Category: Golden State Valkyrie

Valkyries Win on Violet’s Birthday over Chicago Sky, 91-71

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Golden State Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes, front, steals the ball from Chicago Sky’s Gabriela Jacquez in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (Photo credit Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Wednesday night was not just any ordinary night in Ballhalla. The Golden State Valkyries honored and celebrated their mascot Violet’s birthday. So the Valkyries wanted to get this win for Violet and extend their winning streak to five games, and they did. The Valkyries hosted the Chicago Sky and won by 20 points, 91-71.

Golden State Valkyries were riding a four-game winning streak but lost two key players who have been a huge part of the Valkyries’ success this season. The team lost Janelle Salaun (right knee) and Kiah Stokes (Concussion protocol) for this home game, with their return still questionable. So Golden State sent out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, and center Laeticia Amihere.

Chicago came into Ballhalla riding a two-game losing streak, with their most recent loss to Seattle at the Storm’s home, with the final score being 97-88. Sky also announced yesterday that the team would play without their guard Sydney Taylor (groin). So Chicago went with guards Courtney Vandersloot, Jacy Sheldon, forwards Natasha Cloud, Azura Stevens, and center Kamilla Cardoso.

Chicago Sky Natasha Cloud would get the first bucket of the game, going inside the paint for a quick lay-up. Then, after another made jump shot from Sky, Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton hits a 27-foot three-pointer to give Golden State their first basket. Chicago has gone 6-for-9 and has taken an early 7-point lead. Sky is relying heavily on their midrange shots, and those shots are falling for them.

At the end of the 1st quarter, Sky found their offensive rhythm fast and collected nine team assists in the first ten minutes of play. The lead would extend for the Valkyries by eight points, 24-16. Chicago’s early offensive success was huge for Sky since they’ve seen season struggles on the road. Sky has gone 4-12 on the road, and the team uses 16 players, which is the 2nd most in the WNBA.

In the second quarter, it was a huge turnaround for the Golden State Valkyries. After just dropping 16 points in the 1st, the Valkyries would drop 27 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Valkyries Tiffany Hayes had a big contribution to that, coming off the bench. She also got help from her teammate, Gabby Williams. Their hustle and determination were necessary to take over this game. They both would drop 6 points each in this quarter.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, Golden State would hold the lead over Chicago at 43-40. Sky was only able to drop 16 points, compared to the hot start they had in the 1st when they dropped 24 points on the Valkyries. After that, the Valkyries took advantage of their home court and just locked in on their offensive plan, and their defense was starting to become a problem for Chicago.

Going into the 3rd quarter, we saw the Valkyries continue from where they left off in the 2nd quarter and just keep giving Chicago a hard time in Chase Center. This quarter would be another huge scoring quarter for Golden State, as this time, the team dropped 29 points in the 3rd. Again, Valkyries Tiffany Hayes had her foot on the gas the entire game, and really in the 3rd quarter. Hayes showed her mobility and athleticism as she kept attacking the basket and was getting sent to the free throw line because Chicago’s only response to stopping her was just fouling her.

Heading into the final quarter, it was all smooth sailing for Golden State. With Chicago struggling to get any points for themselves, the Valkyries’ defense was also a factor in that. Golden State would finish the game with 16 steals on Chicago. As the game clock would wind down, Golden State would get the win by 20 points at home, with the final score being 91-71. Tiffany Hayes would lead Golden State while coming off the bench with her 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. This was all done in less than 20 minutes, 17 minutes to be exact.

The Valkyries are gonna get a five-day rest before they return to action in Ballhalla. Golden State will host the Dallas Wings on Monday night, August 17th, with tip-off being at 7 p.m. Dallas is currently in 4th place in the Western Conference division. The game will be broadcast live on Peacock.

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Thornton leads Vaklyries with 20 points in 92-82 win

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Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) heads down the floor against the Toronto Tempo at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Aug 4, 2026 (Golden State Valkyries photo)

Golden State Valkyies podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Golden State Valkyries Janelle Salaun scored 21 points and Kayla Thornton scored two three pointers and got two more in the early minutes of the second half finishing with a total of 20 points for a 92-82 win on Tuesday night.

