Category: WNBA

WNBA Playoffs/Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Wings force a third and deciding game with 108-100 OT win; Series moves back to Golden State on Friday night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 30: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries during game two of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at College Park Center on September 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How impressive was Gabby Williams’ 36-point performance, and what did her scoring mean for the Valkyries’ offense?

#2 How did Kayla Thornton contribute to Golden State’s second-half comeback and late-game lead?

#3 What adjustments could the Valkyries have made to contain Arike Ogunbowale after she scored a WNBA playoff-record 45 points?

#4 How did Veronica Burton’s foul trouble and eventual overtime foul-out affect the Valkyries’ ability to defend Dallas?

#5 What can Golden State take from Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles’ contributions as the team prepares for the deciding Game 3.

Michael Roberson does the Golden State Valkyrie podcast analysis for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

WNBA Golden State Valkyries attendance is larger than MLB Athletics

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen fires up the sold out crowd at Ballhalla Chase Center in San Francisco during game 1 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs on Sun Sep 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

WNBA Golden State Valkyries attendance is larger than MLB Athletics

SAN FRANCISCO–The WNBA has 15 teams; the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries sell the most tickets. Attendance is increasing, especially for the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries, and for other teams in the league owned by or directly tied to the NBA.

Five WNBA teams play at the same location as their city NBA team, like the Fever and Valkyries. ‘During the 2026 regular season, the Valkyries averaged 18,064 fans per game and drew 397,408 total fans.

The MLB Athletics in Sacramento averaged 9,867 per game and drew 799,240 total fans, last among the 30 MLB teams. The Valkyries drew 8,197 more fans per game than the A’s. The only reason the Golden State Valkyries didn’t outdraw the A’s in total attendance is that the A’s play 162 games, with 81 at home and 81 on the road, while the WNBA has a 44-game season: 22 home and 22 on the road.

Amazing how one player changed everything in the WNBA. Caitlin Clark’s arrival in 2024 sparked unprecedented ticket sales, packed arena crowds for both home and away games, and skyrocketing merchandise and jersey numbers.

Now that the San Francisco Giants season has ended, the Golden State Valkyries are the hottest ticket in sports in the City by the Bay. The NFL San Francisco 49ers do not count, since they play at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Final Note: As a league, the WNBA is still losing between $40 and $50 million per season.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

WNBA Playoffs/Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries clip Wings off their North Texas foe, 104-80; Win Game 1 of WNBA Playoffs

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sep 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard-forward Kaila Charles (6) and Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) celebrate after a break against the Dallas Wings in the second quarter during game one of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The #2 seeded Golden State Valkyries (1-0) opened up the 20026 WNBA Playoffs a bang, as they blew out the Dallas Wings (0-1) 104-80 inside another sold out Ballhalla, in the City by the Bay.

The Valkyries scored the first basket of the game, but the Wings were very competitive with the higher ranked home team. The first 10 minutes of the contest had 4 ties and 6 lead changes. After the first quarter ended, it was a one point advantage for the Valkyries, 21-20.

The second stanza was a whole different animal. The Wings were outscored 37-11 in quarter number two, and seemingly was the beginning of the end. By the time the recess bell rang the Valkyries were up by 27 points, 58-31.

During the first 20 minutes of play three Valkyries were in double-digits, while Paige Bueckers was the only Wings’ player fitting that criteria. She Posted 17 points and 5 assists at the half. Cecelia Zandalasini led the Valkyries with 17 points, while Tiffany Hayes scored 15 and Gabby Williams contributed 13 points.

In the second half, Golden State led by as many as 36 points (3rd quarter) and kept the visitors from the Lone Star State at bay, with no real opportunity to make a comeback. Despite that huge advantage during the quarter, they were still only outscored by two points within that 10-minute block. Although the overall score after 30 minutes of regulation time, the Valkyries were up by 29 points, 85-56.

In the final quarter it was a foregone conclusion that the Valkyries were going to secure Game 1 of the playoffs. However, they were obligated to play the full 40 minutes. During the fourth stanza, Dallas actually outscored Golden State by five points. That only made the final score a little more cosmetically pleasing. At the final horn, the Bay Area Ballers had won the playoffs game by 24 points, 104-80.

