Golden State Valkyries lead WNBA season as Kaitlyn Chen emerges as top Most Improved candidate

The Golden State Valkyries have established themselves as a league powerhouse, posting a 19‑8 record and a nine‑game winning streak that includes the league‑lowest opponent scoring average of 76.4 points per game. Forward Gabby Williams has become the team’s top wing defender and is averaging a career‑high 14.8 points this season, while guard Veronica Burton contributes 11.9 points and a team‑high 5.5 assists.

Point guard Kaitlyn Chen, a second‑year bench player, has attracted attention as a frontrunner for the WNBA Most Improved Player award. She leads the league’s bench scoring point guards with a 57.6% field‑goal percentage and has improved her points per game by 263.5% year‑over‑year, surpassing several past winners in efficiency.

Following the All‑Star break, the Valkyries will face the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center. The Mercury, sitting at 10‑18, are looking to regain playoff relevance, while the Valkyries aim to extend their franchise‑record winning streak and secure a top postseason berth.