Honestly, the energy at Chase Center was something else. If you were watching the Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries game this past summer, you probably felt that shift in the atmosphere. It wasn't just another mid-season WNBA game. It felt like a collision of two completely different worlds: the established, star-driven Fever and the brand-new, defensive-minded Valkyries.
People kept talking about the Caitlin Clark effect, but Golden State was busy building a wall.
When the Valkyries officially tipped off their inaugural season in May 2025, a lot of skeptics thought they’d just be another expansion team getting kicked around for a year or two. Instead, Natalie Nakase—who, let’s be real, deserved that 2025 Coach of the Year award—turned them into a defensive nightmare. By the time they met the Indiana Fever in August, the narrative had flipped. It wasn't just "Can the Valkyries stop Clark?" It was "Can the Fever survive the Bay?"
The Night the Valkyries Proved They Belonged
The July 9, 2025, matchup in Indianapolis was a wake-up call. Everyone expected a Caitlin Clark masterclass. She was returning from a groin injury, the crowd was ready for fireworks, and then... nothing. Well, not nothing, but certainly not what the Fever fans paid for.
The Valkyries held Indiana to a miserable 30.9% shooting from the floor.
Veronica Burton basically lived in the Fever’s backcourt. She finished that game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. It was the kind of performance that makes you realize expansion teams aren't what they used to be. The Fever looked rattled. Caitlin Clark finished with just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting.
You’ve got to give credit where it's due. The Valkyries’ defensive rotation was so tight it felt like they had six players on the court. They weren't just playing hard; they were playing smart.
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Why the Fever vs. Valkyries Rivalry is Different
Most WNBA rivalries are built on decades of history or playoff heartbreaks. This one? It’s built on the "Old Guard" (even though the Fever are young) versus the "New Era."
- The Kate Martin Factor: You can’t talk about Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries without mentioning the Iowa connection. Watching Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark go at it is sort of surreal. They’re best friends, but on that court, Martin was a pest. She knows Clark’s tendencies better than anyone, and it showed.
- Expansion Record: Golden State didn't just play; they won. They finished their first year with 23 wins—a WNBA record for an expansion team.
- The Pace: Indiana wants to run. They want the fast break, the long transition threes, and the chaotic pace. Golden State, under Nakase, wants to grind you down.
It’s a classic clash of styles.
Breaking Down the Roster Dynamics
When you look at the Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries matchups, the individual battles are where the game is won. Aliyah Boston usually has her hands full with Monique Billings and Temi Fágbénlé. Billings is a glass-eater; she’s going to fight for every single offensive board.
Janelle Salaün was the real surprise of 2025, though.
The French rookie wasn't even on most people's radars before the season started, but she ended up on the All-Rookie Team for a reason. She’s 6'2" but moves like a guard, which makes her a nightmare matchup for Indiana’s forwards. If the Fever don't account for her on the perimeter, she’ll bury three or four triples before the first half is over.
Then there's the Veronica Burton of it all.
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Burton won Most Improved Player for a reason. She went from a defensive specialist to a legitimate three-level scorer. In those head-to-head games against Indiana, she was often the best player on the floor.
What People Get Wrong About These Games
A lot of casual fans think the Fever should win every game because they have the most famous player in the world. Basketball doesn't work like that.
The Fever's defense has been... let's call it a work in progress. While they have the offensive firepower to hang with anyone, they often struggle to get stops when it matters most. Golden State is the opposite. They’ll go on a five-minute scoring drought and still be in the game because they haven't allowed a bucket in six minutes.
It’s basically a battle between an unstoppable force and an immovable object.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As we head into the 2026 season, the stakes are even higher. The Valkyries are no longer the "new kids." They’re a playoff team with a target on their backs. Meanwhile, the Fever are trying to prove that their young core can finally take that next step into true championship contention.
The 2026 schedule is going to be brutal.
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With more expansion on the horizon (Portland and Toronto are coming!), the league is getting deeper. Every game between Indiana and Golden State now carries playoff seeding implications.
Here is what you need to watch for in the next Fever-Valkyries clash:
- The Defensive Matchup: Will Indiana find a way to screen Veronica Burton off of Clark? If Burton is allowed to play "hero" defense all night, the Fever's offense stalls.
- Bench Scoring: The Valkyries have a deep bench with players like Julie Vanloo and Cecilia Zandalasini. Indiana needs more production from their second unit to keep up.
- The Paint Battle: Aliyah Boston needs to dominate. If she can get Billings or Fágbénlé in foul trouble early, it opens up the entire floor for the Fever shooters.
The WNBA is in a crazy spot right now. The talent level is through the roof, and the "expansion" label doesn't mean what it used to. The Valkyries proved that in 2025.
If you’re planning on catching a game, get your tickets early. The Fever vs. Valkyries games at Chase Center are already some of the most requested on the 2026 calendar. It’s not just about the stars anymore; it’s about the culture these two teams are building.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official WNBA injury reports and roster moves as the season approaches. The 2026 draft could also throw a wrench in everything if one of these teams lands another high-impact rookie. Keep your notifications on for the league's schedule release, as the first Fever-Valkyries meeting will likely be a national TV highlight.