Tag: WNBA

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie looking to rebound from Monday loss; Golden State to face Phoenix next week Wednesday

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Washington Mystics Kiki Irafen (44) takes the ball up the floor against the Golden State Valkyrie in the second of their two game meetings on Mon Jul 20, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 The Washington Mystics on Monday night got lots of help in their second meeting with the Golden State Valkyrie at Chase Center. Kiki Iriafen scored 23 points with 12 rebounds and Shakira Austin scored 15 points with 15 rebounds for a 90-82 win to snap the Valkyries nine game win streak.

#2 The Mystics down 80-73 with just 3:32 left and closed the game off with a 17-2 run. Iriafen hit a jump shot to help Washington take the lead 1:41.

#3 The Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen scored 20 points with six assists and hit a three pointer in the fourth quarter to lead the Valkyrie in scoring. Chen also assisted on Kiah Stokes three pointer but the Valkyrie later faltered later in the game and couldn’t hold on.

#4 The Valkyries Veronica Burton scored 12 points and had seven assists with Kayla Thornton scoring 15 points. The Mystics and Valkyrie split their two games series with the Valkyrie winning on Saturday and the Mystics winning on Monday night.

#5 The Valkyrie face the Phoenix Mercury on Wed Jul 29th at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix for a 7:00pm PDT tip off. The Valkyrie third place in the Western Conference 19-8 and the Mercury 13th in the Western Conference are 9-18 how do you see this match up?

Michael Roberson covers the Golden State Valkyrie for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mystics beat & stun the Valkyries, 90-82, on Golden State’s Hello Kitty Night

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Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) scores a 3-point basket against the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, July 20th, 2026. (Photo credits to Santiago Mejia)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Back here at Ballhalla once again on Monday night for the 15th home game of the season so far. This time things would be different, as there was a surprising visitor for fans and everyone who came to the game. The Golden State Valkyries celebrated Hello Kitty Night while hosting the Washington Mystics. However, it would be the Mystics winning and snapping the Valkyries’ 9-game winning streak Monday night 90-82.

Just two days ago, on Saturday evening, the Golden State Valkyries hosted and defeated the Washington Mystics, 74-69. So, what a good turnaround for Washington, but for Golden State, this was a tough loss. The Valkyries were just one game behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx.

Just before this loss in this game, the momentum and spirits were high and alive for the Valkyries. The team is having an outstanding season, on a nine game winning streak, and has gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. So with that, Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as the starting five.

Washington has already lost the last three matchups to Golden State, with their most recent game being on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Mystics have also gone 5-5 in their last ten games. So with them trying to stay above a .500 season record, they sent out Michaela Onyenwere, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore as their starters.

Golden State would win the jump ball and get the game going off of a three-pointer by Cecilia Zandalasini. The first two quarters were back-and-forth buckets by both teams. Although Golden State was only able to get their biggest lead by five points. It would be Washington holding the lead by one point, 21-20.

Going into the second quarter, both teams were doing great on their shooting, but things got cold for both teams. This was the lowest scoring quarter in the entire game. Washington and Golden State were only able to drop 15 points on each other. Going into halftime, it was a nail-biter as Golden State held the lead over Washington by one point, 36-35.

At the start of the third quarter, Washington’s Michaela Onyenwere hit a 24-foot three-pointer, but Golden State would take advantage of that halftime break and drop 23 points in the quarter. Washington would hang on, but Ballhalla and their fans were starting to get louder and louder as the end of the third approached. Golden State’s lead would be by five points, 58-53.

On to the final quarter, Washington would give it their all in the final minutes and stun the Valkyries and the fans in Ballhalla. The Mystics would have a big fourth quarter play as they drop 36 points alone on the Valkyries. Golden State would do their best to get back the lead and control the game, but too many shots were going in for Washington.

As the final buzzer goes off, it would be the Washington Mystics celebrating on the court this time. A lot can happen in a few days, where it was Golden State celebrating their win over Washington. The final score would be 90-82, and Golden State was led in this game by Kaitlyn Chen, coming off the bench as well; she would put up 20 points, two rebounds, and six assists.

Golden State will have the rest of the week off, as the WNBA prepares and gets ready to have their 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Valkyries’ Gabby Williams was selected and will participate in the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, in Chicago at the United Center. The Valkyries will return to the season on July 29th in Phoenix, where they will face the Mercury.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries stymied Mystics’ powers 74-69, inside magical Ballhalla Saturday Evening

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Golden State Valkyrie forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) holds the ball above her head against the Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Jul 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.– Another sold out Chase Center crowd witnessed the Golden State Valkyries (19-7) put a spell on the Washington Mystics (12-12) 74-69 Saturday night, and extend their winning streak (9) in the City by the Bay. 