#2 The Valkyries Veronica Burton scored 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and had seven assists in this second of two games with the Toronto Tempo. The Valkyrie also won the first game 96-79 on Sunday.

#3 Salaun owns the Tempo scoring 61 points over the last three games against Toronto and hit 8-12 and got four 3 pointers finishing with 21 points on Tuesday night.

#4 Michael, talk about how beneficial it is for a traveling team to stay in a city like the Tempo did and play two games over three days. It gives a visiting team some rest rather than play one night and fly out that same night.

#5 Next up for the Valkyrie they hit the road against the Dallas Wings Fri Aug 7th for a 6:30pm PDT tip off. The Valkyrie have won 11 of their last 13 games going into Friday’s game.

Michael Roberson does the Golden State Valkyrie podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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Golden State gets the Win & Season Sweep on Toronto, 92-82, on South Asian Heritage Night

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (#5) makes a 24-foot three-point jumper in a WNBA game at Chase Center on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, in San Francisco, CA. (Photo credit Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries (21-9) ran it back with the Toronto Tempo (10-20) on Tuesday night just two days ago, on Sunday, after hosting and beating them by 17 points, 96-79. That win brought Golden State to a 2-0 season series lead on Toronto. So with that, once again, the Valkyries would beat Tempo, 92-82, as Chase Center and Ballhalla celebrated South Asian Heritage Night.

In their last game on Sunday, Valkyries Janelle Salaun would have herself a game. She would lead Golden State with her 24 points and three rebounds, and finish with two assists in the win over Toronto. Salaun’s effort coming off the bench was exactly what the Valkyries needed to win the game. Salaun shot nine for 15 with three-pointers, but just missed her career-high of 26 points on July 8th at Toronto.

Toronto entered this game on a six-game losing streak. Tempo was just, well, looking for their “tempo” and to turn things around this season. They were led by Nyara Sabally with her 19 points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Her presence and efforts in the paint were able to keep Toronto in the game, but not enough to overcome Golden State’s 29-point fourth quarter. Toronto started with guards Kiki Rice, Julie Allemand, forwards Laura Juskaite, Maria Conde, and center Nyara Sabally.

Valkyries guard Veronica Burton contributed to the team’s win with 17 points, two rebounds, and six assists. Valkyries were also perfect on the second chance points, going five for five, and finishing with 13 points in that category. So with that, head coach Natalie Nakase sent out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, and center Kiah Stokes.

Just like Sunday’s game, Ballhalla had a different look for their fans. The Valkyries played on the Chase Freedom Custom Court, the first-ever Valkyries’ custom court and the only one dropped in the WNBA this season so far. For every made Valkyries shot, Chase Freedom will donate $1,000 to the Golden State Community Foundation to support youth development and education across the Bay Area. The Valkyries generated a $49,000 donation after 33 field goals and 16 free throws made.

Valkyries Cecilia Zandalasini would get the game going with a step-back three-pointer, giving an early spark to Golden State. Then teammate Kayla Thornton would knock down back-to-back three-pointers and push the score to 9-2. In fact, the first four baskets for Valkyries were all three-pointers. However, Toronto was determined to turn things around, and they did thanks to Tempo Marina Marbey, who would finish with ten points in the first quarter. At the end, it would be 25-24, Golden State holding onto a one-point lead.

Toronto, at the start of the second quarter, would knock down shots and focus more on their defense. In fact, the first five minutes of this quarter were all Toronto, as they would drop 14 points while Golden State had none in that time, to give Tempo the lead by 13 points, 38-25. However, with four minutes left, Golden State wasn’t gonna let Toronto go on a scoring run in their home. The Valkyries would cut Tempo’s lead down to four points, 40-33.

By halftime, it would be Toronto holding a one-point lead at 42-41. Tempo’s Maria Conde would lead her team with her 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in this game. Valkyrie’s Janelle Salauan is once again playing great against Toronto so far, with her eight points and one rebound in this close one.