The Valkyries had produced five players with at least 10 points scored by game’s end. Zandalasini led with 22 points, while Williams (20), Hayes (21), Burton (10) and Thorton (10) also contributed their numbers.

The Wings had four players reach that plateau. Buecker topped them with 21 points, Maddy Siegrist (11), Kitija Laksa (11) and Arike Ogunbowale (10) added to their team’s total.

Golden State leads the series 1-0.

The two teams will be in action again for Game 2 in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday September 30 at 6 PM PT/8 PM CT. If Golden State wins, the series is over. If Dallas wins, the Game 3 finale is back in San Francisco.

WNBA Playoffs/ Las Vegas Aces game wrap: Aces Blow-Out Fever In Game One 102-85

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Indiana Fever center Aliayah Boston (7) goes to the basket against Las Vegas center A’ja Wilson (22) in the first half of game 1 of the WNBA playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (31-13) finished off their regular season Thursday night beating the Phoenix Mercury 100-82 and now enter the most important stretch of their 2026 season.

The Aces enter the playoffs as the number three seed taking on the number six seed the Indiana Fever (28-16) at Michelob ULTRA Arena today. The final was 102-85 and the defending champs had taken the first step toward another title.

The Aces led for most of the opening quarter and at the 2:18 mark had gone on a 8-0 run. When the clock ran out on the first quarter, Las Vegas was holding onto a 27-23 lead. The second quarter got very tight in the early minutes but the Aces took back control leading at the half by a generous margin 62-47 their largest lead of the game.

The defending champs broke this game wide-open in the third quarter taking as much as a 27 point lead. When the quarter came to an end Las Vegas had an 86-65 lead. A’Ja Wilson after three quarters had shot for 30 points.

Las Vegas continued to hang onto the lead although the Fever did cut the lead somewhat. Indiana had created a deep deficit in the third quarter and could not recover.

The WNBA playoffs got underway Sunday with the third seeded Las Vegas Aces taking on the sixth seed, the Indiana Fever in game one of this three-game series. This could prove to be a very tough game for Las Vegas.

The Fever have a 2-1 win/loss record during the regular season and the Aces will be looking to turn that around. Las Vegas led for most of the first quarter and at 2:18 left on the clock went on a 8-0 run. When the quarter came to an end, the Aces had a 27-23 lead. The largest lead of the game for Las Vegas so far in this game was 8 points.

This game got uncomfortably close as the second quarter got underway. The Fever continued to threaten the Las Vegas lead and at 7:47 Indiana took a 34-33 lead. Jackie Young had been unusually quiet with only three points mid-way through the second quarter.

At 5:23 Young did indeed get going hitting a field goal giving the Aces a 42-38 lead. The Aces really got going in the second half of the quarter. Jackie Young made her second three of the day and Las Vegas had a 49-40 lead with 4:05 on the clock.

Young continued to hit three’s another one at 2:57 her third and the Aces had a 54-42 lead. Las Vegas was shooting 67% in the first half. As the clock ran out on the half Jewell Loyd hit the teams seventh three of the day and Las Vegas took a 62-47 lead into the locker room.

The Aces outscored the Fever in the second quarter 35-24. A’Ja Wilson was on fire shooting at 80% finishing the half with 22 points and six rebounds. Chelsea Gray had 12 points and Jackie Young was heating up in the second quarter with 11 points.

The Fever had two of their starters Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull already with 3 personals and they had contained Caitlin Clark very well. The Aces would need more of the same energy in the second half.

It all seemed to come unglued for Indiana mid-way through the third quarter as the Aces took their largest lead of the game 74-52 going on a 9-0 run. With 1:32 left in the quarter, the defending champs had broken this game wide-open leading by 27 points 85-58. Las Vegas took an 86-65 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Fever began to chip away at the Las Vegas lead in the fourth quarter. The Aces 27 point lead had been cut to fifteen as Indiana controlled the early minutes of the final quarter.

Both teams were out of challenges in the second half both of them losing challenges. Las Vegas got back on track building their lead back up to twenty 93-73. With under five minutes left on the clock Clark and Boston each had five personal fouls. The Fever continued to fight cutting a 23 point lead to 17 with under 2 1/2 minutes left in the game.

