Category: Golden State Valkyrie

Raining Three’s Propel Aces to Win Over Valkyries 101-77

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) high-fives guard Jewell Loyd (24) during a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries, Sunday August 3, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev. (photo by the Sporting Tribune)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–After their worst game this season Saturday, the Las Vegas Aces (15-14) took on the Golden State Valkyries (14-14) Sunday. What a difference a day makes. Las Vegas played with passion, with energy, showcasing their defense, ball movement and they controlled the flow of this game from start to finish for a 101-77 win.

Jewell Loyd had a banner game finishing with 27 points. The team collectively hit 18 shots from beyond the arc eight of them coming from Loyd. A’Ja Wilson had a double double, Jackie Young had 20 points and Chelsea Gray finished with 11 in an amazing effort offensively and defensively.

Game recap: What a difference a day makes. The Aces came out with great energy, impeccable ball movement, pinpoint passing and those missed open shots were history. The Aces got right down to business in the first quarter leading after the first ten minutes of play 27-14.

Las Vegas kept the pressure on in the second quarter outscoring the Valkyries 23-11 and leading at the half 50-25. The Aces were not only shooting at over 51% but they were almost at 54% from beyond the arc. Las Vegas had also hit seven three’s to the Valkyries three.

The Valkyries will have an added challenge in the second half losing starter Janelle Salaun just before the half. She was ejected on a flagrant two for a hit on Jewell Loyd. Not a single Golden State player was in double digits.

The Aces A’Ja Wilson had ten points and Jewell Loyd playing off the bench had 13 points. The Aces would need to keep the pressure on the Valkyries in the second half and continue to dictate the pace and flow they had in the first half.

The Aces took a 27 point lead in the third quarter but Golden State started to shave it down. The Valkyries cut the 27 point lead down to 19. With under three minutes left in the quarter, the Aces pushed their lead back out to 64-38.

Jewell Loyd really showed up for this game hitting six of from beyond the arc. As the third quarter came to an end the Aces had hit 13 shots from downtown. They led after three quarters 76-50.

How the Aces would respond after yesterday’s loss was answered loud and clear. Seven minutes into the fourth quarter Jewell Loyd hit her seventh three and seven Aces had made shots from beyond the arc.

They were playing with unparalleled passion. The decision to play Lloyd off the bench took so much pressure off her and we saw that in her play in this game Sunday.

Game notes: After what had to be their most disappointing game this season the Aces bounced back Sunday when against the Valkyries at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Saturday the Aces was pulverized by the best team in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx, by a shocking 53 point differential the final 111-58.

Just about anything that they did in Saturday’s game was not repeated Sunday. With the season winding down, every game right now is critical. Las Vegas will wanted Sunday’s game and played with energy; Saturday there was close to none.

Fans just don’t see this from the Aces and just what was going on may never be known. The bottom line is that this team has to put the loss behind them and got back to playing Aces basketball. This is a huge win for the Aces to get them back on track against the Valkyries.

The Aces now move a half game ahead of them in the standings. Golden State drops to eighth place, the Aces in seventh place. Every game going forward is of the utmost importance.

The Aces will meet the Valkyries again on Wed Aug 6 this game at Golden State’s home the Chase Center. They will be looking to pick up where they left off and hand the Valkyries another loss.

It will be a tougher matchup for the Aces who will no doubt play in front of a packed house of Golden State fans. They will be looking to again control the flow of the game and show up offensively and defensively. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie look to make up for huge loss of Kayla Thornton

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) before the opening tip against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on May 29, 2025. Thornton suffered a knee injury earlier in the week in San Francisco and will be out for the rest of the WNBA season./ John Jones-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyrie podccast:

#1 The Golden State Valkyrie (11-12) picked up a big win over the Dallas Wings (7-18) on Friday night at Chase Center 86-76 and ended their three game skid.

#2 The big loss for the Valkyrie is of star player Kayla Thornton due to a knee injury. Talk about how her absence will effect the Valkyrie line up.

#3 Thornton was the leading scorer with 14 points and seven assists and 1.5 rebounds that’s a lot offense that will be missed.

#4 On the Valkyrie win on Friday leading in scoring Tiffany Hayes 17 points and Janelle Salaun 16 points to help pave the ten point win for Golden State.

#5 It’s off to Connecticut as the Valkyrie prepare to face the Sun. The Sun are a struggling bunch at 3-20 and in last place in the WNBA Eastern Conference. The Valkyrie at 11-12 in the Western Conference are in eighth place. How do you see this match Sunday?

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Valkyries clipped Wings 86-76, and ended their winless streak, but lost WNBA All-Star Thornton

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Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen (2) defends against the Dallas Wings Paige Bueckers (5) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri July 25, 2025 (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO– Despite losing their star player Kayla Thornton for the season, the Golden State Valkyries (11-12) sprinkled salt on the Dallas Wings (7-18) 86-76, while simultaneously ending their 3-game losing streak’

Earlier Friday morning, the shocking news came out that leading scorer and recent All-Star game (Indianapolis) participant, Kayla Thornton would miss the rest of the inaugural season for the fledgling Valkyries, with a  lower leg injury.  It put a figurative fog over the City by the Bay, where it is already known and nicknamed “Fog City.”  This depressing information came in the midst of a three-game losing streak and the midway point of the season.

The Valkyries came out with a determined will to win the WNBA Battle inside Chace Center.  Tiffany Hayes hit two 3-pointers to open the contest; before you knew it, the wounded team was up 6-0 on their opponents from the Lone Star State.  Unfortunately for the home team, the guests were not sympathetic or impressed by that initial push.  The rest of the quarter, the Wings went on a 21-4 run to take over quadrant number one, 21-10.

Golden State opened the second quarter on a 9-0 run, getting close to a tie or taking over the lead.  Dallas was able to hold off the expansion team, and maintain a six-point lead at recess, 36-30.  The only player on either squad to eclipse 10+ points, was Wings’ veteran star guard Arike Ogunbowale (11).  Surprisingly, high profile rookie Paige Bueckers only produced 5 points and 4 assists; however, there was a whole other second half of game time left in the contest.

In the second half, despite the Wings leading by as many as 12 points, the Valkyries made a dramatic comeback in the third quarter.  They outscored them by nine points, and actually took the lead back with less than a minute left in the period.  With 3/4 of the regulation time played, the Valkyries clutched a 3-point lead, 63-60.  Bueckers was still below double-figures, although her team was still within reach.

The final quarter would have the Valkyries extend their advantage to as much as 10 points, while Bueckers exemplified why she is the team’s leading scorer.  She more than doubled her points production in the fourth quarter alone.  Unfortunately for the Wings, that was not enough at the end of 40 minutes of action.  Golden State won by their largest gap of ten points, 86-76, and gave the city, region and league, a bit of a reprieve from the devastating report earlier in the day.

Five Valkyries scored at least 10 points.  The aforementioned Tiffany Hayes led the way with 17, while Janelle Salaun chipped in 16, Kaitlyn Chen (14), Temi Fagbenie (11) and Cecilia Zandalasini added ten.

Dallas presented four players with double Digits.  Beuckers (17), Ogunbowale (16), Aziaha James (13), and Stanford legend Haley Jones put up ten points in front of family and friends.

The Valkyries will next be in action, Sunday, July 27 in the Nutmeg State, to take on the Connecticut Sun, at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT on CBSSN.  The Wings will fly back home to host the Las Vegas Aces, on the same date, at 3 PM CT on ESPN3.

Golden State Valkyries Game Recap: Valkyries lose a close one at Ballhalla to Mercury, 78-77

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DeWanna Bonner (14) and Alyssa Thomas (25) talk as they head up court in the first half as the Golden State Valkyries played the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo credits to Carlos Avila Gonzalez/ S.F. Chronicle)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries returned to Ballhalla on Monday night to face the Phoenix Mercury in a Western Conference showdown. Phoenix came into the game on a two-game winning streak and an 8-2 record in their previous ten games, placing them firmly in second place in the standings. Meanwhile, the Valkyries returned to their home court following a tough four-game road trip in which they went 1-3, bringing their last 10 games to an equal 5-5. With Golden State now in fourth place out West, this game had big playoff matchup possibilities.

Mercury entered the night ranked fifth in the WNBA in offensive rating, with an efficient, high-scoring team led by Satou Sabally, who averages 19.1 points per game, and a mix of seasoned firepower and sharp perimeter shooting. Yet the Valkyries were more than ready for the challenge. Head coach Natalie Nakase, Golden State has developed its identity on defense, allowing the league’s lowest opponent field goal %. Nakase credits her players’ performance to being “eager” and “all-around position players” who contribute on both ends of the court. With also special congratulations to coach Nakase who won Coach of the Month for June from the WNBA. This is Nakase’s first WNBA Coach of the Month honor, who earns the award in just her second month as a first-year head coach.

Tiffany Hayes drove hard to the rim for a layup to start the game, and Golden State quickly took advantage. Yet Phoenix responded with a hot start, hitting four straight three-pointers to grab a 12-2 lead midway through the first. Mercury started quickly and aggressively, piling up four rebounds and four assists in the first few minutes.

After a much-needed timeout, the Valkyries began to settle in. Veronica Burton hit a three to keep the offense going, and Golden State began to find its groove. Hayes quickly energized the home crowd, scoring back-to-back three-pointers and taking a defensive charge to shift the momentum. She ended the quarter with 8 points (2-of-2) from beyond the arc and 2 rebounds, showing her aggressiveness on both ends.

Golden State’s ball movement began to weaken Phoenix’s defense, with drives and kick-outs leading to open perimeter shots. Late in the quarter, Kayla Thornton hit a three and drew a foul for a four-point play, giving the Valkyries their first lead.

After a hot start, the Mercury didn’t score again until the final 18 seconds of the quarter, which is testament to the Valkyries’ determination and defensive improvements.

Golden State led 20-16 at the end of the first, shooting 7-of-16 from the field and 5-of-8 from three. Their perseverance on loose balls and transition defense was critical, as they finished the quarter with more rebounds (10) and assists (7) than their opponents.

Golden State opened the second quarter with the first basket, this time from Monique Billings, who hit a midrange jumper after Veronica Burton’s drive-and-dish. The Valkyries’ offensive rhythm was built on tireless effort — frequent drives, second-chance looks, and quick passing.

Phoenix, however, began to find its groove behind DeWanna Bonner, who hit a three and followed it up with a transition layup for a quick five points. Both teams pushed the pace, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break opportunities. Golden State answered with their swift scores, but the Mercury’s ability to get to the free-throw line began to tilt the momentum.

By the 3:40 mark, Phoenix had taken the lead at 30–29 after back-to-back trips to the foul line. Golden State responded with a tough and-one finish by Burton, but continued to struggle on the other end, allowing Phoenix easy looks in transition without fouling.

Phoenix led 36-32 at halftime, thanks to trips to the free throw line. After going 1-of-3 from the line in the first half, the Mercury finished 7-of-10, taking advantage of the Valkyries’ fouls in the paint.

Golden State’s defense remained aggressive, but their offensive output dropped. After starting the game 7-of-16, they were only 11-of-37 (29.7%) after halftime. Tiffany Hayes remained the Valkyries’ leading scorer, with 9 points, while Monique Billings added energy and physicality with 6 rebounds.

Bonner led Phoenix with 8 points, and Alyssa Thomas was everywhere, contributing four points, five rebounds, and six assists to keep the attack going.

Salaün opened the third quarter for Golden State with a nice midrange jumper, kicking off the second half quickly. However, Mercury reacted quickly with back-to-back midrange makes of their own, quick-fire shot exchanges. Both teams began out aggressively, swapping buckets, with Veronica Burton and Alyssa Thomas showing as vital players for their respective teams.

The battle in the paint continued strong, with Monique Billings of Golden State and DeWanna Bonner of Phoenix both offering excellent rebounding, defensive presence, and timely contributions. Burton caught fire midway in the quarter, hitting back-to-back threes to pull the Valkyries within two points. Just seconds later, Billings hit three of her own, giving Golden State a 50-49 lead and throwing the Ballhalla crowd into chaos.

Although both teams continued to move the ball well and produce high-percentage looks, it was the defense that characterized the quarter. Each possession was challenged physically, and hard-earned.
Phoenix led 59-58 after the third quarter, holding on by a single point.

DeWanna continued her excellent performance, finishing the quarter with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Veronica Burton led Golden State with 14 points and Billings added seven rebounds and ten points.

Golden State found more energy beyond the arc, increasing their shooting from 5-of-15 to 10-of-23, which helped them stay within striking distance. However, Phoenix’s foul trouble arose, as they started the fourth quarter with 15 personal fouls.

Golden State played with passion, hustle, and fought all night, but fell just short in a playoff-like game. The Valkyries finished the game 14-of-33 from three (42.4%), showing major improvement from deep, but Mercury outscored them in the areas that mattered most down the stretch: paint points, fast break opportunities, and clutch free throw attempts.

DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas were the game changers, combining for 39 points on 14-of-22 shooting and adding 17 rebounds and 13 assists in the victory. Bonner had a monstrous 22-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Thomas had 17 points and 11 assists, marking her 14th career 15-point, 10-assist game, the most in WNBA history. Their productivity and leadership down the stretch were critical in keeping Phoenix ahead during the game’s most important minutes.

Phoenix’s bench also scored 26 points, extending their winning streak to three games and keeping them in second place in the West. Veronica Burton led Golden State with 17 points, Tiffany Hayes added 15, while Monique Billings had 9 rebounds and 10 points. Salaün made a huge difference late, scoring 5 points in the final 10 seconds to keep Golden State alive.

However, after a tough and questionable foul on the Valkyries, Phoenix’s Thomas got sent to the free throw line and won the game for Phoenix by one point. Ballhalla hosted another sellout game making it the 11th sold out game.

The final score was 78-77, The Valkyries will look to bounce back from after two close game loses as they head north for a road matchup against the Seattle Storm on Wednesday evening at 12:00pm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Valkyries defeat Storm 84-57, Extend Sellout Streak to 10

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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.

Valkyries reached for the Sky and won, 83-78; moved up above .500

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Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese looks to shoot the ball against Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings in the third quarter in San Francisco on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (8-7) have a winning record after 15 games of their inaugural season, by scaling the Chicago Sky (4-11), 83-78, on a beautiful Friday Night in the City by the Bay.

The Valkyries got the evening off to a good start on two converted free throws by Kayla Thornton. However, the Sky went on a 5-0 run to take the steam out of the ninth sellout crowd in the friendly confines of the Chase Center. Golden State also had their own 6-0 run, and led by as many as 5 points in the first 10-minute block.

The initial quarter had three lead changes and two ties. A competitive beginning of the contest that continued throughout the game. After the first segment of the W battle, both teams had a player leading the way with 9 points.

Kayla Thornton parlayed that scoring effort into a career high (29) campaign, while Kia Nurse made three bombs from beyond the arc to tally her point-production. The Sky led by two after the whistle, 22-20. The unintentional polarizing Angel Reese managed to get a flagrant foul late in the quarter, but did not ruin the rest of her game.

In the second quarter, Golden State managed to lead by as high as nine points, but it still was a back and forth entanglement. By the time the first half buzzer went off, the Valkyries held a five-point lead, 39-34.

At recess, both teams only had one player in the double-figures plateau. They would be the aforementioned Thornton (15) and Nurse (12), with four 3s to her credit.

In the third quarter, it was more of lead exchange and multiple ties. Golden State went up by five, and Chicago led by three. Reece reached 10 rebounds, but was still in single-digits (5) in her point production. After 75% of the game was over, the Valkyries led by two, 56-54. There were six lead changes and six ties at that stage of the game.

In the final 10-minute time block of regulation, Golden State pushed it to a nine-point advantage, while Chicago got up by four. However, late in the quarter, the Valkyries went on a devastating 12-0 run, which cemented the win. In the interim, Reese added 8 rebounds and 12 points to her total, reaching another of her frequent double-doubles.

After 40 minutes of WNBA play in the San Francisco Bay, the home team won by five, 83-78. The latest expansion team put themselves back in a winning way, by games and percentages.

Golden State presented four players with 10+ points in their eighth victory of their first season. Thornton led the way with 29 points and six rebounds. The other three contributors were. Tiffany Hayes (13), Kate Martin (11) and Kaitlin Chen (10).

Chicago was led by Ariel Atkins with 20 points, Nurse with 17 (5 – 3s) and Reese with her double double of 17 points and 18 rebounds.

The Valkyries are next in action Sunday, June 29, hosting the Seattle Storm at 5:30 PM PT, on KMAX/KPIX+. The Sky head down to Southern California to take on the Los Angeles Sparks, on the same date, at 3:00 PM CT and 1:00PM PT on ESPN.

Late Rally Falls Short as Valkyries Drop Thriller to Liberty, 81–78

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New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu is defended by Golden State Valkyrie’s Veronica Burton during the second quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/ San Francisco Chronicle)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.- The opening quarter of the Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty game was hard-fought, with Breanna Stewart and Tiffany Hayes putting up the most impressive performances. With 12 points on 5 of 9 field goals, including 1 of 2 from beyond the arc, Stewart developed as an aggressive player for New York. Although she didn’t have much help from her teammates in the first stretch, her early rhythm kept the Liberty offensively going. Yet Kennedy Burke, who came off the bench, provided New York with much-needed energy by scoring 8 points on a flawless 3-for-3 shooting effort, including 2 of 2 from deep range

On the other hand, Hayes went 3-of-6 from the field and made 2-of-4 from beyond the arc to match Stewart’s effort with 12 of her own. Her choice of shots and ability to create space during transitions provided the Valkyries with a much-needed attacking lift. Hayes taking it to the rack is how the team’s effort got going. 

