SAN FRANCISCO — As Monique Billings walked from the scores table to the floor on Tuesday night, she was welcomed by a roar that shook Chase Center.
It was the kind usually reserved for buzzer beaters or playoff wins, only this time, it was for a player the Valkyries’ faithful couldn’t wait to see step back onto the court.
Billings missed the last 14 games with a right ankle sprain and made her debut in the Valkyries’ 66-58 win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday. The 29-year-old center looked rusty in her return, hitting one of her seven shot attempts in 20 minutes of action.
But her presence on the court couldn’t be measured by what was on the stat sheet.
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) takes a shot against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
“Mo has just been working her butt off to get back to being able to be out there on the court with us, and I know it’s been killing her not being able to help us out,” guard Kate Martin said. “So the fact that the crowd could give her some extra love, I know she probably really loved that. That probably made her feel good, feel extra confident going into the game. And so she definitely deserved that.”
Billings comes back into the rotation at a critical moment for the Valkyries.
For the last three weeks, Golden State has been forced to play with just two centers in its rotation with defensive stalwart Temi Fágbénlé and stretch big Iliana Rupert splitting time.
Now, Billings is another body that adds more depth to a team that has been stretched thin in the front court.
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) talks to teammates during their game against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
“Her energy, you can feel it,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “Just her vocal leadership. You can hear her calling out the coverages. So it’s just nice to have the communication from behind.
“Mo brings so much to us. We’re really glad to have her back, and she looks great. You don’t want to rush players back. You want to make sure they’re confident and they’re ready. So just credit to everyone who helped get back to where she is.”
Billings scored her first bucket in over three weeks early in the second quarter.
The former UCLA standout executed a timely roll to the basket after Liberty defenders Natasha Cloud and Emma Meesseman blitzed point guard Veronica Burton on the left wing.
Burton threw a rainbow pass to Billings, who caught the ball in prime scoring position and finished a tough layup while getting fouled to ignite the soldout crowd of 18,064.
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) takes a shot against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
While she couldn’t find a rhythm scoring after getting her fist bucket, Billings did a little bit of everything else to help the Valkyries win.
She was crucial in helping stop the Liberty’s three-headed front court attack of Meesseman, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. The trio combined to shoot 10-for 27 from the field and had nine turnovers.
Billings finished the night with five points and three offensive rebounds. She saw a few of her 3-point attempts rattle in and out late in the game, but didn’t hesitate to continue shooting the ball.
“When she did come in, you can see how amazing she was,” starting center Temi Fágbénlé said. “I was like ‘Damn I gotta step my game up.’ She was doing everything and it was great. This is what we missed.”
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Billings’ role on the team extends far beyond the court. Before Tuesday’s game, Nakase called Billings the “mother of this team,” and praised the bouncy center for her consistent energy.
With the Valkyries so close to clinching a playoff spot, her leadership and steady presence may prove just as valuable as her minutes on the floor.
“The best thing about Mo is that she’s a great listener,” Nakase said. “Anytime you’re around 12 to 13 women a day, you need a great listener around. She’s really special.”
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) celebrates a 3-point basket by a teammate against the New York Liberty in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