GAME NOTES

It was yet another amazing game from A’Ja Wilson. When you think that she cannot get any better, guess what, she does. She blew this game out of the water finishing with a double double, 38 points and 16 rebounds. She was 2 of 2 from beyond the arc and 15 of 19 from the field. Jackie Young did heat up after a slow start finishing with 21 points and 10 assists.

A’Ja Wilson started off this game efficiently inside. She forced Indiana to deal with her near the basket early where she is a major threat. They really made Caitlin Clark work defensively. Early on Clark was only 1-for-6 with two turnovers.

Indiana couldn’t get it’s transition offense going in this game. The Aces shooting efficiency was improved shooting at 67.9% compared to the Fever’s 40.9%, a huge desparity.

Both Young and Chelsea Gray had a hand in creating offense. Young had ten assistss and Gray eight so Indiana had to defend multiple playmakers and could not concentrate solely on Wilson. The one thing that the Aces were looking to improve upon was defensive plays. They were far improved in this aspect not giving up many second chances.

It will be a quick turn-around for both teams in game two. That game will get underway at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday with an early 3:30 tipoff.

A’Ja Wilson Leads Aces to 30th Win Beating Sparks 89-79

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) makes a rebound between the Los Angeles Sparks guards Rae Burrell (12) and Chance Gray (right) in the first half at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Sep 22, 2026

By Rich Perez

Tuesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (30-13) played their final regular season game at home taking on the Los Angeles Sparks (16-27). The final was 89-79 in favor of the Aces.

They will finish the regular season on the road in Phoenix on Thursday. While the Aces cannot climb higher than third place in the standings, the Atlanta Dream are hot on their heels a half game behind them in fourth place.

A packed Michelob ULTRA Arena watched the Aces take a nice lead after the first ten minutes of play 24-11. Las Vegas took a 42-33 lead into the half. The Aces outscored the Sparks in the third quarter 23-18 but the Sparks did outscore Las Vegas in the fourth quarter 28-24 but it was the Aces double digit lead in the opening quarter that was enough to keep the Aces fairly comfortable the entire game.

GAME RECAP

The Los Angeles Sparks took an early lead over the Las Vegas Aces but once Las Vegas got going the Sparks trailed for the rest of the quarter with Las Vegas leading after the first ten minutes of play 24-11 which was the Aces largest lead of the game so far. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus finished off the opening quarter hitting the final shot with six ticks left on the game clock. The Sparks had trouble with ball protection committing eight turnovers in the quarter, the Aces had four.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Aces had extended their to 35-18. The Sparks started a bit of a rally as the clock began to wear down, with only three minutes until the half. They cut the 17-point Vegas lead to 11 points 35-24. Los Angeles continued to attack the rim closing the gap only trailing by six points 35-29 with 2:20 left in the first half. Las Vegas pushed back and at the half while the Aces had given up their double digit lead they did lead 42-33.

The only Las Vegas player in double digits at the half was Chelsea Gray with 11 points. The Aces needed A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young to heat up in the second half. The Sparks were hanging around getting close but continued to play catch-up.

The Las Vegas defense as in their last game was not as tight as they would like and that was something that Chelsea Gray had talked about after their win last Sunday. They really want to get that defense back on course.

Erica Wheeler was finding gaps in the Aces perimeter defense. She was able to hurt Las Vegas in a couple of way; she could penetrate and create but she can also knock down threes. The Aces had to make Wheeler work even harder defensively. They needed to shut her down and force someone else to initiate the offense.

It’s not that the Aces were playing poor defense but they did allow the Sparks to stay within striking distance. They didn’t want this game to turn into a one or two possession game. It iwas interesting that Wheeler is not typically one of the Sparks primary scorers. Nneka Ogwumike leads Los Angeles in scoring.

The Sparks continued to hang around in the third quarter but the tenacity and grit from team leader A’Ja Wilson pushed this team’s lead back into double digits. With 1:58 left in the quarter the Aces had some serious momentum going leading 62-45. The Las Vegas bench was doing a solid job collectively scoring 21 points. As the third came to an end, Las Vegas had a 65-51 lead.

Las Vegas would be looking to finish strong in the fourth quarter. Mid-way through the quarter the Aces were holding strong leading 78-64. The bench did not take the court in the first half of the fourth, the starters trying to put this one away. The final was 89-79 as the Aces won their 30th game of the season.

