Category: WNBA

Valkyries Snap Mercury’s 2-Game Road Winning Streak, Golden State defeats Phoenix, 87-81

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Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) celebrates her 3-point basket against the Phoenix Mercury in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – After Golden State’s 0-2 road trip in their last couple of games, the Valkyries hosted the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday evening, who came into this game on a two game winning streak. What makes the Phoenix’s two game winning streak more impressive is that those two wins were on the road. So Mercury was feeling confident coming into Ballhalla. However, Golden State thrives on its home-court energy and will take the win, 87-81. This was another sellout for Golden State, making it their 30th sellout in Franchise history, and the team is also now 5-2 at home.

Valkyries are coming back from Las Vegas, where on Saturday they faced off against the Aces but lost 84-79. This loss made the team enter a two game losing streak, and it would now have a 1-2 record in the Commissioner’s Cup. Golden State’s Gabby Williams scored a career-high 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting for the team.

In the team’s second home game for the Commissioner’s Cup, Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Veronica Burton. Burton, in the last game, had 15 points, as did Kayla Thornton, dropping ten points in the last game. The Valkyries came into this game wanting to shake off those road trip losses and take advantage of the home court energy.

Phoenix Mercury sent out Noemie Brochant, Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Mack, Kahleah Copper, and Monique Akoa Makani as their starters to continue their road games winning streak. In their last game, the Mercury was in Portland shorthanded on players. The team was out with their starters, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, due to injuries. However, Mercury would find a way and would be led by DeWanna Bonner, with a season-high 19 points. So with their starters returning, Mercury was ready for gameday in the Bay.

Golden State’s Veronica Burton would get the game going with a 13-foot floater as the Valkyries strike first. Then Phoenix’s Monique Akoa Makani makes a 24-foot running three-point jump shot to respond to Burton’s floater. In fact, Golden State’s first five points were all by Veronica Burton. Burton would end the first quarter with nine points for Golden State. The Valkyries would hold the lead at 22-18.

Halfway through the second quarter, Golden State would turn up the heat on Phoenix and build momentum to take the lead. Burton would continue to get buckets, as she made a 26-foot three-pointer to give Golden State a nine point lead. Then, Valkyries, Gabby Williams would get back-to-back buckets to fall for her, as she extends the lead to 13 points, 40-27. Golden State would have themselves a 27 points in the second quarter alone, compared to Phoenix’s low 14 points in the second.

At halftime, Golden State got itself a 17-point lead. Valkyries were up 49-32, and led by Veronica Burton’s 19 points and three assists. She would also get help from Gabby Williams, who had ten points and two rebounds for the team.

The third quarter was all Phoenix as they were able to turn things around after their bad shooting performance in the second quarter. Mercury would have themselves a 29-point third quarter, putting all their efforts to come back from behind and continue their winning streak. Halfway in the third, Phoenix Monique Akoa Makani would have a season high 14 points and going. From a 17-point lead to just a five point lead, Golden State is hanging on at 66-61 going into the final quarter.

Gabby Williams would get the fourth quarter going with a quick, inside floater for Golden State. Holding a seven point lead, Phoenix’s DeWanna Bonner would hit a 30-foot three-point jumper to cut the lead to four points. Then, after a quick timeout, Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper would make a three-pointer and, cutting the lead to two points, 74-72. Mercury would cut the lead to just one point, 76-75, with three minutes left. However, a big three-pointer from Golden State’s Kayla Thornton with two minutes left would ultimately hold off the Mercury.

Valkyries would secure the win on their home court, 87-81. Golden State’s Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams both would have 25 points in this game. They both would combine for 50 points in the win. Along with Kayla Thornton’s 12 points and four rebounds. The Valkyries lead the league in bench production, which was a big factor in their win as well.

After a quick two day rest coming up for Golden State, they’ll head on to the road to Seattle will they’ll face off against the Storm, who are 3-10 in the season so far. The two teams will play each other on Friday evening at 7 p.m. on ION. This game will be another feature of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, as the teams enter the last couple of games of the Cup. The Valkyries are currently holding a 2-2 record in the Cup.