Coming into the third quarter, both teams were ready to make offensive moves and take control of the game. Although Toronto and Golden State would have impressive scoring runs, it would be Valkyries starting to take the lead with their 31-point performance. Especially Salaun, who is still going strong and attacking the paint. To end the third, she would see an opening and drive to the paint, with the foul and get the and-one, for a three-point play in the paint. Valkyries would take the lead, 72-68.

Going into the final quarter of the game, Valkyries’ defense would tighten up on Toronto’s offensive possessions to try and put this game away. With 5 minutes left in the game, the Valkyries held an eight-point lead on Tempo. Golden State would make some tough buckets to hold the lead. Valkyries Gabby Williams, trying her best to close this game out, drove to the paint and got her layup to go in.

With a minute left, no time outs for Tempo, and the lead at seven points for the Valkyries. One more clutch bucket would send Tempo back to Toronto with another loss. Then Tempo Marina Mabrey would foul Valkyries Kayla Thornton, and that would send her to the line for two free throws. Those free throws would ultimately be the dagger as time ran out for Toronto. Giving Golden State their second straight win, and the final score was 92-82. The Valkyries were led by Janelle Salaun again, with her 21 points on 4-for-6 at the three-point range.

The Golden State Valkyries will get a three-day rest before heading on to the road. They’ll head to the College Park Center and face off against the Dallas Wings. They’ll play against each other on Friday, August 7th, at 6:30 p.m. This will be the second time these two teams face each other, with Golden State winning the first one on June 17th, with the final score being 91-80.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries impeded the Tempo 96-79, Sunday Evening inside another Sold Out Ballhalla

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Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün (13), who scored 24 points, shoots a 3-pointer over Toronto’s Kia Nurse (11) in the first half Sunday at Chase Center. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (20-9) managed to overcome a blown double-digit lead and come back and overwhelmed the expansion Toronto Tempo (10-19) 96-79, in front of 18,064 fans in the Chase Center Sunday night.

The Valkyries opened the game with a 4-0 run, and had the crowd in a frenzy.  However, the Tempo had a 6-0 run of their own, to take the lead.  They held their advantage, before the home team fought back.  

Golden State finished the initial quarter with a 5-point lead, 25-20.  During the tense first quarter, there were four lead changes and two ties.  The heavily favored Valkyries appeared to have a battle on their hands.  The Tempo gave the appearance they were in the City by the Bay to play.

In the second quadrant, the Valkyries led by as many as 13 points, but managed to squander most of it by recess.  Toronto was on the verge of being blown out of the arena, but managed to forge their way back to a minute deficit, instead of double-figures.  By the time the halftime whistle blew, that 13-point lead was whittled to just one point, 44-43.

At the midway point of the game, one player from both teams managed to score at least 10 points.  Gabby Williams logged ten points for the Valkyries, while Nyara Sabally produced 12 points and seven rebounds for her Canadian organization after 20 minutes.  The Valkyries had some explaining to do at the break.

Although the Valkyries managed to score the first bucket of the second half, they were still in jeopardy of losing that previous huge lead.  Toronto did finally overcome that 13-point disadvantage at the 7:54 mark of the third quarter., 49-48.  The Valkyries were on their heels and about to disappoint the Bay Area faithful supporters.  The Tempo put the lead up to their top notch of a five point lead (56-51) approximately two minutes later.

Golden State managed to turn that deficit to an 8-point lead late in the same quarter, and eventually settled for a lead of six (67-61) after 30 minutes of WNBA action.  The Valkyries appeared to have righted the ship.

In the Final stanza, the Valkyries pushed the lead as high as 17 points, and took total control of the contest.  During the second half, despite lead changes, Golden State outscored the Tempo by 16 points.  Toronto’s coach even intimated that her team may have run out of gas in the second half.  They did have an uphill battle most of the game.

At the final buzzer, the full house erupted with joy as the Valkyries won their 20th game of the season, and fought off a potentially embarrassing loss.  After it was all said and done, the second year squad won in blowout fashion, 96-79.  The Tempo will have come right back at the victors in part two of the series.

