trying to find its soul again after a massive roster fire sale, going up against the Valkyries, who just pulled off the most ridiculous expansion season in the history of pro sports.
Honestly, nobody expected Golden State to be this good this fast. They didn’t just show up to "Ballhalla" at Chase Center to sell jerseys; they went out and won 23 games last year. That broke the record for an expansion team. Natalie Nakase, who snagged Coach of the Year honors, has these women playing a brand of positionless, high-IQ basketball that makes some of the veteran teams look like they’re stuck in 2015.
The Rebuild Meets the New Empire
The Connecticut Sun vs Golden State Valkyries game is such a weirdly compelling watch because of the stakes. For Connecticut, every night is a survival test. After they lost the "Core Four"—Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Bri Jones, and DiJonai Carrington—the Sun basically hit the reset button. Hard.
Coach Rachid Meziane is essentially playing the long game. They’ve got some serious young talent, specifically Saniya Rivers and the French sensation Leïla Lacan. Rivers is a nightmare on defense. Like, legitimately terrifying for opposing guards. She led all rookies in blocks last year. Think about that. A guard leading in blocks. It’s wild. But the Sun are still figuring out how to score consistently when the game slows down in the fourth quarter.
Then you look at the Valkyries. They’re the "it" team. Veronica Burton went from a bench piece in Dallas to the Most Improved Player in the league with Golden State. She’s the engine. Alongside Janelle Salaün, who is basically a walking mismatch at forward, the Valkyries play with this "nothing to lose" energy that’s infectious.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most casual fans see Connecticut and think "championship contender" because of the name on the jersey. They remember the deep playoff runs and the Sun’s legendary toughness. But this isn't that team. If you’re betting on the Connecticut Sun vs Golden State Valkyries based on history, you’re going to lose money.
The Sun are currently in the "growing pains" phase. They’re leaning heavily on veteran Tina Charles—who is still a double-double machine even after a decade-plus in the league—to keep them afloat. If Charles is hitting those turnaround jumpers and Marina Mabrey (assuming she’s locked in and not looking for a trade) is hitting from deep, the Sun can beat anyone. But the depth just isn't there yet.
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On the flip side, people assume Golden State is just a "hot" team that’ll eventually cool down. It’s not a fluke. Their defense is top-tier. Last season, they led the league in opponent points per game, holding teams to around 76 points. They don't give you anything easy. When you watch the Connecticut Sun vs Golden State Valkyries, notice how Golden State clogs the passing lanes. They make life miserable for young guards like Lacan.
Key Players to Watch
- Saniya Rivers (Sun): She’s the future. If she develops a consistent jump shot, she’s an All-Star. Watch her timing on help-side defense; it’s elite.
- Veronica Burton (Valkyries): The heart of the Bay Area. She averages over 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and plays All-Defensive level ball.
- Janelle Salaün (Valkyries): A sharpshooter who can also put it on the floor. She’s part of that new wave of "bigs" who are basically oversized guards.
- Aaliyah Edwards (Sun): Since coming over from Washington, she’s shown flashes of being a franchise centerpiece. Her footwork in the post is a work of art.
The Strategic Chess Match
When these two meet, it’s a contrast in styles. Golden State wants to run. They want to use the energy of the Chase Center crowd to fuel 10-0 runs. They shoot a lot of threes—they were top five in the league in made triples last year—and they’re efficient.
Connecticut wants to muddy the water. They want to slow you down, play physical, and let Tina Charles work the low block. It’s old school vs. new school. The problem for the Sun is that the Valkyries have Iliana Rupert and Temi Fágbénlé, two centers who can actually move. They don't get bullied easily.
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Why You Should Care
The Connecticut Sun vs Golden State Valkyries rivalry is interesting because it represents the changing of the guard in the WNBA. The Sun are a foundation of the league, a team that has been a model of consistency for twenty years. The Valkyries are the disruptors. They have the tech money, the shiny new arena, and a roster that looks like it was built in a lab to win in the modern era.
Last time they played, the Sun actually blew them out by 31 points. Yeah, you read that right. It was one of those weird nights where Tina Charles looked like she was 22 again and Golden State couldn't hit a ocean from the beach. But don't expect that to happen every time. The Valkyries are too smart and too well-coached to let that become a trend.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following this matchup, keep an eye on the injury reports and the Unrivaled league stats. Several players from both teams (Mabrey, Rivers, Edwards, and Monique Billings) are playing in the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league during the off-season. This is where you can see who has actually been working on their game.
Check the defensive rotations. If the Sun can't keep Burton out of the paint, it’s over. But if Rivers can turn Burton into a passer only and take away her scoring, Connecticut has a puncher's chance.
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- Watch the first 5 minutes: Golden State usually starts fast at home. If the Sun are within 3 points by the end of the first quarter, they’re in good shape.
- Monitor the foul count: Tina Charles is the Sun’s only real interior threat. If she gets in foul trouble early, the Valkyries will feast on the glass.
- Follow the young guns: This game is a preview of the next five years of the WNBA. Lacan vs. Salaün is the matchup of the night for anyone who loves high-level European-style play.
The league is evolving, and the Connecticut Sun vs Golden State Valkyries games are the perfect barometer for where the WNBA is headed. It’s gritty, it’s fast, and honestly, it’s some of the best basketball on the planet right now.
To stay ahead of the curve on this matchup, track the Sun's free agency moves regarding Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles, as their presence (or absence) completely shifts the power dynamic against a deep Valkyries squad.