Tag: Golden State Valkyries

Golden State Valkyries game wrap: Purple Reign Near Miss For Valkyries 78-72 in loss to mighty Minnesota

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Golden State Valkyries Temi Fagbenie (14) sinking the layup against the Minnesota Lynx at Chase Center in San Francisco in WNBA action Sat Sep 6, 2025 (photo by Mauricio Segura Golden Bay Times)

Purple Reign Near Miss For Valkyries

By Mauricio Segura

SAN FRANCISCO–The Golden State Valkyries’ fans were riding high, basking in yet another sellout crowd and record-smashing attendance at Chase Center, only to watch their team fall just short in a heated, back and forth battle that ended with a 78-72 loss to the league-leading Minnesota Lynx.

Even though the Valkyries entered the final minutes within striking distance, it was the scrappy and relentless Lynx, fueled by a season-high 24 points from Natisha Hiedeman off the bench, that delivered the killer blow. Hiedeman rose when it counted most, scoring nine of her 24 in the decisive third quarter and matching Golden State shot for shot whenever the momentum seemed to tip.

Golden State did not go quietly. Four Valkyries scored in double figures, with Janelle Salaün, Iliana Rupert, and Kaila Charles each finishing with 15 points to share team-high honors. Salaün and Charles also battled on the boards, each pulling down a team-high eight rebounds.

Rupert’s shooting touch mattered, knocking down three from beyond the arc and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Veronica Burton joined them in double figures with 14 points on an efficient 5-for-10 from the field, adding a team-best six assists and one three-pointer that gave her 99 for her career. It was a night that highlighted the balance of the starting unit, which scored 65 of Golden State’s 72 points.

The third quarter proved fatal. Despite Golden State outscoring Minnesota in three of the four quarters, the Lynx dropped a blistering 30-16 edge in the third, shooting 64.7 percent in that frame alone. Hiedeman led the charge with nine points in the period, while Napheesa Collier chipped in a critical 20 points overall.

Jessica Shepard ran the offense beautifully, recording a double-double with 12 points and 13 assists, carving up Golden State’s defense with her vision and passing. The surge turned a halftime Valkyries lead into a deficit they could never fully erase.

For Golden State, there were bright spots. Charles tied her career high with seven made field goals, continuing to thrive by attacking the rim and finishing through contact. Salaün showed her range with three triples, shooting 37.5 percent from deep, while Rupert stretched the floor as well with her own long-range accuracy. Kate Martin gave important minutes off the bench, adding six rebounds that helped keep Minnesota from running away on the glass.

The broader storylines off the court carried equal weight. With 18,064 fans packing the house once again, Golden State closed its inaugural home slate with 22 consecutive sellouts, shattering league records for both average attendance at 18,064 and total fans at 397,408. No WNBA expansion team has ever seized the spotlight this quickly, and the Valkyries have done it with style, energy, and a brand that clearly resonates in the Bay Area.

The Valkyries now sit at 23-19, locked into the sixth seed in the playoff bracket with two games remaining. While the fifth seed is out of reach, the team has already made history by becoming the first expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in its debut season.

The only wrinkle is logistical: Chase Center will be unavailable due to the Laver Cup tennis tournament, forcing Golden State to stage its first-round home games at San Jose’s SAP Center, with Oakland Arena also was floated as a backup option.

So yes, the Valkyries lost this one, undone by a single quarter of hot shooting from the Lynx. But the big picture remains unchanged. They are rewriting WNBA history, proving they belong among the league’s elite, and building momentum that will carry into the postseason. Two more games to sharpen the edges, then a playoff run that will mark the next chapter in an already unforgettable first year.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

Golden State Valkyries become first WNBA inaugural team to make post season defeat Dallas 84-80

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Golden State Valkyrie center Kaitlyn Chen ( (with the ball) looking for some daylight as Chen is surrounded by Dallas Wings players at Chase Center on Thu Sep 4, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Morris Phillips

The Golden State Valkyries (23-18) made WNBA history with their win over the visiting Dallas Wings at Chase Center becoming the first expansion team to make the post season in their inaugural season in a 84-80 win over the Wings at Chase Center on Thursday night.

The Valkyries first season also set another WNBA record for the most wins by expansion team with the most wins at 23 and selling out all of their first 21 home game and counting thus far. The Valkyries had averaged their attendance at 18,064 per game which marks them the highest in the WNBA.

Valkyrie head coach Natalie Nakase also wo the Coach of the Month award in June and forward Kayla Thornton won Western Conference Player of Week. Thornton also represented the Valkyrie at the WNBA All Star game for this year.

The Valkyrie who clinched for a playoff spot will play their first round playoff games at SAP Center in San Jose due to a Chase Center in San Francisco scheduling conflict at Chase Center on either September 16 or 17th. The first game of the playoffs will be on the road on September 14th.

The Laver Cup tennis tournament which was scheduled well before the Valkyries playoffs had been previously played at Berlin, Vancouver, London and Boston. The WNBA tried to get the second playoff game for Sunday. It just so happen the Lavar was scheduled to play the first game of the playoffs. Lavar had first choice and stayed with Chase Center.

Valkyries defense locks down Liberty, Temi Fagbenle and Kate Martin lead the way on offense in dominant 66-58 win over the New York Liberty

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Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle (13) celebrates her basket against the New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (13) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Sep 2, 2025 (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Lincoln Juarez

SAN FRANCISCO – A second quarter run fuels the Valkyries fourth-straight win and inches them closer to securing a playoff spot in their first season.

On Tuesday night, the Golden State Valkyries hosted the New York Liberty in front of a roaring Chase Center crowd. Sitting 2.5 games back of the Liberty for fifth place in the WNBA standings, this was a big game for the Valkyries to gain some ground in the standings and prove they can match up against the powerful teams in the league. 

In their last meeting, the Liberty came into Ballhalla snuck out a win in a close three-point game, 81-78. 

In the two meetings prior to that in late May, New York overpowered the Valkyries in back to back games in the big apple by scores of 95-67 and 82-77. Tuesday night was a different story as the Valkyries stormed their way to a decisive victory. 

After a slow start, the Golden State offense started to land some shots. Just over four and a half minutes in, Janelle Salaün gave the Valkyries their first lead since the opening bucket. 

The two teams went back and forth trading baskets through the remainder of the first quarter. The Liberty led 18-14 after the first. 

It was all Valkyries in the second, out-scoring New York 26-8 in the quarter. 

Kate Martin led the Valkyries in points at the half with 11 going 3-6 from behind the arch. Sue played a huge role in the big second quarter run that blew the game open. 

Postgame Martin praised the defense, acknowledging the great all around game they played on that side of the floor that allowed the offense to take over the game. 

Head coach Natalie Nakase also credited the defense from Tuesday night, pointing to the communication as the main reason for success. “I think our communication has been elite the last 3 games”, said coach Nakase also noting that Golden State knew “we couldn’t make any mistakes on the defensive end”. 

On the offensive side, four Valkyries tallied double-digit points (Salaün, Fagbenle, Charles, and Martin). The scoring came from up and down the lineup and Golden State put their teamwork and camaraderie on display in their 66-58 win, defeating the Liberty for the first time ever after going 0-3 in their first three games against them. 

The Valkyries look on to Thursday when they host the Dallas Wings with a potential opportunity to clinch a playoff berth. It would be quite the scene if they were able to do it at home in front of their raucous fans at Chase Center.  

At this point it seems like it’s not a matter of if, but when the Valkyries will clinch that playoff spot and become the first team in WNBA history to make the playoffs in their first season. 

Wings vs. Valkyries, Thursday night at Ballhalla. Tip-off at 7:00pm. 

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

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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.

