The external expectations for the Golden State Valkyries were modest as they entered the 2025 season, considering they lacked well-known players. However, after 12 games, they hold a competitive 6-6 record, largely due to their strong defensive play.

In their latest match, the Valkyries defeated the Indiana Fever 88-77, troubling Caitlin Clark significantly. The Fever star could only score 11 points, shooting 3-of-14 from the field and failing to sink any of her seven 3-pointers.

After the game, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase commented on Clark’s difficulties, stating:

“We know she doesn’t like physicality. We were being disruptive. We know she wants to get to that left stepback — I watched her at Iowa, she loves that left stepback.” Translation: “We know she doesn’t like to be physically challenged. We disrupted her rhythm. She often seeks that left stepback shot, which she excelled at in college.”

Nakase’s quote highlights a common strategy teams use against Clark, a strategy that has been discussed widely among sports analysts since her arrival.

The real question remains whether the Valkyries can maintain this defensive strategy effectively over a full game against Clark when they meet again on July 9 in Indiana.