GAME RECAP

The Aces had a strong third quarter giving them some momentum and despite being outscored in the fourth by four points it just was not enough to get the Sparks over the top.

The entire game, the Sparks did not go away getting momentum but the Aces answered every time. As we have seen so often A’Ja Wilson played the role of stabilizer. She continued to score inside and draw attention which prevented the Sparks from selling out against the perimeter.

The Ace’s defense was more effective at limiting the Sparks’ offensive rhythmn when it really counted. In the fourth quarter the Aces never let the Sparks turn this into a one-possession game. They maintained separation for most of the game. So Las Vegas won with control rather than on a huge run; they built a cushion and kept the lead at a comfortable distance until the clock ran out.

A’Ja Wilson had a double double in the game, 18 points and 10 rebounds the game high. Chelsea Gray finished with 17 points and Jackie Young and Stephanie Talbot each had 14 points.

The Aces will play their final game of the regular season Thursday night on the road. They will take on the Phoenix Mercury with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Wilson Scores 30 Points As Aces Punish Seattle 98-77

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots over Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 20, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The WNBA now heads into their final week of the regular season. Sunday night the Las Vegas Aces (29-13) beat on the Seattle Storm (8-35) for a 98-77 victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

The 2026 WNBA season will play their final regulation game on Thursday September 24, the playoffs getting underway on Sunday September 27. Many of the players in the league are back from Germany where they played in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

A’Ja Wilson did not travel to Germany not feeling 100% physically well and it was a priority to get her healthy with the playoffs on the horizon. After the first quarter of Sunday night’s game the Aces had a significant lead 29-18.

The Storm rallied in the second quarter coming as close as a single basket but the Aces pushed back leading at the half 52-43. The Aces would outscore the Storm in the third quarter 24-21. They really piled it on in the fourth quarter outscoring Seattle 22-13 and winning the game 98-77.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces were back in action after a several weeks layoff due to the basketball tournament overseas. They took a 29-18 lead after the first ten minutes of play. They finished the opening quarter shooting close to 60%. The Storm was playing in their second game of a back-to-back. As the quarter came to an end, Seattle was starting to heat up.

The Storm rallied in the second quarter getting to within two points 31-33. They were giving the Aces all they could handle. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the half Las Vegas was fighting to keep the lead as Seattle threatened throughout the final minutes of the second quarter.

Jackie Young was on a heater scoring 16 points in the first half and A’Ja Wilson was in double digits with 14 points. The Aces heated up in the final minute of play taking a 52-43 lead into the locker room. The Seattle Storm had outscored the Aces in the second quarter 25-23.

As the third quarter came to an end the Aces were holding onto a 76-64 lead. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus hit a three to close out the quarter. They had outscored the Storm in the third quarter 24-21.

The Storm however had out-rebounded the Aces through three quarters 28-18 and Las Vegas would have to keep an eye on that going into the fourth looking to close out this game.

It was a solid fourth quarter for the Aces not only hanging onto their lead but extending it throughout the quarter. When it was all said and done the Aces had outscored Seattle 22-13 winning the game by the score of 98-77.

GAME NOTES

The Las Vegas Aces executed beautifully on offense in this game. They established control early although the Storm did threaten in the second quarter. The Aces maintained that advantage for most of the game.

Las Vegas had a strong start and they sustained offensive effort. They opened scoring 29 points in the first quarter and 24 in the third. This consistent scoring helped them not only build but preserve a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter.

The Aces offensive efficiency was really good shooting 48.4%. Seattle just could not keep pace with Las Vegas. They only scored seven points in the all-important fourth quarter.

The Storm fell behind early and they had a lot of trouble matching the Aces overall offensive output. Las Vegas maintained the lead throughout the game. The Storm never found the scoring consistency needed to make it a close finish.

A’ja Wilson reached the 1,000 point mark (1021 to be exact) in this game the second time she has reached this milestone. She finished this game with 30 points the high for the game. Jackie Young had 23 points and Chelsea Gray with 15. Three bench players Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Mai Yamamoto and Ta’niya Latson each had eight points.

On Tuesday evening the Aces will matchup with the Los Angeles Sparks as they approach the finish line their goal to finish strong.

