Kenzo Fukuda
@kenzofuku
Kenzo Fukuda // @clutchpoints Golden State Valkyries/Warriors Beat Reporter // @dailycal Alum
Talked to Natasha Cloud of the New York Liberty and asked about @ZohranKMamdani‘s landmark win in the mayoral primary. “It restored my hope and humanity a little bit. Even with what’s happening in our government and country that the people will speak. The people will show up.”
Veronica Burton described Iliana Rupert’s reintegration with the Valkyries as “very smooth.” “She picks up quickly. She picks up quickly. She's a great person, so it's been really nice to get to know her. And then on the court, honestly a seamless transition.”
Veronica Burton on the Valkyries approach to their 2nd half of the season as they look to make a push for the playoffs:
Qualifying Offer expires 10/1. Warriors can extend it to 3/1, but if they don’t then Kuminga has no deal on the table and stays in RFA limbo indefinitely, losing the little leverage he had. So that’s the date I’d look at.
Is there any kind of deadline (even if it’s artificial) that would drive either side to reach a resolution?
Newest #Valkyries center Iliana Rupert getting some shots up after practice:
“Once I get my foot in the door I’m not looking back.” @Valkyries All-Star Kayla Thornton discusses her journey as an undrafted player with @sportsiren Hear our @WNBA All-Star Weekend special here! sxm.app.link/WNBACentralAll…
Would love to see some kind of basketball format with height cutoffs similar to wrestling and boxing. An under 6-foot section would be as electric as an over 7-foot one.
Yuki Kawamura (5'8) vs. Markquis Nowell Jr. (5'7) is one of the SMALLEST matchups in NBA history 💪💯
WNBPA statement regarding today’s meeting which lasted a “couple of hours” according to a union spokesperson. Story TK
Got an iced latte with a strawberry infusion. Tastes great, but it’s still $9 😅
I’m in line at Jimmy Butler’s coffee pop up. Lotta people for a Thursday afternoon.
I’m in line at Jimmy Butler’s coffee pop up. Lotta people for a Thursday afternoon.
That CBA meeting must be something cuz it’s been over two hours lol
WOW
BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old.
NEWS: Brittney Sykes and Brionna Jones have been named as replacement players for the 2025 #WNBA All-Star Game
Valkyries officially activate Iliana Rupert. She will join the team after the all-star break, dawning No. 12.
A truly fantastic sports story. Highly encourage y’all to give this a read. Brought me to tears.
I wrote about Joel. espn.com/nba/story/_/id…
Asked WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike about how she’s feeling heading into CBA negotiations at All-Star in Indy after NYP report that players are “bracing” for a lockout Essentially, she asked where that came from in a surprised tone, noting players are focused on negotiations⬇️
58 is the fewest points scored by the Valkyries this season. 67 was previous low.