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A’Ja Wilson Reaches 6000 career points as Aces Defeat Storm 101-91

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A’ja Wilson became the fastest player to 6,000 points in Aces vs. Storm win. (Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images

By Rich Perez

Monday evening the Las Vegas Aces (8-3) defeated the Seattle Storm (3-10) 101-91. It was the A’Ja Wilson show. She finished with a double double, 34 points and 12 rebounds. She has won countless awards and tonight in the fourth quarter another accolade for Wilson. She reached and surpassed 6000 career points and she is the fastest athlete to have reached that mark in the WNBA.

Game recap: Monday night the Aces will be looking to hold down that second place spot and even make a move on the first place Lynx. The Storm outscored the Aces in the first ten minutes of play 25-23 but the Aces got going in the second quarter and with under three minutes left in the half Las Vegas had taken a ten point lead 46-26.

A’Ja Wilson had already scored 20 points and the team was protecting the ball well with only five turnovers. Their largest lead of the game had been 11 points. The Storm rallied in the final minutes of the first half cutting the Aces ten point lead to five 46-41. As the clock ran out in the first half the Aces had a 50-43 advantage. They had outscored the Storm 27-18 in the second quarter.

It had been all Wilson in the first two quarters of play. The Aces did have a bit of a slow start in the first quarter but they remained close due to the 12 points scored in the first quarter by Wilson. At the half Wilson had scored 21 points with six rebounds.

She was also two of four from downtown. She was running the show in the first half. Nalyssa Smith chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds. The strong start that the Storm came in with was buried by Las Vegas in the second quarter.

As the third quarter came to an end the Aces had outscored the Storm 22-16 and led 72-59 taking their largest lead of the game. The fourth quarter could be yet another milestone for A’Ja Wilson who needed one more point to reached 6,000 points.With 4:45 left in the game Wilson reached and surpassed 6000 career points.

The Storm outscored the Aces in the fourth quarter 32-29, but were unable to catch Las Vegas. The Aces won this game 101-91.

A’Ja Wilson finished with the game high of 34 points and a double double with 12 rebounds. At the half the team needed more from Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray and that’s just what they got. Young finished with 29 points and Chelsea Gray had 12. Nalyssa Smith also had a solid game coming very close to a double double with 16 points and nine rebounds.

The high for the Storm was Dominique Malonga with 19 points.

Game notes: Monday night the Aces picked up another home win as they beat the Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Aces were coming off a win over the Golden State Valkyries Saturday night 84-79 in a real nail biter that was not decided until the final seconds of the game. Seattle has been struggling losing Saturday night to the Lynx 88-68. Currently the Aces are holding down second place in the Western Conference.

Next up for the Aces will be the Portland Fire this Thursday night at Moda Center. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Las Vegas Aces/WNBA game wrap: Aces Beat Tenacious Valkyries In Final Seconds 84-79

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Las Vegas Aces forward Jackie Young (0) takes a run on the floor against the Golden State Valkyries Janelle Salun (13) and Kalla Charles (6) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Jun 6, 2026 (Las Vegas X photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (7-3) won their game with the Golden State Valkyries (6-5) 84-79 after trailing with seconds left on the clock. In the third quarter each team scored 20 points and it was the fourth quarter that closed this game out for the Aces.

This game was uncomfortably close with 38 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. The Aces pushed back took the lead 82-79. A’Ja Wilson closed this game out with two free throws for the final score of 84-79.

Game recap: The Aces took a 20-13 lead in the first ten minutes of play. The Valkyries made up some of the difference in the second quarter outscoring the Aces 22-18 in the second quarter. At the half it was a very close game with Las Vegas leading 38-35.

This game could not have been any closer as the third quarter came to an end. Each team had scored 20 points in the quarter with the Aces still hanging onto a three-point lead 58-55. It was anyone’s game going into the fourth quarter.

Las Vegas led by as much as 12 points in this game but the tenacious Valkyries refused to go away fighting back for the entire game. The Aces outscored Golden State in the fourth quarter 26-24 winning the game 84-79.

The difference in this game was A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Wilson had a double double scoring 28 points with 14 rebounds. This was her third consecutive double- double and her fifth this season. Jackie Young really rose to the occasion scoring 27 points and was red-hot from beyond the arc hitting six of eight shots.

This was their first home win this season. Chelsea Gray had a terrific game scoring 12 points, with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The Aces have now won three games in a row; they have really started to play some great ball. This is the Aces second win over the Valkyries beating them last Sunday in San Francisco the score 91-81.