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

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

By Rich Perez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden State Valkyrie podccast:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Michael Roberson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Michael Villanueva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aces Break 2-Game Losing Streak Beating a Feisty Golden State Squad In a Thriller 104-102

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) loses control of the ball after being fouled by Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, left, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)Steve Marcus/Associated Press

By Rich Perez

It was far from easy for the Las Vegas Aces (10-11) as they beat the Golden State Valkyries (10-10) in a thriller 104-102 breaking their two-game losing streak on Saturday. The Valkyries were on fire in the first half hitting nine three’s but fell short in the second half as the Aces really stepped up taking the lead for most of the third and fourth quarters.

A’Ja Wilson had 25 points in the first half along with 16 rebounds (another double double for her) and finished with 34 points. Jackie Young finished off this game hitting four free throws down the stretch, two of them in the final 6.5 seconds of play.

As this game got underway at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, the Aces took a slim lead after the first quarter of play leading 23-21. Despite being a new franchise, the Valkyries have had a great start to the season with a 11-10 record in sixth place in the Western Conference. The first quarter had been a hotly contested affair.

Golden State won the second quarter outscoring the Aces 25-22. At the half the Valkyries had a single point lead 46-45. The Ace’s Wilson had her highest scoring half with 25 points. Las Vegas would need more from Chelsea Gray and also from Jewell Loyd in the second half of play.

The Valkyries led for much of the first half but the Aces turned that all-around in the the quarter. They took as much as a seven point lead in the quarter and after three quarters led 76-72. Jewell Loyd got really hot in the second half and finished the first three quarters with 15 points. Las Vegas needed to extend their lead and put this game away putting an end to their losing streak.

At 7:09 in the fourth quarter, the Aces had established an 85-77 lead. Jackie Young was on a roll with 20 points. Wilson had another double double already with 13 rebounds to accompany her 28 points and she was far from finished.

Every time the Valkyries made a move in the final quarter, the Aces had the answer. Golden State was doing everything they could to put the stops on Wilson but it was not working. With five minutes left in the game, the Aces had a 87-81 lead.

There was still a lot of time on clock for either of these two teams to come away with a win. As the clock ticked away with under four minutes the Aces really clamped down on the Valkyries leading 90-81. The Valkyries had not had a three in the second half after hitting 9 in the first half but with three plus minutes left in the game they hit their tenth and it was a four point game 90-86 with Las Vegas hanging. This game was going down to the wire.

There were two play stoppages in the final minutes of the fourth quarter which really challenged both teams down the stretch. Both reviews favored the Aces. With 1:34 left on the clock the Valkyries not only scored but drew a foul and this game was tied at 94.

With under a minute left the Aces took back the lead at 98-94 in a wild finish. Las Vegas finished off this game with a couple of free throws from Jackie Young with 6.5 seconds left on the clock and the Aces had broken their losing streak; the final was 104-102.

The Las Vegas Aces found a way to finish this game but a lot of credit has to go to the Golden State Valkyries who fought tooth and nail throughout the entire game. The Aces had weathered the storm with Wilson scoring 34 points, finishing with yet another double double , Young with 30 points and Jewell Loyd with 15 points. The Aces were 10 of 10 from the line in the fourth quarter.

The Valkyries starting lineup had a great showing with every player scoring in double digits. Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaun finishing with 16 points apiece.

Game notes: The 2025 season has not started the way the Aces had envisioned. Last season they lost in the playoffs to the eventual winners in the semi-final round and going into 2025 they came in with high hopes that have not panned out.

Their starting roster has most of last years starters with the addition of Jewell Loyd. They have lost two games in a row and Saturday the Aces got back on track as they took on the new franchise, the Valkyries. Las Vegas is ninth in the standings, a position that they could not have imagined going into the season.

They missed Wilson for a few games who was on concussion protocol. Wilson also missed their last game with an injured right wrist in a loss to the Mystics and before that they dropped a game to the New York Liberty. The season is almost at the half-way mark and there is till a lot of time to move up in the standings and Saturday they got a great opportunity to end their losing skid.

