WNBA Game Preview: Golden State Valkyries (2-2) vs. New York Liberty (4-0)

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Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Broadcast: WWOR, KPIX, KMAX 31

Game Overview

The New York Liberty (4-0) will host the Golden State Valkyries (2-2) in a highly anticipated WNBA matchup at Barclays Center. The Liberty, defending WNBA champions, are looking to extend their undefeated start to the season, while the Valkyries, the newest expansion team, aim to bounce back after a 95-67 loss to New York in their last outing.

Team Records & Season Performance

TeamRecordConference Standing
New York Liberty4-02-0 Eastern Conference
Golden State Valkyries2-21-1 Western Conference

New York has been dominant offensively, averaging 94 points per game, while Golden State has struggled to keep pace, scoring no more than 82 points in any game this season.

Key Players to Watch

New York Liberty

Breanna Stewart (F) – 24 points, 71.4% FG in last game vs. Valkyries.

Marine Johannes (G) – 18 points, 6-of-11 from three-point range.

Jonquel Jones (C) – 13 points, 10 rebounds, providing defensive stability.

Golden State Valkyries

Kayla Thornton (F) – 13 points, 4 steals in last game vs. Liberty.

Veronica Burton (G) – 13 points, 6 assists, 3 steals.

Temi Fagbenle (C) – Defensive anchor, looking to contain New York’s frontcourt.

Matchup Breakdown

Liberty’s Offense vs. Valkyries’ Defense – New York leads the league in offensive rating (112.2), while Golden State ranks first in steals per game (10.3).

Three-Point Shooting Battle – The Liberty have been elite from deep, hitting 44 threes in four games, while Golden State has struggled with perimeter defense.

Turnover Control – The Valkyries must limit turnovers, as New York thrives in transition scoring.

GAME ODDS

Golden State Valkyries                  163.5

New York Liberty                             – 18

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.