Las Vegas was without Chennedy Carter who missed her second consecutive game with a left leg and hip injury. She collided with an opposing player in a game with the Valkyries in San Francisco last Sunday causing her to fall on her hip.

Carter has been nothing short of amazing and the team really needs her. It was hinted that she would return last week against the Sparks but it didn’t happen. There has been no announced timeline for the return of Carter but it hopefully will be in the near future.

The Valkyries are currently in seventh place in the standings and they got some great work from Gabby Williams who scored 27 points. Veronica Burton scored 15 points and Kayla Thornton got so close to a double-double with ten points and nine rebounds. The Valkyries will continue to nip at the heels of the Aces, the Dream and the Wings. They had an amazing inaugural season and look to be even better this season.

Game notes: The Aces are having a solid season and right now they are sitting in second place tied with the Dallas Wings in the Western Conference. The Golden State Valkyries are in fourth place a game and a half behind the Aces.

Saturday’s matchup with the Golden State Valkyries had all the makings of a very competitive game. The Valkyries Gabby Williams 28 points and Veronica Burton 15 points . On the other hand the Valkyries dealt with the incomparable A’Ja Wilson who led Vegas with 28 points as well as Jackie Young 27 points and Chelsea Gray with 12 points. This game was decided by five points as the Aces stayed ahead of the Valkyries on Saturday.

Next up for the Aces will be a matchup with the Seattle Storm at home Monday night. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. With such a quick turnaround chances are that the Aces will not be seeing Chennedy Carter as they await her return to the court.

Valkyries Unphased by Fire, & get 1st Win in Commissioner’s Cup, 95-77

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Janelle Salaun #13 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a three-point shot over Frieda Buhner #20 of the Portland Fire in the first half during a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game at Chase Center on June 2, 2026, in San Francisco, California .(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – This Tuesday evening, the WNBA tipped off the Commissioner’s Cup at Ballhalla with the Golden State Valkyries defeating the Portland Fire, 92-23. This was Portland’s first time ever playing here at Chase Center, as they were set to join the WNBA this year as the league’s 15th team. After the Valkyries’ last home game loss to Las Vegas, Golden State bounced back at home and got their first win for the Cup against Portland. Golden State is now 6-3 in its first nine games of the season. Portland Fire drops to 6-5 for the season so far.

The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an annual in-season competition that links top competition to community impact is the Commissioner’s Cup, sponsored by Coinbase. From June 1–17, there will be 49 games in the event. A $500,000 prize pool and the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game will be contested by the team from each conference with the best record in Commissioner’s Cup games. The team with the highest winning percentage in regular-season games through June 17 will host the championship game on Tuesday, June 30.

The Valkyries started guards Veronica Burton, Cecilia Zandalasini, forwards Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, and center Kiah Stokes as their five. In Golden State’s last game, they hosted the Las Vegas Aces, but lost, 91-81, just two days ago. They were led by forward Gabby Williams, 20 points, on her 4-of-6 shooting from three pointers. So the Valkyries were determined to make this home game a win and start the Commissioners Cup with a win in the tournament bracket.

Portland went with gaurds Carla Leite (former Valkyrie player), Bridget Carleton, forwards Nyadiew Puoch, Emily Engstler, and center Megan Gustafson as their starting five. Portland, in their last game, hosted and defeated the Indiana Fever, 100-84, just three days ago. Fires center Megan Gustafson led Portland with her 22 points, and went perfect from the floor, 8-of-8 on field goals. Portland is hoping to make this game their second win in a row.

Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton would hit a corner three to start the game off, here, in San Francisco. Then, in the next possession, Portland would respond with their forward Emily Engstler knocking down a 26-foot three-point jumper to get Fire on the board for the night.

However, Valkyrie Kayla Thornton was feeling herself from the start, as she made the first three 3-pointers for Golden State. Thornton would end with 11 points by herself in the first quarter, and give help the Valkyries the lead, 21-20.

At halftime, Golden State had a 20-point lead over Portland, 56-36. The Valkyries’ shooting in the first half is what gave them the control the whole night. Even though Portland was dominated in the paint, Fire had scored 22 of their points in the paint. Golden State was shooting above the 50% almost the entire second quarter. In fact, the Valkyries set a team record, making 12 three-pointers in the first half.