Janelle SaSalaun led all scorers with 24 points.  Veronica Burton contributed 17 points and six assists, while Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes tallied 15 points.  Kiah Stokes grabbed 11 rebounds, to go with her eight points.

Toronto’s starting five all reached the 10+ points plateau.  The aforementioned Sabally led with 19 points and eight rebounds.  Rookie sensation Kiki Rice put up 16 points and five assists, Laura Juskaite (15), Julie Allemand (11) and six assists, and Maria Conde (10), five rebounds and five assists..

Both teams will be right at it in Ballhalla on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 PM PT on KMAX/KPIX+.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie looking to rebound from Monday loss; Golden State to face Phoenix next week Wednesday

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Washington Mystics Kiki Irafen (44) takes the ball up the floor against the Golden State Valkyrie in the second of their two game meetings on Mon Jul 20, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 The Washington Mystics on Monday night got lots of help in their second meeting with the Golden State Valkyrie at Chase Center. Kiki Iriafen scored 23 points with 12 rebounds and Shakira Austin scored 15 points with 15 rebounds for a 90-82 win to snap the Valkyries nine game win streak.

#2 The Mystics down 80-73 with just 3:32 left and closed the game off with a 17-2 run. Iriafen hit a jump shot to help Washington take the lead 1:41.

#3 The Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen scored 20 points with six assists and hit a three pointer in the fourth quarter to lead the Valkyrie in scoring. Chen also assisted on Kiah Stokes three pointer but the Valkyrie later faltered later in the game and couldn’t hold on.

#4 The Valkyries Veronica Burton scored 12 points and had seven assists with Kayla Thornton scoring 15 points. The Mystics and Valkyrie split their two games series with the Valkyrie winning on Saturday and the Mystics winning on Monday night.

#5 The Valkyrie face the Phoenix Mercury on Wed Jul 29th at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix for a 7:00pm PDT tip off. The Valkyrie third place in the Western Conference 19-8 and the Mercury 13th in the Western Conference are 9-18 how do you see this match up?

Michael Roberson covers the Golden State Valkyrie for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mystics beat & stun the Valkyries, 90-82, on Golden State’s Hello Kitty Night

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Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) scores a 3-point basket against the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, July 20th, 2026. (Photo credits to Santiago Mejia)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Back here at Ballhalla once again on Monday night for the 15th home game of the season so far. This time things would be different, as there was a surprising visitor for fans and everyone who came to the game. The Golden State Valkyries celebrated Hello Kitty Night while hosting the Washington Mystics. However, it would be the Mystics winning and snapping the Valkyries’ 9-game winning streak Monday night 90-82.

Just two days ago, on Saturday evening, the Golden State Valkyries hosted and defeated the Washington Mystics, 74-69. So, what a good turnaround for Washington, but for Golden State, this was a tough loss. The Valkyries were just one game behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx.

Just before this loss in this game, the momentum and spirits were high and alive for the Valkyries. The team is having an outstanding season, on a nine game winning streak, and has gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. So with that, Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as the starting five.

Washington has already lost the last three matchups to Golden State, with their most recent game being on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Mystics have also gone 5-5 in their last ten games. So with them trying to stay above a .500 season record, they sent out Michaela Onyenwere, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore as their starters.

Golden State would win the jump ball and get the game going off of a three-pointer by Cecilia Zandalasini. The first two quarters were back-and-forth buckets by both teams. Although Golden State was only able to get their biggest lead by five points. It would be Washington holding the lead by one point, 21-20.

Going into the second quarter, both teams were doing great on their shooting, but things got cold for both teams. This was the lowest scoring quarter in the entire game. Washington and Golden State were only able to drop 15 points on each other. Going into halftime, it was a nail-biter as Golden State held the lead over Washington by one point, 36-35.

At the start of the third quarter, Washington’s Michaela Onyenwere hit a 24-foot three-pointer, but Golden State would take advantage of that halftime break and drop 23 points in the quarter. Washington would hang on, but Ballhalla and their fans were starting to get louder and louder as the end of the third approached. Golden State’s lead would be by five points, 58-53.

On to the final quarter, Washington would give it their all in the final minutes and stun the Valkyries and the fans in Ballhalla. The Mystics would have a big fourth quarter play as they drop 36 points alone on the Valkyries. Golden State would do their best to get back the lead and control the game, but too many shots were going in for Washington.

As the final buzzer goes off, it would be the Washington Mystics celebrating on the court this time. A lot can happen in a few days, where it was Golden State celebrating their win over Washington. The final score would be 90-82, and Golden State was led in this game by Kaitlyn Chen, coming off the bench as well; she would put up 20 points, two rebounds, and six assists.

Golden State will have the rest of the week off, as the WNBA prepares and gets ready to have their 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Valkyries’ Gabby Williams was selected and will participate in the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, in Chicago at the United Center. The Valkyries will return to the season on July 29th in Phoenix, where they will face the Mercury.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries stymied Mystics’ powers 74-69, inside magical Ballhalla Saturday Evening

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Golden State Valkyrie forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) holds the ball above her head against the Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Jul 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.– Another sold out Chase Center crowd witnessed the Golden State Valkyries (19-7) put a spell on the Washington Mystics (12-12) 74-69 Saturday night, and extend their winning streak (9) in the City by the Bay. 

Golden State started the contest off converting the first basket, to lead 2-0 immediately.  Washington managed to come right back and take the lead themselves, previewing a back and forth battle between the two squads. There were ten lead changes and seven ties overall.

In the initial quarter, the Mystics actually held an eight point lead, and managed to keep it at five by quarter’s end, 18-13.  There were multiple lead changes during the first ten minutes too and one tie.  However, the Capital City visitors were able to temporarily stave off the home team.

In the second quarter the Valkyries were able to complete a 17-point turnaround by leading as many as nine points during the second stanza.  They regained the lead around the 5:00 mark, and managed to keep it at recess.  At the midway point of the game, the Valkyries were in possession of a five point lead, 33-28.

No players from either team were able to achieve the double-digit scoring plateau after 20 minutes of WNBA action.  However, there was balanced scoring on both sides and the teams were fighting for the lead.  Golden State was halfway to extending their impressive winning streak, with game momentum in their favor.

In the second half, the Valkyries converted two free throws, to extend their halftime lead to seven.  However, the Mystics used their sorcery to actually overcome and place themselves in front by five at the end of the third ten-minute block, 57-52.  At that point, the raucous home fans were in a roar to will their team to victory.

In the final quadrant Golden State fought back from being six points down, to leading by seven, and desperately trying to hold on to their precious lead.  Despite Washington’s valiant efforts, the Valkyries were able to utilize their shield and win their ninth straight game, with one more before the All-Star break.  After the 40-minute war, Golden State was on top by five points, 74-69.

The Valkyries presented three ballers with 10+ points.  Gabby Williams led the way with 18 points and five assists, while Veronica Burton had a double-double, consisting of 11 points, 11 assists, and grabbed five rebounds.  Kayla Thornton added her 11 points to the team’s efforts.

The Mystics had two players with double-figures.  Shakira Austin  scored a game high 18 points and snagged an equally game high 16 rebounds.  Sonia Citron chipped in 12 points for her team.

Both teams will be right back at it versus each other, Monday July 20, at Chase Center at 7 PM PT on KOVR/KPIX.

Valkyries denied Liberty from their East Coast visitors 76-67, Sunday Afternoon inside another sold out BallHalla

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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

Valkyries Win on Pride Night, getting back-to-back Wins on the Atlanta Dream, 78-75

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Golden State Valkyries #3 Laeticia Amihere fighting her way in the paint against the Atlanta Dream’s defense at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Friday June 26th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Robert Edwards-Imagn Image)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries returned to action at their home this Friday night. Once again, the Golden State is hosting the Atlanta Dream as the team celebrated Pride Night in Ballhalla. Just two days ago, Golden State got its first win over Atlanta, 77-66. Friday night, Atlanta came into Chase Center wanting to run it back, and they got it. As the Golden State would take an early-season series on them 2-0, the Valkyries hang on and beat the Dream, 78-75.