Chelsea Gray did say after Saturday night’s game that they need to work on defensive rebounding and you can be certain that they will turn that around. Tipoff for this game that will be played at Michelob ULTRA Arena is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Valkyries Win their last home regular season game against Seattle Storm, 70-57

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) drives to the basket against Seattle Storm forward Mackenzie Holmes, left, and guard-forward Taylor Thierry (3) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo credits to AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries (31-11) played their final home game of the regular season, they hosted and defeated the Seattle Storm (8-34), 70-57. The Valkyries would finish the season with a 17-5 record at home. Golden State would also get the series season sweep on Seattle Storm, and now become the only franchise in WNBA history to sell out every home game in each of its first two seasons.

Coming into this game for Seattle they were on a two game losing streak, but after their trip to Ballhalla, it would turn into a three game losing streak. Seattle’s last game they hosted the Las Vegas Aces, but would lose to them 114-77. Flau’jae Johnson led the team with 25 points and Natisha Hiedman adding 12 points and seven assists. Including Storm’s loss to the Valkyries tonight, they have now lost six of seven games they played. So Seattle sent out Natasha Hiedman, Jade Melbourne, Awa Fam, Flau’jae Johnson, and Dominique Malonga.

Head coach Natalie Nakase for Golden State once again rested her stars who all just came back from playing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. However every Valkyries player has been a crucial part to the team’s success and with it being Fan Appreciation Night in Ballhalla. Golden State wanted to put on a show for the fans. So they sent out Tiffany Hayes, Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and Kiah Stokes.

With Seattle already being eliminated from playoffs contention and Golden State fighting to secure the first place seed for the playoffs. These two teams came into this game wanting to ball out for themselves and end the season on a high note. So Valkyries Veronica Burton would get the game started off of a made layup. Halfway through the first quarter, Golden State would hold the lead at 10-5. Golden State’s Juste Jocyte made a 25-foot three point jumper that would build momentum for them.

At the end of the first quarter, Golden State has the lead 21-19, but after Juste Jocyte made three pointer. The Valkyries defense and fast pace ball movement would take over. Golden State would only allow Seattle to score 6-points in the second quarter. While Golden State would have a 28-points second quarter performance.

Right at the start of the second quarter, Jocyte knocked down another three pointer. She would go perfect from shooting three pointers, going 3-for-3, and by halfway in the second quarter she would’ve made her third three pointer. The score by then was 33-21, Valkyries now had a 12 point lead over the Storm. Then Valkyrie Kaila Charles joins in on the three point shooting and gets a 26-foot shot to go in, and pushing the lead to 22 points. By halftime, the Valkyries were holding a commanding lead over the Storm 49-25.

Starting the third quarter, Seattle would have a much better offense approach. Storm would put up 21 points in the third quarter, after dropping just six points in the second quarter. Seattle would make four three pointers with two of those belonging to Storm Flau’jae Johnson in the third quarter. However the Valkyries dug the hole deep for Storm to make a comeback, so even with Johnson’s last minute efforts. It ultimately wasn’t enough as the Valkyries took control of the game.

At the final quarter, it was all just defense and staying discipline for the Valkyries. Golden State would put up six points in the final moments, and allowed Seattle to get in 11 points. The Valkyries defense would come up big and finish the game with 12 steals as a team. The final score of the game would be 70-57, Valkyries Win. Golden State was lead by Kaila Charles who had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals. Tiffany Hayes added 10 points a night before her 37th birthday.

The Golden State Valkyries finish off their season on the road with just two games left. Their first stop will be in Portland to take on Fire, Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Then they’ll play their final regular season game in Los Angeles against the Sparks on Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Valkyries back in action & get their 30th Win of the Season on Portland Fire, 82-66

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen (2) celebrates after making a basket against the Portland Fire in the second quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – After a month off for the FIBA World Cup, the Golden State Valkyries (30-11) returned to Ballhalla and earned their 30th win of the season on the Portland Fire (16-26) this Friday night. With four days left of Summer and four games left of the season, the Valkyries plan to end their summer by winning the rest of their games. The last time we saw the Valkyries in action was on Sunday, August 30th, when they also last played Portland Fire last time in Portland. Golden State won that game 86-69.