However, Hayes wasn’t the only one who had an effect. The defensive tone was set by her and Kayla Thornton, who put constant pressure that made New York appear tough and stopped their rhythm. The Liberty shot just 11 of 23 overall and a poor 4-of-13 from three-point range in the first quarter, as they struggled to keep up with Golden State’s tenacity and pace early in the game.

Even as Breanna Stewart started to establish her dominance, the Valkyries relied on their aggressive defense to break Liberty’s rhythm in the second quarter. Despite their difficulties from beyond the arc, Stewart kept New York within striking distance by scoring nine more points in the quarter, increasing her first-half total to 21 on 8 of 14 shooting.

Golden State responded with tough defense and well-balanced team play. Backcourt pressure from Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes continued to push the Liberty into hurried shots and disrupted plays. Despite only shooting 15 of 37 from the field in the first half, the Valkyries made up for it with hustling plays and hard work on the glass, grabbing 19 rebounds and grabbing crucial second-chance shots.

However, by halftime, the Liberty were only 5 of 18 from three-point range and 18 of 46 from the field. Their interior presence kept them in the game, as they scored 26 of their first-half points in the paint despite their poor outside shooting. Even though their perimeter threats struggled to convert, they were able to effectively crash the lane due to their size and length across the lineup.

The Valkyries had a certain change of mind when they left halftime: defensive energy. In order to add more hustle and intensity to the perimeter, head coach Natalie Nakase started guard Kate Martin, and it paid off right away. With players continuously switching positions, getting hands in passing lanes, and running back in transition, Golden State’s defense was notably more active. Four steals during the quarter were the product of their effort, which created fast-break possibilities and held the Liberty attack.

Laeticia Amihere, Kayla Thornton, and Kate Martin all took advantage of those momentum plays, combining to make several crucial baskets that resulted from transition and second-effort hustling. The Valkyries played with a feeling of urgency that allowed them to momentarily recover control of the game, whether it was diving for loose balls or finishing through contact on the break.

However, New York’s Marine Johannès turned the tide just as Golden State appeared to take the lead. The shooter stunned the crowd by making three straight three-pointers in the third quarter, giving the Liberty a late-quarter lead. Johannès’ quick release and off-ball movement proved too much to contain during that stretch, reminding everyone that occasionally excellent offense wins over outstanding defense, even if the Valkyries’ defense had played strong defense the whole quarter.

With both teams exchanging big shots and changes in momentum, the fourth quarter was a back-and-forth contest. In the last period, Golden State Kate Martin made three critical three-pointers to get the Valkyries within striking distance, continuing her second-half surge. Martin finished with a career-high 21 points, going 4-of-10 from beyond the arc and showing composure in crucial situations after only scoring 7 points in the first three quarters.

Her late actions, however, were unable to lift the Valkyries to a higher level.

Kennedy Burke, who stepped up when it mattered most, responded for New York with a consistent scoring effort. Burke finished with 20 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 4-of-9 from three, after scoring 11 points early in the game. Her poise and well-timed buckets allowed the Liberty to withstand the Valkyries’ charge. Also, Sabrina Ionescu converted seven free throws in the final two minutes and made a key steal with 26 seconds left, even though she was shut down by Valkyrie’s defense going 1-11 on the floor, and 1-7 shooting threes. Lastly, Breanna Stewart also finished with a double-double, 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Golden State had late-game opportunities, but the 81-78 defeat was sealed by a few missed shots and New York’s dominance of the last possessions. After another tough and competitive performance, the loss puts the Valkyries at 0-3 in the season series against the Liberty.

The Valkyries will look to bounce back quickly as they return to action on Friday night when they host the Chicago Sky at 7 p.m. Still searching for consistency and a breakthrough win in close matchups, Golden State will aim to turn lessons from this hard-fought loss into momentum heading into the weekend.

Valkyries found Remedy for Fever win 88-77; get back on the winning track

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Indiana Fever center Caitlin Clark drives to the basket past the Golden State Valkyrie defense in the second quarter in WNBA action at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Jun 19, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (6-6) fought off the Indiana Fever (6-6) 88-77, in front of another sellout Bay Area crowd.

Although Indiana made the first bucket of the game, Golden State went on a 7-0 run, to take their largest lead in the first half, The Fever had their own big run of 14-0, and led by as many as 10 points.