In their last matchup on Wednesday evening in San Francisco, Valkyries Gabby Williams dropped 23 points on her 9-of-16 shooting. With a big contribution from her teammate Kayla Thornton, as she knocked down five three pointers and topped it off with her 17 points in their win. That win against Atlanta also snapped their four-game winning streak.

So, once again, with no changes to their starting lineup. Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as their starting five. Golden State’s Cecilia, in the last game, also went 4-of-6 on shooting beyond the arc.

Hoping to bounce back in their last loss at Chase Center. The Atlanta Dream would send out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Coming off the bench and leading the Dream in scoring was Madina Okot with her 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.

Valkyries Kiah Stokes would start the game off in Ballhalla with a 24-foot 3-point jumper and get the Valkyries’ first points of the night. Then, halfway through the first quarter, Kiah Stokes would throw a bad pass, leading Atlanta for a quick running layup, and tying the score, 10-10. Then in the final seconds of the first quarter, again Golden State would cause another turnover, and again leading to Atlanta scoring. Only this time, Dream’s Jordin Canada would make them pay with a 25-foot 3-point step back jump shot. Atlanta holds a 1-point lead, 21-20.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Golden State would get the first basket of the quarter with Kaitlyn Chen driving in for a layup. She would bring the Valkyries lead back by one point, 22-21. The Valkyries would also see more turnovers and shooting fouls called on them. So with that, Atlanta would take advantage and build some momentum, and even take the lead and push it to 6-points, 35-29.

Right before halftime, in the final minute and a half, Golden State’s Kiah Stokes would hit a big three point jumper. Getting the fans and her teammates back on their feet with full of excitement and hope. So at the end of the first half, Golden State is down to Atlanta in their home by just three points, 35-32.

At the start of the second half, Atlanta Dreams Angel Reese would make a quick, inside basket to start the third quarter. Followed right after in the next possession, with Kiah Stokes getting an inside bucket to go in for her own. Atlanta is getting in the paint and seeing some shots going in. Golden State was mentally struggling in their home court and trying to get their offensive momentum going.

Then, Valkyrie Tiffany Hayes fights off a defender for an and one, cutting the lead to two-points, 41-38. That basket would bring some life into Golden State because right after that possession. Golden State’s Kaitlyn Chen would make a 25-foot 3-point jumper and give them the lead, 42-41. In the final 19 seconds of the third, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada would knock down a 3-pointer while getting fouled for a four-point play, 55-49. However, Golden State quickly responded with a driving layup and bringing the lead within four points, 55-51.

So, entering the final quarter of the game, Golden State again would score the first basket of the quarter. Then, eventually, two minutes in, tying the game, 55-55, but it wouldn’t hold long as Atlanta’s Jordin Canada drove it in for the layup. Canada’s impact and style of play were crucial for Atlanta in this game. At the halfway point, Atlanta took the lead by two, due to Jordin Canada once again finding a way inside the paint to score, 63-61.

Entering the final two minutes of the game, both teams were exchanging buckets, back and forth, until Atlanta would challenge a ball possession and lose that challenge. Then, on the next possession, Gabby Williams would make a midrange jumper, giving Golden State the lead, 71-69. Just seconds later, Williams would get a steal on Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and go in for the layup with a minute remaining.

Then it was smooth sailing from there as Golden State would hang on and get the win against Atlanta as time winded down. The final score would be 78-75, as Gabby Williams would lead the Valkyries with her 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. With big help from her teammate, Kiah Stokes, off of her 13 points and had four rebounds.

With one more game remaining in the month of June for Golden State. The Valkyries will remain in their home at Ballhalla and host the New York Liberty. The New York Liberty are coming off a loss in Seattle against the Storm, 99-88. In that loss, Liberty was led by Jonquel Jones with 26 points and eight rebounds. The game will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN.