At the start of the third quarter, Fire would go on a quick 4-0 scoring run, and would cut the lead to 14 points. Then Golden State’s Veronica Burton would hit a 24-foot three-pointer to extend the team’s lead. Then, right in the next possession, Valkyrie Kiah Stokes joins the party and knocks down a three-pointer of her own. By the end of the quarter, Golden State had an 18-point lead, 74-56, going into the final quarter.

In the final quarter, Portland would get as close as eight points from the lead. Halfway through the fourth quarter, the score was 75-67. However, Golden State just never let up from their shooting and would knock down multiple three-pointers that led them to a win in Ballhalla. In fact, the Valkyires have set a new single-game franchise record with 18 three-point field goals made.

The Valkyries win this one, due from an explosive second quarter performance. The Valkyries would drop 35 points, just in the second quarter. Their shooting ability really showed off for the home crowd as Golden State starts this month off with a win. Golden State was led in this game by Kayla Thornton’s 19 points, eight rebounds, and her 5-of-10 shooting from deep.

The Golden State Valkyries will head on the road to Minnesota, to face off against the Lynx, who are currently 1st in the West (7-2) at the Target Center. The Minnesota Lynx are being led by Courtney Williams, who averages 17.8 points per game. The tip-off will be at 6:00 p.m., Thursday evening, broadcast on Prime Video.

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At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

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Golden State Valkyrie game recap: Valkyries held the low card against the Aces and lost 91-81, Sunday Afternoon inside another sold out BallHalla

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Las Vegas Aces Brianna Turner (21) tries to pass after a rebound defended by Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) and Kiah Stokes (41) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (5-3) received a second half beatdown, 91-81 from the defending champion Las Vegas Aces (5-3) in the City by the Bay Sunday at Chase Center.

The Aces got on the board first to begin the contest. After that, there were four ties and three lead changes within the first ten minutes of the game. Gabby Williams (8) and Jackie Young (7) led their respective teams to a two point first quarter finish, with the home team up by two, 23-21.

The second stanza produced two additional ties and nine lead changes. However, the margin after two quarters was the same two points, but in the reciprocal form with the visitors in the lead, 43-41.

At the half, Williams (10) was the Golden State player in double-figures, while the Aces had two hoopers. A’ja Wilson scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and teammate Jackie Young added ten points.

The second half would be all Aces, which would be awesome in many card games, but the Sin City team parlayed that into an 18-point lead during the third period, and as much as 24 in the fourth quadrant.

Despite those vast leads, the Valkyries continued to fight back. Williams continued to lead the way for Golden State (12) in the third quarter, but the defending champs were keeping the team by the Bay at bay at that point in time. After 30 minutes of WNBA action, the Valkyries trailed by 18 points, 72-54.

Despite being behind by three touchdowns and a field goal, the Valkyries displayed strong pride and cut the deficit to single digits multiple times late in the game. Even with thal valiant effort, Las Vegas eventually won the game by 10 points, 91-81.

Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 20 points, while Janelle Salaun offered 16 points, and Kayla Thornton put up 12 points. The Ace were led by superstar A’ja Wilson’s 28 points and 15 rebounds. Jackie Young contributed 23 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while NaLyssa Smith chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds.. Stephanie Talbot also tallied ten points and seven rebounds.

The victory for the Aces evened both teams’ records (5-3) and maybe previewed an eventual playoffs battle in the future.

The Valkyries will next be in action Tuesday, June 2, as they host the expansion Portland Fire at 7 PM PT on KMAX/KPIX+. The Aces will head down to Southern California, on the same date, taking on the Sparks at 7 PM PT on The Spot.

Valkyries get their “Get Back” on Fever, beating them 90-88, Golden State now on 2-Game Winning Streak!

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May 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) and is defended by center Kiah Stokes (41) in the first quarter at Chase Center. (Photo Credits to David Gonzales-Imagn Images)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – After just six days ago, in Indiana, the Indiana Fever would take the win against the Valkyries in their first matchup against each other of the season. Indiana’s guard Caitlin Clark would drop 22 points on the Valkyrie, as she now saw herself playing against the Valkyries, but this time in “Ballhalla”.

Thursday night was meaningful for Golden State, as they celebrated another sell out, their 28th out of 28 games at Chase Center. That means every game the Valkyries played at home, was a sell out. So it was right the Valkyries showed out for their fans, and they did as they got the win, 90-88. Golden State is now 5-2, through their first seven games of the season.

The Golden State Valkyries went with Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Kaila Charles, and Veronica Burton as their starting five for this game. Gabby Williams in the last home game would lead the team with 15 points, on 3-of-5 from three point shooting. Overall, that win was a confidence booster for Golden State as they were preparing for their rematch with Indiana Thursday night.

Indiana hoping to make this their fourth straight win. They sent out Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and former Valkyrie Monique Billings. With both teams holding a 4-2 record at the moment, this win could be their fifth win of the season through the first seven games. This is the second game held at Chase Center in the week, after on Mondays win for Valkyries, who took down the Connecticut Sun, 97-70.

Golden States Veronica Burton would get the game going, and the home crowd energy as well on a tough and-1 layup she made to get herself a three point play. She would give the Valkyries a quick, 5-2 lead at the start. Burton was just feeling herself and loving the home court energy, as she was knocking down deep three pointers and increasing the lead to seven points, 14-7.

However, the Indiana Fever were quick to reestablish themselves out there, and get back in the game. With her third assist in the second quarter, Indiana Caitlin Clark becomes the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 points and 500+ assists, in just 59 games. So with that, at halftime we would have ourselves a tied game at 44-44 in San Francisco. Caitlin Clark and Veronica Burton both reach double-digit scoring points for their teams.

At the start of the third quarter, Indiana’s Aliyah Boston would get the third quarter going with a quick floater in the paint, and also give the Fever the lead, 46-44. The second half intensity would pick up drastically, after both teams would lock in and do their best to score and get the lead. Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton impact would be crucial for Golden State’s success. Burton would also have herself a career high in blocks this game (5).

Heading into the final quarter, Indiana would hold on to the lead by just four points. However with eight minutes and 45 seconds left in the game. Valkyries Gabby Williams ties the ball game at 69-69 with a fast drive into the paint for a layup. Then, again, Golden States Veronica Burton would get another tuff and one play and lead her team with 23, and now at 25 points.

16.3 seconds left on the clock, Indiana is down two points, 90-88. Golden State Valkyries are rushing back down the court to play defense as they held their own and stop the Fever. With 1.9 seconds left, they call a jump ball, however Indiana isn’t done as they win the jump ball and get one more chance. Although, they now have 0.6 seconds left, but the Valkyries defense comes up big and stops the Fever from scoring. The Valkyries would take the win on this thrilling, Thursday evening, 90-88.

Golden State would get the next couple of days to rest before their next matchup. They will stay at home and host the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, May 31st, at 12:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock right back here in Chase Center. The Valkyries are hoping to continue their winning streak now and make it to three straight wins on Sunday.

Kelsey Plum and the Sparks Hand Aces Second Loss of the Season 101-95

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) drives on the Los Angeles Sparks forward Park Ji-hyun (6) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat May 23, 2026 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Rich Perez

The last game that the Las Vegas Aces (4-2) was a wild affair winning that game by a single point and Saturday night’s game was more of the same. The Los Angeles Sparks (3-3) gave Las Vegas all they could handle winning the game 101-95. Former Ace Kelsey Plum was outstanding scoring 38 points with ninth rebounds. The Aces A’Ja Wilson had a double double finishing with 24 points and 15 rebounds.

Game recap: The Sparks came out in the first quarter with a lot of energy. Las Vegas would be facing former team-mate Kelsey Plum and she sure did show up with four three’s made in the opening quarter.

She finished the quarter scoring 14 points. As in the Aces last game Chennedy Carter coming off the bench was on fire hitting 10 points in 8 minutes. The two teams traded leads with the Sparks leading much of the time and when the quarter came to an end the Sparks had a 32-30 lead. This game had all the makings of a real barn-burner.

Much like the opening quarter the second quarter was equally competitive, both teams jockeying for the lead. The game remained tight with four points being the largest lead for both the Aces and the Sparks.

The three’s were flying, the Sparks hitting seven and the Aces hitting six. Despite the 11 turnovers, the Sparks were giving the Aces the fight of their lives. When the first half came to an end, the Aces had outscored the Sparks 22-14 in the second quarter and took a 52-46 lead into the half.

At 7:42 in the third quarter the Aces took their largest lead of the game 57-48. Just when Las Vegas started to put a little distance between themselves and the Sparks Los Angeles rallied back taking a 58-57 lead going on a 10-0 run prompting an Aces timeout.