Golden State started the contest off converting the first basket, to lead 2-0 immediately.  Washington managed to come right back and take the lead themselves, previewing a back and forth battle between the two squads. There were ten lead changes and seven ties overall.

In the initial quarter, the Mystics actually held an eight point lead, and managed to keep it at five by quarter’s end, 18-13.  There were multiple lead changes during the first ten minutes too and one tie.  However, the Capital City visitors were able to temporarily stave off the home team.

In the second quarter the Valkyries were able to complete a 17-point turnaround by leading as many as nine points during the second stanza.  They regained the lead around the 5:00 mark, and managed to keep it at recess.  At the midway point of the game, the Valkyries were in possession of a five point lead, 33-28.

No players from either team were able to achieve the double-digit scoring plateau after 20 minutes of WNBA action.  However, there was balanced scoring on both sides and the teams were fighting for the lead.  Golden State was halfway to extending their impressive winning streak, with game momentum in their favor.

In the second half, the Valkyries converted two free throws, to extend their halftime lead to seven.  However, the Mystics used their sorcery to actually overcome and place themselves in front by five at the end of the third ten-minute block, 57-52.  At that point, the raucous home fans were in a roar to will their team to victory.

In the final quadrant Golden State fought back from being six points down, to leading by seven, and desperately trying to hold on to their precious lead.  Despite Washington’s valiant efforts, the Valkyries were able to utilize their shield and win their ninth straight game, with one more before the All-Star break.  After the 40-minute war, Golden State was on top by five points, 74-69.

The Valkyries presented three ballers with 10+ points.  Gabby Williams led the way with 18 points and five assists, while Veronica Burton had a double-double, consisting of 11 points, 11 assists, and grabbed five rebounds.  Kayla Thornton added her 11 points to the team’s efforts.

The Mystics had two players with double-figures.  Shakira Austin  scored a game high 18 points and snagged an equally game high 16 rebounds.  Sonia Citron chipped in 12 points for her team.

Both teams will be right back at it versus each other, Monday July 20, at Chase Center at 7 PM PT on KOVR/KPIX.

Las Vegas Aces game wrap: Fever Hit 14 Three’s Crushing Aces 109-75

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Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) shoots over Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0), as forward NaLyssa Smith (3) defends in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Jul 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (17-6) took on the Indiana Fever (13-9) Sunday evening at Michelob ULTRA Arena after losing to them a week ago both games being played in Las Vegas. The Aces were looking for some payback in this game but it was the Fever that ruled the roost in this game.

After three quarters, the Fever had an 80-64 lead and had led the entire game. Indiana had totally disrupted the Aces normal. They played fast early pushing the pace and forced the Aces to defend before they could get set.

This sort of play wore down the Aces. The points from beyond the arc were a huge part of the success Indiana had. The Fever crowded the passing lanes making it tough to get the ball inside to A’Ja Wilson. Wilson was not getting the clean looks that she so often gets rendering her ineffective much of the time.

The bottom line was that the Aces felt uncomfortable for most of the game. Las Vegas has struggled in first halves and the Fever took advantage playing with higher energy from the start.

The fourth quarter was a nightmare with the Aces falling further and further behind. In the blink of an eye the Fever had a twenty+ point lead 102–75. The final was 109-75 in a game that the Aces look forward to putting in their rear view.

GAME RECAP

Las Vegas got a sluggish start in the first quarter of this game. The Fever had taken early control of the game and the Aces first points on the board came two minutes into the quarter. The Aces got within two points but the Fever held the lead for the entire opening ten minutes of play and led at the half 31-22.

The Aces had gotten a slow offensive start and the Fever pressured the ball well forcing Las Vegas into difficult looks. The Fever also did a better job on the glass creating extra scoring opportunities. Indiana got early production from their key players resulting in great momentum before the Aces were even able to settle in.

Early in the second quarter the Aces called a time-out. The Fever had continued to dominate offensively leading 37-26 two minutes into the quarter. Coming out of the time-out the Aces amped up the intensity which was short-lived.

With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half the Fever had a 51-40 lead and showed no signs of taking their foot off the pedal. They were relentless and with 2:06 left on the clock Indiana had taken their largest lead of the game 54-40.

Las Vegas fought hard but just could not turn their deficit into single digits. They trailed 59-48 going into the half and had a lot of work to do in the second half.

