Is Year 2 Make or Break for the Valkyries? — Kendra Andrews [6Gn1iUDAklx]
The Golden State Valkyries had one of the most electric debut seasons in WNBA history — sold-out Chase Center, playoff basketball, and an entire Bay Area falling in love with women's hoops. But Year 2 is a whole different animal. ESPN's Kendra Andrews joins Steiny and Guru on 95.7 The Game to break down exactly where this team stands heading into the new season, and she doesn't hold back. Kendra explains why the Valkyries' offseason — despite missing out on flashier names — was more impactful than fans realize. The return of Kayla Thornton and Veronica Burton, plus the addition of Gabby Williams, gives this team real depth and defensive identity. She also weighs in on the Flauge trade, what it means that Joe Lacob runs this franchise the same way he runs the Warriors, and whether coach Natalie Nakase is feeling more heat than your average second-year WNBA coach. Topics discussed include: Why the Bay Area sports culture made the Valkyries an instant hit What the Valkyries' offseason additions really mean beyond the hype Is Hailey Van Lith (Flauge) destined to be a WNBA superstar? The WNBA playoff landscape — and how competitive it's gotten Natalie Nakase's pressure under a championship-or-nothing owner in Joe Lacob Kayla Thornton's comeback and why it could be a game-changer Warriors NBA Draft lottery talk to close things out Do you think the Valkyries can make a deep playoff run in Year 2, or is the WNBA too stacked right now? Drop your take in the comments! 0:00 – Kendra Andrews on the Valkyries' Bay Area Magic 2:23 – Offseason Breakdown: What Fans Are Missing 4:44 – Is Flauge a Future WNBA Superstar? 6:13 – Playoff Expectations & How Tough the WNBA Is 8:28 – Natalie Nakase's Pressure & Joe Lacob's Demands Download the Audacy app to never miss any of your favorite 957 The Game content: Listen live: Visit our website: Subscribe on Twitch: Follow us on Twitter: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Instagram: Join our Newsletter: