Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries emotes after a call in the second half against the Seattle Storm at the Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Golden State Valkyries are now (9-7) after a lights-out performance from the team in their matchup against the Seattle Storm making them (10-7) in their second matchup of the season. 

The Golden State Valkyries led the Seattle Storm 23–14 at the start after playing with intensity and consistency in the first quarter. In her pregame mentions, head coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the importance of execution and intensity, and her players delivered on both fronts.

On both ends of the court, Golden State’s effort was clear. They were able to get into a rhythm offensively because of their early 3-point shooting, going 3-of-7 from outside the arc. The Valkyries scored 12 points in the paint by dominating Seattle with smart off-ball movement and strong cuts to the rim, so it wasn’t simply perimeter play. It was challenging to control the attack because of their ability to combine aggressive inside plays with outside shooting.

Tiffany Hayes, one of the skilled guards, took the lead and confidently attacked the hoop. She contributed to the Valkyries’ early momentum with five points in the quarter, going one of three from the field and one of two from three-point range.

On the other hand, Seattle relied largely on Skylar Diggins, who kept up her hustling and leadership. She scored eight points on three of five shots, including a three-pointer, and had an assist and a rebound. Despite the early disadvantage, her tireless efforts played a significant role in keeping the Storm within reach for a while.

Golden State had a cold moment from beyond the arc, but they were still ahead 34-27 at the half. In the second quarter, the Valkyries were unable to score from beyond the arc after making three three-pointers in the first. Nevertheless, Tiffany Hayes finished the half with 11 points, continuing to lead the attack with aggressive play. Golden State also made the most of their transition, scoring 10 points on 4 of 5 shots.

With experienced guard Erica Wheeler making two three-pointers to help change the pace, Seattle started to create a small rhythm behind the arc. With seven turnovers each at the end of the half, both teams had trouble controlling the ball.

Golden State came out and dominated the game after halftime, scoring 31 points in the third quarter and coming out on an attack. The Valkyries increased their energy on both ends and demonstrated their dominance by extending their lead to 65–44 at the end of the quarter, a 21-point advantage. Turning and going defense to offense as the whole team thrives on the energy from the crowd in Ballhalla. 

A well-rounded team effort, especially from Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes, drove the charge. With 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, Burton continued her consistent two-way presence. Hayes scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2 of 5 from three, after exploding in the third. The intensity and performance of the rest of the Valkyries were greatly enhanced by both players.

The Golden State team thrived by spacing the floor and distributing the ball effectively. With 34 points now gained from their selfless ball movement, their shooting rhythm came alive to start the second half. The Valkyries dominated the third quarter, making it a statement drive.

In this match, Golden State led the Seattle Storm 84-57 from start to finish, never falling behind. The Valkyries established the tone right away and didn’t let up thanks to their constant speeding transitions, strong defense, and skilled play on both ends of the court.

As the team’s top scorer, Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points on an effective 8-of-13 shooting effort, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. She started the attack early and maintained the intensity all through. Burton and Laeticia Amihere, who each scored 15 points, were just behind her. Amihere added a strong presence in the paint that Seattle found hard to handle, and she also controlled the glass with a team-high eight rebounds.

The Valkyries’ tenth consecutive sellout, the longest in the team’s history, made the evening at Chase Center even more memorable. The home audience embraced the team’s enthusiasm and vice versa. Golden State’s victory gives them more momentum going into their upcoming game in Minnesota.

This Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Golden State will travel to Minnesota to play the Lynx, continuing their two-game winning streak.