The Golden State Valkyries’ Kaila Charles (6) puts up a shot as New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) defends in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Sunday. Eakin Howard/Getty Images

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (13-7) handled the New York Liberty (12-8) 76-67 inside a packed and raucous Chase Center.

Golden State led from wire to wire, and had the margin as wide as 22 points late in the game.  The Final score was not as indicative of the dominance of the home team.

The Valkyries came into the game with an identical record with the Libertyy, but proved they were not alike after 20 games played in 2026.  After the initial 10 minutes of play, the Liberty were in striking distance, trailing by five points, 20-15.

The second quarter was the key moment when the Valkyries actually took over.  New York showed true pride during the quarter, pulling within one point multiple times; however, Golden State went on an 11-0 run to end the half, totally discombobulating the “Big Apple” team at recess.  

At the half, the Liberty found themselves down by 12 points instantaneously, 41-29.  Although New York had a few chances to take the lead, they instead were picking up themselves from the proverbial matt/floor.

No player from the Golden State side had at least 10 points at the midway point, while Jonquel Jones provided 14 points for the Liberty.  The Liberty wanted to find a solution to their first half woes, and a third quarter blitz was necessary.  Unfortunately that did not come to fruition.

Golden State continued the consecutive points run, but scored the first two points of the second half.  Although New York eventually scored, the Valkyries opened up the lead  to as many as 20 points in the third stanza.  At that point, multiple Golden State players were in double-figures.

After 30 minutes of WNBA game time, the Valkyries led by 16 points, 64-48.  All the momentum was on the Golden State side, as well as the capacity crowd.  The only question left was if the home team would hold on to the insurmountable lead?

In the final quarter, Golden State produced their largest advantage of 22 points, and kept the Liberty at bay on the Bay.  To their credit, New York did cut into that massive deficit, and made the margin a single digit loss of nine points, 76-67.  Not what they wanted, but did show a fighting spirit.  They also gave the Valkyries credit for their suffocating defense as a major factor.

Four Valkyries hit the magic plateau of double-digit scoring.  Kaila Charles led the way with 13 points, while Kayla Thornton chipped in 11, and both Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaun tallied 10 apiece.

The Liberty had just two, including the aforementioned Jonquel Jones with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Breanna Stewart offered 15 points for their cause.

The Valkyries will next be in action Saturday, July 4, as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Dream on the country’s 250th birthday. at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET on CBS.  The Liberty travel back to New York Friday, July 3, to host the Minnesota Lynx at 7:30 PM ET.Reply