After the first ten minutes of play, the visitors from the Hoosier State led by nine, 21-12. The first quarter had two lead changes and zero ties. The Valkyries took their first punch, and managed to stay within a reasonable competitive distance.

However, the Fever increased their advantage to as high as 12 before recess. Golden State continued to fight back, and got the deficit below double-digits, 44-36. Caitlin Clark was scoreless until around the 4:00 mark, when she converted a layup. Although she had six assists to her credit.

Aliyah Boston was the only player on both sides to reach the 10+ points plateau, with 15 points and seven rebounds. The Valkyries shot 35% from the field, while the Fever were at a heated 49%, matching their nickname. Neither team shot extraordinarily well from beyond the arc.

In the second half, the Fever posted their largest margin of 13 points, but the Valkyries continued to battle back, outscoring the Fever in consecutive quarters. By the end of the third stanza, Golden State narrowed the margin to four points, 59-54.

In the Final quadrant, the Valkyries managed to overtake the Fever around the 8:00 segment (62-61), at the hands of a Tiffany Hayes bucket. Once they put themselves in front of the Fever, they had to stave them off for nearly 80% of the last quarter.

Despite Indiana’s valiant attempts to regain the lead, Golden State forged the lead up to 11 points. That was also the lead they had at the final horn, 88-77. A raucous crowd was more than excited with the home team’s fight and resilience.

Golden State had five players in double-figures, led by Kayla Thompson (16), Tiffany Hayes (14), Chloe Bibby (12) and Laeticia Amihere with ten points.

Indian produced four players with that scenario. Aliyah Boston topped her team with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell (16), Natosha Howard (13) and Clark nearly had a triple-double with 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

The Valkyries are next in action Sunday, June 22, as they host the Connecticut Sun at 5:30 PM PT, while the Fever head down to Las Vegas to take on the Aces, the same date, but at Noon PT.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries Weather the Storm, 76-70 inside Chase Center; Golden State wins third straight game

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Even the Golden State Valkyrie bench couldn’t contain themselves in their third straight win over the Seattle Storm at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat June 14, 2025 (Golden State Valkyrie X photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (5-5) won their third consecutive game, while ending the Seattle Storm’s (6-5) 3-game streak, 76-70, on a pleasant evening in the City by the Bay.

Golden State has Chase Center in their favor, as they have had sellouts (18,064) in all four of their WNBA home games in their inaugural season.

Seattle actually made the arena an overcast setting, as they got off to a 4-0 start to the game. After that, the Valkyries came back, and both teams had five lead changes and one tie during the initial stanza.

Golden State led by six points, which was their advantage after the quarter ended, 21-15. Although Seattle led by four early, they would never be in front again during the contest.

In the second quarter, the home team expanded their lead to as high as 15. Veteran guard Skylar Diggins hit a three late in the quarter, cutting the deficit to seven, keeping them in the contest. However, the Valkyries went on an 8-0 run, putting them back up to 15. They would keep their margin in double-digits at recess, 44-31.

Midway through the W battle, both team a one player with double-figure scoring. Kayla Thornton had 11 points and 8 rebounds after 20 minutes of gametime. Skylar Diggins topped the Storm with 10 points.

In the second half, the Valkyries led by a whopping 22 points, but had to hold on at the end of the game. Thornton added six more points to her total, and had a double-double (17/10) after three quarters. Two others eclipsed 10+ points, Temi Fagbenle (14) and Carla Leite (12) and helped the cause. Ezi Magbegor chipped in ten points and Diggins 16, at the 3/4 mark of the game. Golden State led 64-50.

In the final portion of the event, Seattle stormed back, cutting the deficit as low as four, less than a minute in regulation time. Seattle committed an offensive foul while attempting to get within 2 on a basket, three on a shot beyond the arc, or a miraculous four-point play.

Neither scenario came to fruition, as an attempted pick and roll was called a foul on the screener. Thornton politely drained two free throws, sealing the highly contested battle, 76-70.

Thornton led the Valkyries with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Fagbenle chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds, and Leite added 14 points. Diggins led the Storm with 21 points, Alysha Clark posted 11 points and Magbegor offered ten points and six Rebounds. Stanford legend Nneka Ogwumike had a great reception by the Bay Area crowd, but had a subpar game with six points, five rebounds and saddled with four fouls.

The Valkyries will next be in action in Dallas, taking on the Wings Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM Central Time 5:00 PM Pacific. The Storm take their cloud down to Southern California, as they take on the Los Angeles Sparks on the same date, at 7:00 PM PT.