Golden State Valkyries makes 15 Three Pointers in Win over Atlanta Dream, 77-66

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The Golden State Valkyries bench react after a play against the Atlanta Dream in the second quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – On this last Wednesday evening of June, the Golden State Valkyries returned to Ballhalla for some action, hosting the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta came to the Bay riding a four-game win streak and has also gone 6-2 on the road this season. So Atlanta isn’t fazed when it comes to playing on other teams’ courts, but they haven’t played the Valkyries yet this season and found out why Golden State is dangerous at home. As the Valkyries would make 15 three-pointers in the win over the Atlanta Dream, 77-66.

In their last game, the Golden State Valkyries went on a quick road trip back to Las Vegas, where they faced off and lost to the Aces, 93-72. The Valkyries struggled offensively on the road. In the second quarter of that game, Golden State had only put up a low 13 points. Compared to Las Vegas in that quarter, where they had put up 27 points. So Golden State was ready to make this game a bounce back from last Sunday, and use their home court advantage on Atlanta.

The Valkyries sent out Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kiah Stokes as their starting five for this one. In the last game, Cecilia Zandalasini led the Valkyries with her 12 points and three rebounds. This was also the first time these two teams saw each other for the season, so both of them were looking to take game 1 in this season series.

The Dream sent out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Atlanta, looking to make this their fifth straight win of the season, will rely on their inside scoring, which has brought it great success. In fact, Atlanta leads the WNBA in inside scoring, averaging 43.6 points in the paint. In Atlanta’s most recent game, Rhyne Howard led the team with her 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from deep and bringing in seven rebounds in the Dream’s 94-87 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Atlanta Dream would get the game going here in Ballhalla from Rhyne Howard’s 12-foot shot. Then the Valkyries responded with a three-point jumper by Kayla Thornton. Halfway through the first, the game is tied, 11-1, but then Valkyries Gabby Williams would knock down a three-pointer to give Golden State the lead, 14-11.

Valkyries shooting would take over the first quarter. Golden State would go 4-of-8 from deep, lifting them to a 22-18 lead. In the Golden State’s last game on Sunday in Las Vegas, the team went a terrible 5-of-30, so already a huge improvement for the Valkyries. This momentum would get carried through the second quarter for the Valkyries.

With 4 minutes left in the first half, Golden State’s lead jumped to double digits over Atlanta by 14 points, 36-22. The Valkyries are just thriving in their home court, as they’re just feeling themselves and making almost all their shots. They’re shooting over 54% in all of their shooting categories so far in this game. At the end of the 1st half, Golden State’s lead over Atlanta was 17-points, 44-27.

Starting the second half, the Valkyries would score first by Veronica Burton attacking the rim for a quick layup. Then, two minutes into the third quarter, the lead jumped to 23 points by Cecilia Zandalasini, knocking down a corner three-pointer, the largest lead of the game. Ballhalla would turn into a splash party, as Golden State would make its 11th three-pointer of the night.

At the end of the third quarter, the score was now 63-40, with the Valkyries heading into the final quarter with full control of the game. So, going into the fourth and final quarter, Atlanta went on a 7-0 scoring run, and this second unit for the Dream got some rhythm going late in the game. That 24-point lead Golden State had cut to a 12-point lead over Atlanta.

A much-needed three-pointer goes in for Golden State as Cecilia Zandalasini would get one to fall. That shot would be their first field goal of the quarter, which took almost seven minutes in the fourth quarter. With three minutes remaining, the lead was 13 points, 69-56. Atlanta would get as close as a ten point lead, but Valkyries Kayla Thornton would hit a crucial three-pointer that ultimately sealed the game for Golden State.

Valkyries Gabby Williams led the team in this win with her 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Williams had shot over 56% in all her shooting categories this game. Along with help from Kayla Thornton’s 17 points on 5-of-10 from three pointers, and bringing in five rebounds. Although going into the fourth quarter, the Valkyries couldn’t get a shot to go in until almost halfway in, but showed Wednesday night how the Valkyries can always bounce back when they play at home.

The Valkyries will have two more games left in June, and both of those games will be played at home for Golden State. So they’ll be looking forward to winning the last two games of the month and walk into July on a three game winning streak. On Friday evening, at 7:00 p.m., the Valkyries will run it back for another game with the Atlanta Dream right back in here at Chase Center. The game will be broadcast live on ION.