The Valkyries Went Into New York Prepared, Locked In, and Left With the Win

The Golden State Valkyries dismantle the New York Liberty on the road and Gabby and Ceci explain exactly how and why it was never really close. The defensive game plan was thorough and the execution was total. The Liberty finished with some of their worst shooting percentages of the season, including just 11 points in the second quarter. Ceci broke down the formula: everybody locked in, everybody knew the game plan, and the defensive versatility kept the Liberty completely off rhythm. They were lost the entire night trying to read what the Valkyries were doing.

Gabby made the connection that defines this team. Good shot selection and smart spacing on offense directly fuels the defense. When the Valkyries are intentional about the looks they take, they get back in position faster and make it harder for anyone to run on them. Veronica Burton put up 13 assists and zero turnovers, got knocked down hard twice, and never flinched. Gabby called her a fighter and noted the Valkyries have had to play through physicality and tough whistle situations all season. That toughness has become a feature.

Kiah Stokes finished plus-16 with just one block and Gabby laughed about that stat. The blocks are not the point. Her presence in the paint gives the guards the freedom to apply full ball pressure because they know the backline is covered. That is the entire defensive formula. Ceci is back. Back-to-back strong shooting games on this road trip after battling through a concussion in the first half. The confidence never left. The system puts her in the right spots and right now she is taking full advantage.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Players Presser | Gabby Williams, Cecilia
Zandalasini | New York Liberty | 2025

00:00 — Ceci on the Defensive Identity: Locked In From the Start
00:20 — VB : 13 Assists Zero Turnovers and a Historic Stat
00:37 — What Gabby Added to the Defense This Season
01:47 — Burton Got Knocked Down Twice — What Does That Say About Her?
02:38 — 10 Wins Under 80 Points: How the Valkyries Made Grit Look Great
03:26 — The 11 Point Second Quarter: How the Defense Confused the Liberty
04:15 — Ceci: Back to Her Stride After the Concussion
05:03 — Kiah Stokes: The Anchor Nobody Sees on the Stat Sheet