Category: Golden State Valkyrie

It Was Just A Dream: Valkyries’ Solid First Quarter Devolves Into Streak Ending 79-63 Loss To Atlanta

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Like fog making a dramatic entrance from the Pacific Ocean, defense descended on the Chase Center Sunday night and almost didn’t leave.

The Atlanta Dream starting five got the first taste of the weather in the first quarter in which they were limited to one made basket from Brionna Jones.

The Valkyries found out how sparse made baskets would be in a 10-point second quarter that saw the Dream’s defense take hold.

Throughout the gritty defense included scary collisions that saw the hosts lose Iliana Rupert to concussion protocol for the remainder of the game and Veronica Burton for a critical stretch at the end of the third quarter.

From the Valkyries’ perspective, what was beautiful turned ugly quickly and decisively in a 79-63 loss that ended their four-game win streak.

The Dream simply started slow and finished fast by eventually finding the gaps in the Valkyries’ defense on their way to 38 points in the paint.

“In the first half our spacing wasn’t very good,” said Naz Hillmon, who finished with 12 points and five rebounds. “We know that the Valkyries are a team that really wants to make sure they pack the paint and help each other rotate. I think in the second half we made the right plays. First by spacing out, getting good hits on our ball screens and going from there.”

The game was a defensive struggle at the break with the scored tied at 25. But Burton’s absence signaled the breaking point as a 30-8 run spanning the third and fourth quarters swung the game to the visitors.

“They beat us in all the hustle categories and that just can’t happen,” coach Natalie Nakase said. “You can’t win a game if you’re getting out hustled.”

“Credit to Atlanta. They just did a hell of a job on both ends of the floor.”

The Valkyries fell to 18-16 with ten regular season games remaining. Their cushion over ninth place Los Angeles is two games, but this was the beginning of a closing stretch that will see Golden State play a number of teams with winning records. They’ll need some wins against those teams to maintain a playoff spot.

Violet, Cecilia and the rest of the Valkyries On Point In Big 74-57 Win Over The Connecticut Sun

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Violet the Raven, just like some other Valkyries, hasn’t been around for the entire inaugural season, but on Monday, the team’s mascot hit the floor running in her debut.

The feathery Violet hit a sequence of dance moves, looking the part as the lead in a tightly choreographed dance troupe. She also missed a couple of point blank shots against minimal defense. The verdict would have to be she’s not a finished product, but loaded with potential.

Sound like a true Valkyrie? Yes.

The team itself used Monday night to show their quest to reach their potential continues in earnest with a convincing 74-57 win that displayed their defense has arrived ahead of schedule. The visiting Sun were held to 34 percent shooting and turned the ball over 14 times. For the second game in a row, the Valkyries’ opponent was held to fewer than 60 points allowing the hosts to move above .500 in the league standings (16-15) for the first time in a month.

Cecila Zandalasini nearly posted a new personal best in scoring with 17 points while helping key a defensive effort that flustered the undermanned Sun. The hosts’ lead hit 20 points a couple of times in the fourth quarter as the Sun continued to faltering from three where they converted just 20 percent of their 25 attempts.

“It’s the minimum we have to do every game, and it’s given us some rhythm in each of the last two games,” Zandalasini said.

The reserved Zandalasini made three of the Valkyries’ 13 made threes, one which prompted her seemingly understated three-finger celebration. But that move drew a technical foul that shocked coach Natalie Nakase.

“She didn’t do anything… I don’t understand why someone would give this a technical foul,” Nakase said on a night that a referee’s bizarre reaction was rendered to a moment of humor.

Tiffany Hayes also scored 17 points for the Valkyries, and Janelle Salaun had 16. The team’s 41 percent shooting wasn’t anything to trumpet but their 39 percent shooting from three was, as they continue to successfully leverage their uptempo attack into a number of uncontested looks from distance.

