​SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Valkyries have clinched a postseason berth after rattling off a sixth-consecutive win following a dominant performance against the Dallas Wings in a 78-70 victory on Monday, Aug. 17.It was a complete team effort as the Valkyries received contributions from different players whenever the team needed someone to step up. The atmosphere was nonstop, rambunctiously loud throughout the game as more than 18,000 fans showcased why Chase Center — known as Ballhalla to the Valkyries and fans — is one of the toughest places to play in the WNBA.The Valkyries responded to their fanfare with havoc-wrecking defensive plays and turned around to deliver a series of 3-pointers to build upon their lead. Golden State was led by Gabby Williams with 23 points and six rebounds.Veronica Burton put up 16 points, five assists and four rebounds to help balance Golden State’s attack. Defense is where they hung their hats. As a team, they forced the Wings into 18 turnovers, with Golden State scoring 20 points off takeaways.The victory gives the Valkyries their second consecutive postseason appearance. It is also their 25th win of the season, which continues to extend a franchise record. The Valkyries’ 25-9 record is the second best mark in the WNBA. The Valkyries also are the third team to secure a playoff spot this season, joining the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces. “I’m more excited just about how we’ve done it more than us doing it. I knew we were going to do it since I got here, but I didn’t expect us to do it this way and have this much fun,” Williams said after the game. “Every game I go into, I have zero doubt because I know some way we’re going to figure it out. We’re going to stay together, and I think that’s what I didn’t expect to be so great. Of course, I wanted to, and I had a feeling. But to live it every day has been amazing.”Here are takeaways from their Aug. 17 game against the Dallas Wings:WinnersHere are some of the positive takeaways from the Valkyries win against the Wings:Valkyries’ defense-first mindsetValkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has her team playing with a defensive mindset. It’s the engine that makes the team go.Golden State forced 18 turnovers against the Wings. It also held Dallas to 22% shooting from 3-point distance. Wings scoring leader Paige Bueckers was held to 1-for-7 shooting in the first half. She finished with 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting, yet committed seven turnovers.Second unit changed the gameGolden State’s cheat code is their depth. The way the Valkyries can bring players off the bench and not miss a beat is a superpower. In some cases, the team gets a burst once subs are made. The energy shifts. If it was high before, it’s even more maxed when Tiffany Hayes, Kaitlyn Chen and Janelle Salaun are in the game.”It’s been incredible. I mean, Tip’s seriously insane,” Burton said about Hayes. “I think her ability to do what she does, to pour into this team, to take care of her body the way