The Golden State Valkyries walked off the court in Atlanta on Thursday afternoon with a bitter taste in their mouths, but not a single excuse on their lips. Falling 80-69 to the Dream in a 12:30 p.m. ET tip-off—one of the earliest starts in U.S. pro sports playoff history—evened the WNBA Finals at 3-3 and set up a winner-take-all Game 7. Yet, instead of pointing fingers at the clock, the Valkyries are pointing directly at themselves.
Forward Gabby Williams was asked postgame whether the unusually early start had thrown off the team's rhythm. Her response was swift and unequivocal: “They played at the same time as us, right? So it’s not an excuse,” Williams said, as reported by Underdog WNBA. That sentiment echoed through the locker room, a collective refusal to lean on anything other than their own performance.
The Valkyries' accountability didn't go unnoticed. Fans took to social media to praise the team's mature approach. “Yep. We don’t do that excuses (expletive) around here. Just have to adjust and be better,” one fan posted on X. Another added, “See how we don’t whine and blame the refs after losses. We own up to it and take accountability.” The chorus was clear: no whining, no blaming, just a commitment to show up better on Saturday.
This isn't the first time the Valkyries have faced adversity this postseason. A scheduling fiasco earlier in the Finals drew criticism from players' families, but the team has consistently chosen to focus on what they can control. Even the hostile atmosphere in Game 1, where activists clashed with fans, didn't derail their focus. Now, with the series tied, they're channeling that same resilience into preparation for the deciding game.
Game 7 will take place at the Chase Center, where the Valkyries have been nearly untouchable, losing only six times all season across the regular season and playoffs. However, one of those losses came at the hands of the Dream, who stole a 79-65 victory in Game 2. That memory lingers, but so does the Valkyries' defensive identity—they've won all three of their Finals games when holding Atlanta under 70 points.
“We know what we have to do,” Williams added, her tone steady. “It’s about execution, not excuses.” The team's approach has drawn admiration from fans who appreciate the contrast with other franchises that have been criticized for deflecting blame. As one supporter put it, “They never make any excuses, they always take L’s well. Never blame anyone or anything. Breath of fresh air when players take accountability, and know they have to do better. Love them forever!!”
Now, the Valkyries face the ultimate test: a do-or-die Game 7 on their home floor. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the pressure is immense. But if Thursday's response is any indication, Golden State is ready to meet the moment head-on—no excuses, just basketball.
Who will hoist the WNBA trophy? The answer comes Saturday. But one thing is certain: the Valkyries will show up ready to leave everything on the court, with no regrets and no what-ifs.