Portland Fire sent out guards Carla Leite and Nyadiew Puoch, forwards Karlie Samuelson, Emily Engstler, and center Megan Dileo. Engstler is scoring 10.3 points per game and averaging 5.6 rebounds for Portland. Also, Bridget Carleton has been averaging 2 made 3-pointers in the last ten games. Fire has not won a game against the Valkyries this entire season.

The home team sent out guards Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, forwards Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and center Kiah Stokes. Burton is averaging 12.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals for the Valkyries. Hayes is also averaging 12.6 points in the last ten games. Golden State is trying to get the first-place seeding for the postseason. If the Minnesota Lynx, currently in first place, lose just any of the last four games, and the Valkyries win the rest. Golden State can take the first-place spot and ultimately give them home-court advantage for the entire playoffs.

Valkyries Kayla Thornton would get the game going with the first basket of the night, after both teams had a rough start to their shooting. Then the Valkyries would hold a 7-2 lead over Portland, with five of those points coming from Thornton. However, at the end of the first quarter, Portland would hold a 1-point lead, 20-19.

In the middle of the second quarter, Portland’s Serah Williams hit a milestone, grabbing 100 career rebounds. That would be the Fire’s biggest moment in the second quarter, as the Valkyries’ shooting started to fall off. Golden State would have a 21-point second quarter compared to Portland’s 10-point second quarter. A big part of that came from the Valkyries’ Kaitlin Chen and Kayla Thornton when they hit back-to-back 3-pointers and pushed the lead to 12 points, 39-27. At halftime, Golden State led by 10 points, 40-30.

Going into the third quarter, the Valkyries offense really took over this Friday night game. Golden State would drop 27-points alone in that quarter. The Valkyries’ defense really showed out in this game as they put up 7 blocks with 14 steals. Golden State’s Veronica Burton would finish this game with 6 steals by herself. With defense picking up for the Valkyries, Portland’s three-point shooting suffered as they went 8-for-29. (28%)

At the start of the final quarter of the game, Golden State’s lead on Portland would jump to 18 points, 67-49. The Valkyries in this game were also honoring and celebrating Japanese Heritage Night. So, Valkyries player of the game was Laeticia Amihere, who came off the bench for Golden State. Amihere, in 22 minutes, would have 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The final score at Chase Center would be 82-66.

Golden State Valkyries will play their final regular-season home game against the Seattle Storm, Saturday, September 18th, at 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Prime Video. However, Golden State will see Portland one last time on Tuesday, September 22nd, in Portland. If the Valkyries win, Golden State will get the season series sweep over Portland.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie are back in action and host Portland Fire Friday night at Chase

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and Valkyrie forward Kiah Stokes (41) who defends at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 With the Valkyries sitting at 29–11 and in second place, can Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün and the rest of the team close the gap on the Minnesota Lynx during the final four regular-season games?

#2 How important will Gabby Williams’ return from the FIBA Women’s World Cup be for Golden State’s playoff preparation after she was named the tournament’s Best Defensive Player and selected to the All-Star Five?

#3 Can Janelle Salaün’s outstanding season continue to put her in contention for the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award after averaging 12.9 points and shooting 39.7% from three-point range?

#4 What impact could the Valkyries’ new multiyear partnership with Athleta have on the team’s fan base, merchandise and community programs aimed at empowering girls through sports?

#5 With Golden State returning to action September 18 against the Portland Fire, how will Natalie Nakase use the final four games to prepare the Valkyries for their second consecutive WNBA playoff appearance?

Michael Roberson is a WNBA and Golden State Valkyrie analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva: Valkyrie favored in next meeting with Portland Friday 18th at Chase

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Valkyrie forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and center Kiah Stokes (41) defending in first half action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 at Chase Center in their next game (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva

#1 Can Kayla Thornton lead the Valkyries in scoring against the Portland Fire after her strong performance in their previous meeting?

#2 How will Veronica Burton use her playmaking and defense to help the Valkyries control the game against Portland?

#3 Can Kiah Stokes dominate the boards and protect the paint against the Fire’s frontcourt?

#4 Will Tiffany Hayes provide another major scoring contribution for Golden State after her 18-point performance against Portland on August 30?

#5 How important will Cecilia Zandalasini’s shooting and offensive versatility be for the Valkyries if she is available for the September 18 matchup?

Michael Villanueva is a beat writer covering the Golden State Valkyrie at http://www.sportsradioservice.com