With seconds left on the clock in the third, the Aces were hanging onto a 71-70. After three quarters this game could not be any tighter with the Sparks outscoring the Aces in the quarter 26-21.

The Aces took a slim 73-72 lead into the fourth quarter. It would all comes down to the final quarter in this aggressive, fierce and impassioned game. Which team would have the determination and discipline to pull this game out?

The Sparks took an early fourth quarter lead 80-73 a minute into the quarter and the Aces had some work to do. Las Vegas was missing far too many shots trailing by six points 82-76 with just under six minutes left in the game.

With 5:30 left in the game Las Vegas rallied trailing by a single point 81-82 sending the arena into a wild frenzy. This game was reminiscent of the Aces last game against Atlanta. It was nothing short of amazing with A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Grey’s will to win obvious in the final minutes.

This game was tied at 90 with three minutes left in the game. The Aces came up just short in this game. With 29.7 left in the game Los Angeles had a 99-94 lead. The many missed shots by Las Vegas down the stretch in the fourth quarter were looming large as Las Vegas faced their second loss of the season. The Sparks had pulled this game out 101-95 for the victory.

Las Vegas had some nice numbers from A’Ja Wilson who finished with a double double, 24 points and 15 rebounds. Nalyssa Smith finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds and bench player Chennedy Carter shot for 23 points. The Aces came up just short in this game. They missed a few too many shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles’ Kelsey Plum had the game high with 38 points and 9 assists.

Game notes: It has been a minute since the Aces took the court, their last game played in Atlanta five days ago in a real nail-biter that saw Las Vegas win in the final seconds 85-84. Chelsea Gray made the go-ahead jumper with 3.6 seconds left on the clock for the win. Saturday night the Aces lost at Michelob ULTRA Arena to the Sparks. The Sparks last played Thursday night against the Phoenix Mercury winning that match-up 97-88.

Next up for the Aces will be a matchup with the Dallas Wings next Thursday night. Los Vegas will be on the road for this game. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM and can be viewed on Prime Video.

Valkyries caused Mercury lowering, 95-79, on Mother’s Day Home Opener

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Golden State Valkyries Gabby Williams (1) takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Mercury at the Chase Center on Sun May 10, 2026 (Golden State Valkyrie X photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (2-0) won their initial home game of the 2026 & 30th WNBA season, with a victory over the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) 95-79 inside a raucous sellout Chase Center crowd.

The Mercury, fresh off the heels of upsetting the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on their home opener and ring ceremony, attempted to do the same at Ballhalla. Phoenix started the game with a 7-0 run, punching the home team in the mouth. The lead in the first quarter peaked at nine for the visitors from the Arizona desert.

After ten minutes of game action, the Valkyries trailed by three, 20-17. They chipped away from the larger deficit, to be within one possession of a tie or the lead. Golden State was about to make a gigantic roll of their own.

In the second quarter, the home team completed a 27-point turnaround, going from nine down to up by 18 before halftime. The Valkyries fought back and finally took the lead around the 7-minute mark of the second stanza. Later, with a 7-0 run included, they posted their highest advantage of 18 points. After outscoring Phoenix by 20 points in the second quarter, Golden State led by 17 at recess, 48-31.

Only one player on either squad scored at least 10 points at the half. Valkyries’ forward Kayla Thornton scored 14 points, in her attempt to recover from her season-ending injury months ago.

In the second half, Phoenix began the segment as they did in the first half, with an 8-0 run. They made several attempts to chip down the lead, but Golden State was able to stave them off every time. As the third quadrant ended, the lead was down to single digits (4), 66-62.

The final quarter was also contentious momentarily, as the Mercury was a three-pointer away from tying the game at 73. However, when that shot went awry, Golden State turned that opportunity into a 10-0 run for themselves. That essentially put the contest out of reach, during that time frame.

As the final buzzer sounded in the arena by the Bay, the Valkyries won by 16 points, 95-79, and were still undefeated.

The Valkyries had five players with double-figure scoring. Janelle Salaun led all players with 21 points, while both Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams each had 19 points. Veronica Burton performed a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, and Laeticia Amihere also chipped in 13 points.

The Mercury presented four hoopers with the aforementioned accomplishment. Alyssa Thomas almost messed around and had a triple-double, as she tallied 19 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Joining her was Jovanna Nogic (16), and Kahleah Copper & Natasha Mack, both put up 11 points for their team.

