Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel floored by Valkyries playoff atmosphere: ‘Louder than the Warriors game’

The 49ers represented at Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals between the Valkyries and Aces.

Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson sat court side for the highly-touted WNBA matchup. The Valkyries earned their second consecutive win over the Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, who was awarded her fifth MVP award Thursday.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. on the sideline during Game 2 of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs between the Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“We had an amazing time. Probably the best basketball game I’ve ever been to, honestly. I’ve been to Finals games, a lot of playoff games, it’s hard to beat that atmosphere last night,” Evans told reporters.

The Valkyries are one win away from the WNBA Finals, even more impressive for a team that entered the league as an expansion franchise in 2025. The atmosphere at Chase Center — nicknamed Ballhalla for Valkyries’ home games — was absolutely electric.

Deebo Samuel admitted just how loud the crowd was for the playoff matchup.

Fans cheer as Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, bottom middle, reacts after making a 3-point basket. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob watches with San Francisco 49ers football players Deebo Samuel Sr., middle, and Demarcus Robinson during the second half of Game 2 of the WNBA basketball semifinals. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

“It sounded a little bit louder than the Warriors game, not gonna lie,” Samuel said. “It was rocking in there. They be hooping, they be getting to it.”

The Valkyries and Aces are set to square off in Las Vegas Friday at 6:30 p.m. PT. Game 2 was especially close as the Valkyries escaped with an 83-81 victory over the Aces, the defending WNBA champions.

However, Evans’ and Samuels’ comments are telling.

It appears the premier Golden State team is now the Valkyries. So long, Warriors.

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