The Valkyries have road games Mystics and Sky up next, two opportunities to improve their stature in the playoff picture against two struggling teams.

Valkyries Apply The D: Sparks Stopped Cold in 72-59 Loss

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–The streaking Sparks arrived at Ballhalla having scored at least 100 points in each of five wins over their last six games. All that offense came to a halt Saturday night with an  uncurteous assist from the Valkyries.

The hosts clamped down, holding Los Angeles to 32 percent shooting in a 72-59 win that was critical for playoff positioning. The Valkyries clinched the season series between the clubs with a third win in four meetings, and created a one game cushion in the fight for the eighth and last playoff seed.

The visitors were essentially limited to a credible offensive showing in the second quarter then through two surges in the third quarter. That brought the Sparks to within 43-40 with 4:52 remaining in the quarter but they would get no closer the remainder of the game. The Valkyries closed beautifully, surviving a scoreless finish over the final 3:41 without relinquishing their double-digit lead.

Veronica Burton was a two-way menace with a team-best 16 points along with suffocating defense on Kelsey Plum, who was limited to 4 points and one made basket. In the season-opener, Plum exploded for 37 points, but this time was left visibly flustered.

“We were really connected defensively,” Burton said. “The communication was at an all-time high, we were in our shifts. Obviously I was guarding her a lot but I never felt like I was on an island.”

“Just Vee understanding the game plan, asking questions at shootaround… We understand the talent of Kelsey Plum, scorer on all three levels. Credit to Vee, and credit for her teammates having her back,” coach Natalie Nakase said.

The Valkyries scoring was characteristically balanced Cecila Zandalasini contributing 14 points, all in the first half, and Janelle Salaun adding 11. Twelve made threes were most damaging to the Sparks with Zandalasini leading the way with four of those. Also, the Sparks were plagued by turnovers early with eight of their total of 12 coming in the game’s first 15 minutes.

Dearica Hamby led Los Angeles with 15 points, and Julie Allemand and Rae Burrell scored 10.

Julie Vanloo was greeted with a warm welcome in her return to Chase Center after her controversial release following her return from the Eurobasket tournament. Vanloo had two points and four rebounds in 13 minutes for the Sparks.

Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha were present in support of family friend Cameron Brink. Brink had five points and two rebounds off the bench.

The Valkyries conclude their home stretch on Monday at 7:00pm against the Connecticut Sun.

Valkyries Fall In Return Home To Focused Aces, 78-72

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–If the Valkyries’ unprecedented path to the WNBA playoffs involves beating the teams at and below their level in the standings, the Las Vegas Aces made it clear that they’re not in that group.

A’ja Wilson’s efficient 27 points and 7 rebounds led the Aces to a 78-72 win at Chase Center on Wednesday night that was easily the visitors’ most focused effort against the expansion Valkyries in their now completed four-game set.

Physical play throughout limited scoring, and proliferated the referee whistles, but didn’t deter the Aces’ gritty defensive effort that limited the Valkyries to 39 percent shooting from the floor.

“We needed to fight for 40 minutes, not 20 or 25,” Janelle Salaun said afterwards on the KPIX-TV post-game show.

The Valkyries fell below .500 to 14-15, but remained in the top eight of the standings, a half game ahead of the Sparks and a full game in front of the Mystics. The top eight qualify for the playoffs, and the Valkyries still have critical home games against the Sparks and Mystics.

Both teams wasted their opportunities at the 3-point line, shooting just 18 percent but made up for it with near flawless free throw shooting. Wilson navigated both areas by shooting 11 for 11 at the stripe and not attempting a three, while making 8 of 11 from two. The former MVP and two-time champion also had two steals and two blocks. When pressured, she drove. When afforded space, Wilson cooked the Valkyries from the free throw line extended.

Tiffany Hayes led the hosts with 14, Salaun added 13, and Carla Leite and Kaila Charles had 11 each.

The Valkyries next host the Sparks on Saturday evening.

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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.