The Valkyries will next be in action Wednesday, May 13 KMAX/KPIX + against the Chicago Sky a 7:00pm tip in San Francisco, While Phoenix will be at home hosting the following two games the Minnesota Lynx Tuesday May 12 at 7:00pm PDT followed by the Chicago Sky 7:00pm PDT on Fri May 15 both games will be on 3TV.

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Thornton trying to recoup after missing nine months of action, Ducharme waived by Valkyrie; plus more news

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Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton dribbles around the Seattle Storm’s Lexie Brown in the first quarter of Golden State’s lone preseason game Saturday at Chase Center. The game marked Thornton’s return to the court after a knee injury in July ended her breakout season.Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Golden State Valkyries Kayla Thornton spent nine months out due to a torn meniscus that interupted her 2025 season. Thornton returned on Sat Apr 25th to play in her first game after those long nine months in a pre season game against the Seattle Storm at Chase Center in San Francisco.

#2 Former UConn women’s basketball player Caroline Ducharme was wavied by the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday. Ducharme during her five year WNBA career had suffered numerous injuries. Along with Ducharme being cut the Valkyrie cut Bailey Maupin.

#3 The Valkyrie are looking to make more cuts as they need to get down to 12 players by the WNBA May 8 deadline.

#4 Kaitlyn Chen is trying to make it on the Valkyrie roster which would be her second year if she were to land a spot. Chen worked hard over the off season playing in Prauge and in the US with the Athletes Unlimited. In her game against the Storm she looked more relaxed and had good ball possesion. Can she make the team?

#5 Kate Martin who was drafted by the Valkyrie and played at Iowa with former teammate Caitlin Clark. Martin was just surpirsed as anyone being drafted by the Valkyrie. Martin might not be long for the Valkyries she has competiton with Tiffany Hayes, Kaila Charles, and Juste Joyce for the second spot and Williams, Kayla Thompson, Janelle Salaun, and Cecillia Zandalisini are in front of Martin in the number three position.

 Michael Roberson is a Golden State Valkyrie reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyries game wrap:Valkyries quiet the Storm 78-76, Saturday Evening in the City by the Bay

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Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen drives to the basket against Seattle Storm in WNBA pre season action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Apr 25, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva)

Golden State Valkyries game wrap: Valkyries quiet the Storm 78-76, Saturday Evening in the City by the Bay

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries finished up the preseason with a 78-76 thrilling victory over the Seattle Storm, inside a customary sold out Chase Center.

The Valkyries got the party started with a Veronica Burton trey. The lead increased to 5 during the initial quarter, but ended with the 3-point margin from the beginning of the game, 21-18. Hip Hop sensation and rookie, Flau’jae Johnson, who the Valkyries originally drafted, grabbed 4 rebounds in the initial stanza.

In the second quarter, Seattle made a strong push, while the aforementioned rookie scored 10 points within the quarter’s timeframe. Her team also led by as many as 11 points, but settled for nine by recess, 42-33. Johnson’s second quarter explosion led her team in scoring for the entire first half. Burton topped both teams with 14 points to her credit.

The third quarter had the home team start off on a 10-0 run, rapidly erasing the 9-point halftime deficit. However, the Storm were able to hold on to the lead after three quarters, 56-54. At that point in the game, there were 15 lead changes and 8 ties.

The final 1/4 of the contest produced another strong run (9-0) by the Valkyries, and an 8-point lead. Seattle continued to fight back, resulting an additional lead change and two more ties,

When the final whistle blew, the Valkyries had weathered the storm, 78-76. The victory was greatly celebrated by yet another capacity crowd for the second year team.

Veronica Burton and Miela Sowah both tallied 14 points, to lead the way, Kaitlyn contributed 11 points to the double digit mix. The latter two scored their share from off the bench.

Seattle also had three players eclipse that plateau. Johnson scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Zia Cooke joined her with 12 points, while Dominique Malonga put up 10 points and 5 rebounds.

In a weird circumstance of scheduling, these two teams will open their regular season against each other. The game will be in Seattle, Friday, May 8 at 7 PM PT on ION.

With another 18,064 filling the Chase Center, the Valkyries continue to be the beacon of light and fandom for the WNBA and women’s basketball in general.