Las Vegas will not take the court until next Wednesday when they hit the road taking on the Dallas Wings followed by the All-Star game next Saturday. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Tune in for the All-Star game next Saturday with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 PM on ABC. The Aces Wilson will be a starter on Team Clark chosen at pick # 5 and Jackie Young was selected for the second team picked at # 18. Las Vegas will be back in regular season action on Tuesday night taking on the Atlanta Dream.

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

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Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries emotes after a call in the second half against the Seattle Storm at the Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Golden State Valkyries are now (9-7) after a lights-out performance from the team in their matchup against the Seattle Storm making them (10-7) in their second matchup of the season. 

The Golden State Valkyries led the Seattle Storm 23–14 at the start after playing with intensity and consistency in the first quarter. In her pregame mentions, head coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the importance of execution and intensity, and her players delivered on both fronts.

On both ends of the court, Golden State’s effort was clear. They were able to get into a rhythm offensively because of their early 3-point shooting, going 3-of-7 from outside the arc. The Valkyries scored 12 points in the paint by dominating Seattle with smart off-ball movement and strong cuts to the rim, so it wasn’t simply perimeter play. It was challenging to control the attack because of their ability to combine aggressive inside plays with outside shooting.

Tiffany Hayes, one of the skilled guards, took the lead and confidently attacked the hoop. She contributed to the Valkyries’ early momentum with five points in the quarter, going one of three from the field and one of two from three-point range.

On the other hand, Seattle relied largely on Skylar Diggins, who kept up her hustling and leadership. She scored eight points on three of five shots, including a three-pointer, and had an assist and a rebound. Despite the early disadvantage, her tireless efforts played a significant role in keeping the Storm within reach for a while.

Golden State had a cold moment from beyond the arc, but they were still ahead 34-27 at the half. In the second quarter, the Valkyries were unable to score from beyond the arc after making three three-pointers in the first. Nevertheless, Tiffany Hayes finished the half with 11 points, continuing to lead the attack with aggressive play. Golden State also made the most of their transition, scoring 10 points on 4 of 5 shots.

With experienced guard Erica Wheeler making two three-pointers to help change the pace, Seattle started to create a small rhythm behind the arc. With seven turnovers each at the end of the half, both teams had trouble controlling the ball.

Golden State came out and dominated the game after halftime, scoring 31 points in the third quarter and coming out on an attack. The Valkyries increased their energy on both ends and demonstrated their dominance by extending their lead to 65–44 at the end of the quarter, a 21-point advantage. Turning and going defense to offense as the whole team thrives on the energy from the crowd in Ballhalla. 

A well-rounded team effort, especially from Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes, drove the charge. With 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, Burton continued her consistent two-way presence. Hayes scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2 of 5 from three, after exploding in the third. The intensity and performance of the rest of the Valkyries were greatly enhanced by both players.

The Golden State team thrived by spacing the floor and distributing the ball effectively. With 34 points now gained from their selfless ball movement, their shooting rhythm came alive to start the second half. The Valkyries dominated the third quarter, making it a statement drive.

In this match, Golden State led the Seattle Storm 84-57 from start to finish, never falling behind. The Valkyries established the tone right away and didn’t let up thanks to their constant speeding transitions, strong defense, and skilled play on both ends of the court.

As the team’s top scorer, Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points on an effective 8-of-13 shooting effort, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. She started the attack early and maintained the intensity all through. Burton and Laeticia Amihere, who each scored 15 points, were just behind her. Amihere added a strong presence in the paint that Seattle found hard to handle, and she also controlled the glass with a team-high eight rebounds.

The Valkyries’ tenth consecutive sellout, the longest in the team’s history, made the evening at Chase Center even more memorable. The home audience embraced the team’s enthusiasm and vice versa. Golden State’s victory gives them more momentum going into their upcoming game in Minnesota.

This Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Golden State will travel to Minnesota to play the Lynx, continuing their two-game winning streak.