Valkyries Bench Set Historic WNBA Scoring Record
The Golden State roster reached a new league-high bench scoring average during the 2026 regular season.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Basketball
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The Golden State Valkyries established a new WNBA record by averaging 35.9 points per game from their bench unit. This performance surpassed the previous record of 35.0 points per game set by the Las Vegas Aces in 2020.
Why it matters
The bench players attribute their sustained high performance to an exuberant environment fostered by pregame rituals and unscripted bench celebrations. Coaching staff have endorsed this approach, recognizing that allowing players to express themselves directly benefits team energy.
The Valkyries bench averaged 35.9 points per game, eclipsing the previous benchmark of 35.0 points held by the 2020 Las Vegas Aces. This record-setting production helped secure the team as the No. 2 seed for the upcoming playoffs.
The players
Golden State Valkyries
This is a WNBA team based in San Francisco that finished the regular season as the No. 2 playoff seed.
Natalie Nakase
She is the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries who has embraced the team's culture of player expression.
Las Vegas Aces
This WNBA franchise previously held the league record for bench scoring average, which they set during the 2020 season.
Temi Fagbenle
A former league player who signed a $1 million contract with a team in Toronto during the most recent offseason.
The details
Head coach Natalie Nakase has supported the team culture that encourages player expression, including music and dance rituals. This supportive environment has been credited with keeping the bench unit engaged throughout the high-pressure regular season.
Timeline
The Las Vegas Aces set the previous bench record in 2020.
Temi Fagbenle left for a $1 million contract with Toronto in the 2025-26 offseason.
The WNBA regular season concluded on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
By breaking the 2020 bench scoring record, the Valkyries have altered the competitive landscape heading into the playoffs. Their ability to generate consistent points from reserves provides a significant tactical advantage over traditional rotations that rely heavily on starters.
As the No. 2 seed, the Valkyries will carry this bench production into the playoff bracket. Fantasy participants should monitor rotation minutes closely, as the bench depth is a defining characteristic of this roster's current efficiency.
The takeaway
Teams that prioritize psychological comfort and creative expression for reserves can build deep, resilient rosters. Incorporating these inclusive rituals into a team culture may be a viable strategy for maintaining high-level performance across a full season.
Further reading
For more analysis on league-wide performance trends, visit our Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
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