As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for Game 1, a flu spreading through the roster threatens their historic run. The team has little time to enjoy their historic run to the WNBA finals because, after sweeping the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals, the two-year-old expansion team is in its first championship series, but a new medical report has raised concerns ahead of Game 1.

“Valkyries team official told me that Kiah Stokes was at practice today but went home early due to some “congestion.” Should be fine though,” Valkyries beat reporter Kenzo Fukuda wrote on X.

“There’s been a bit of a flu thing going around the team, Veronica Burton clearly had a cough last week and through Game 3 in Vegas.”

Fukuda shared the update on October 12, five days before the team faces off against the Atlanta Dream in Game 1. Stokes being the one most affected so far is particularly notable, considering how important she was in the semifinal sweep.

Stokes was dominant in the sweep: 14 rebounds and 4 blocks in Game 1, along with a game-sealing block in Game 2. She capped off the series with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double, the first of her playoff career, while making every shot she attempted. Head coach Natalie Nakase spoke to her impact following Game 1, calling her the “MVP of the game.”

“Her disruption, her matching up with A’ja, it’s a really tough task,” she said.

“She did an amazing job; just continue to keep her off rhythm as much as we can… Kiah was vicious on the boards; her ability I thought today was emptying that tank. That’s the Kiah Stokes we know. For sure, she made the difference today.”

Stokes had an interesting advantage in the matchup against the Aces. She spent nearly five seasons with the team, serving as A’ja Wilson’s backup, and became intimately familiar with her play. That was key to slowing her down; over the three-game series, Wilson logged 23 points per game, but shot just 41.1% from the field and 14.3% from the three-point range. That impact showed up in the regular season too.

With Stokes on court, the Valkyries’ defensive rating was 97.6 in the regular season; without her, it dropped to 103.7, which is still good, but not nearly as impressive.

However, there is no indication that Stokes leaving practice early should affect her being able to play in the championship opener. The concern right now is whether the symptoms that Stokes and Burton will remain isolated or become a larger distraction for the Valkyries.

Gabby Williams’ Playoff Form Offers Golden State Valkyries a Boost Amid Health Concerns

While the Valkyries have weathered illness before, the Finals stage raises the stakes. Back in September 2026, Cecilia Zandalasini missed a game against the Seattle Storm due to illness, while Tiffany Hayes sat out a game against the Washington Mystics in August 2025 due to illness. The team won both games, but those were regular-season games. These issues carry higher stakes given opponent strength.

Gabby Williams has been central to the Valkyries’ postseason success. Other than helping with the team’s defense-first identity through her perimeter excellence, she has emerged as an outstanding scorer. Over the playoffs, she is averaging 22.7 points per game on 44.9% from the field and 40.5% from three, while also adding four assists.

In the overtime period of the Game 3 win over the Aces, Williams was on another level, hitting both of her shots while hitting all four of her free throws, scoring eight points to bury the defending champions.

The Valkyries face an unbeaten Atlanta Dream in the Finals, making the next few days critical. This is the first time that Atlanta has reached the Finals since 2013, and it represents yet another demanding matchup for Golden State.

The Valkyries have already made history by reaching the finals in their second season, and now their toughest challenge so far awaits.