Twice this yr, the Dallas Wings instructed Kaila Charles she wasn’t adequate to maintain a roster spot.
Her WNBA journey appeared about completed for the 2025 season till the Valkyries gave her a chance simply after the All-Star break after a plethora of accidents left the enlargement group shorthanded. Now, the Valkyries can’t think about a rotation with out her.
On Sunday, she had her greatest recreation of the season as she locked up former teammate and rookie of the yr candidate Paige Bueckers whereas tying a career-high 16 factors in a 90-81 win over the Wings.
“I think it was a full circle moment,” Charles mentioned after Sunday’s win. “I began the season right here, and to be lower was unhappy, however it additionally gave me the chance to get movie and get picked up by the (Valkyries). So despite the fact that it didn’t work out right here like I needed to, it gave me one other alternative the place I slot in a bit bit extra.
“So it just shows that everything happens for a reason, and I’m really glad that I was able to win with my team and do well and help them.”
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) loses management of the ball towards Golden State Valkyries guard Kaila Charles throughout the second half of a WNBA basketball recreation in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photograph/LM Otero)
When the Valkyries first signed Charles on Aug. 1, the previous College of Maryland standout was tasked with studying a brand new system and teammates on a group that’s within the midst of making an attempt to make a playoff push.
On the morning she joined the group, Charles boarded a airplane to Chicago and had a couple of hours to study the Valkyries’ playbook earlier than a 7 p.m. tipoff towards the Sky. The Valkyries teaching workers shortly briefed Charles earlier than the sport and the taking pictures guard was instantly within the rotation that evening.
That evening towards, Charles performed 17 minutes, scored 5 factors, grabbed 5 rebounds and closed the fourth quarter in her first recreation with the group.
Since then, Charles has been a rotation common. She’s performed in each recreation and been a useful piece off the bench for Nakase as a defensive stopper and constant catch-and-shoot participant.
In her first begin with the Valkyries on Sunday, Charles was tasked with guarding Bueckers, who got here into the sport with a streak of 30 consecutive double-digit scoring video games.
Charles shadowed Bueckers for each minute she was within the recreation. Her lively palms bothered the rookie star and her fast toes saved Bueckers away from the basket.
Charles held Bueckers scoreless within the first half and finally restricted her to simply 9 factors on 3-of-12 taking pictures.
“Credit to Kaila for coming and doing what she does,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase mentioned. “Locking people up, and also on the offensive end, just being confident in her shot making. She makes quick decisions, taking it hard to the basket. Credit to Kaila because she’s really only had two practices with us.”
With the accidents the Valkyries have, Charles’ function will solely get bigger within the coming weeks because the Valkyries attempt to safe a playoff spot.
Golden State is at the moment in eighth place with a half-game lead over the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks for the ultimate playoff spot. The Valkyries are additionally a half recreation behind the sixth-place Indiana Fever and seventh-place Seattle Storm with matchups towards each franchises within the coming weeks.
The battle to make the playoffs makes Charles’ presence, and her potential to step in when her group wants her most, all of the extra useful.
“I think some people may limit or not understand the challenge that can come from being cut, but her ability to come in and affect everything, not just offensively but also defensively, says a lot about who she is as a person.” Valkyries level guard Veronica Burton mentioned of Charles after Sunday’s win.
“It’s a major testament to come in, back to the team that waived you this season and play 35 minutes and impact the game.”
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 24: |Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries and Kaila Charles #6 rejoice the group’s win over the Dallas Wings following the sport at School Park Heart on August 24, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: Person expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or utilizing this {photograph}, person is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Pictures License Settlement. (Photograph by Ron Jenkins/Getty Pictures)
Initially Printed: August 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM PDT