The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell finished the half with 20 points and Aliyah Boston shot for 15. The Aces were having a lot of trouble shutting them down. The only Ace in double digits was A’Ja Wilson with 12 points.

The Fever had continued to dictate the pace in the first half while the Aces had far too many missed shots and came up too often with empty possessions. Las Vegas had to make some major second half adjustments.

The Aces had a far better start in the third quarter pulling to within four points in the early minutes and we had a ball gamel. The Aces were looking for their first lead of the game. The momentum that Las Vegas came into the quarter with disappeared as the quarter wound down.

The Fever continued to hit three’s already with ten while Las Vegas was struggling only hitting three. As the third quarter came to an end the Fever went into the four quarter with an 80-64 lead.

The Aces had made a nice run in the third quarter but let it go in the fourth. Indiana had outscored the Aces in every quarter of the game. The fourth quarter was the icing on the cake for the Fever outscoring Las Vegas 29-11 and pushing their lead out to 91-68. With under five minutes left in the game the Las Vegas starters were all on the bench the game a pretty much done deal. The final was 109-75.

GAME NOTES

The Indiana Fever controlled the game early with a strong start. The Aces once again struggled in the first half of the game. They played from behind the entire game and never led once.

The Fever defended A’Ja Wilson really well and she wasn’t able to dominate inside as she normally does. It was all Fever with Indiana quicker to snatch up loose balls and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.

The Fever also spread the wealth around getting contributions from multiple players. They really got Las Vegas off their game and they were never able to recover.

Kelsey Mitchell was outstanding for the Fever finishing with 27 points. Aliyah Boston had a double double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Caitlan Clark and Monique Billings both had double digits. Indiana had amazing work off the bench from Sophie Cunningham who shot for 20 points.

It was a quiet offensive night for the Las Vegas Aces in this game. A’Ja Wilson finished the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds, a double double. The only other player for the Aces in double digits was Jackie Young with 15 points.

The Las Vegas Aces will get a nice break not taking the court again until July 20th taking on the Toronto Tempo. They will have time to re-group and come back into the season fresh. This game will be played at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Aces Struggle Without A’Ja Wilson Lose to Fever Without Caitlin Clark 84-68

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Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) drives on the Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) in the first half at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces took on the Indiana Fever at T-Mobile Arena. A few of the Las Vegas games have been moved to this venue due to the high demand for tickets.

For a third game in a row, A’Ja Wilson will not take the floor due to an ankle issue. Caitlan Clark is also on the injury list for the Fever. After the first two quarters it became very apparent that beating the Fever today would be a challenge.

The Aces had a one-point lead after the first ten minutes of play 23-24. At the half the Fever had taken the lead 42-41. It didn’t stop there. Indiana outscored the Aces in the third quarter 26-14 and with five minutes left in the game Las Vegas was trailing 77-62. The final was 84-68.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces again took the court without A’Ja Wilson her third missed game in a row. The Aces are so reliant on her rebounding abilities that they may have a struggle on their hands. While they did have a slim lead after the first ten minutes of play, they were turning the ball over and unable to create very many open shots.

The Fever were successfully keeping them out of the paint and shots from beyond the arc just were not working. Las Vegas took a 24-23 lead into the second quarter looking to extend that lead.

The Fever outscored the Aces in the second quarter 19-17 and led at the half 42-41. It was still anybody’s game but Las Vegas was starting to struggle. The turnovers continued and they would have a lot to improve on in the second half. The Fever continued to keep Vegas out of the paint and second chance shots were non-existent. Despite how close this game was, the way that the Aces were operating was not looking good at all.

When the third quarter got underway the Indiana Fever took control with defense, rebounding and timely shooting. The absence of Wilson was really glaring, the team missing her scoring, rebounding and the defensive anchor that she is. The Fever were winning the battle inside. Aliyah Boston controlled the paint and the Fever grabbed key offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. Indiana outscored the Aces 26-14 in the quarter and led going into the fourth quarter 67-55.

The Aces would have to get after it to start the final quarter but they continued to struggle. As the fourth quarter wore on Kelsey Mitchell made several big baskets whenever the Aces attempted a rally.

The Las Vegas offense had cooled off in the second half. They struggled to make shots and could not string together enough stops and scores to erase a significant deficit. The bottom line was that the Fever played a disciplined, physical game and executed better in the closing minutes. Indiana had capitalized on the absence of Wilson. The final was 84-68.

GAME NOTES

The second half was a nightmare for the Aces. The turnovers continued Las Vegas finishing with 13 conceding 13 points. The Fever took a lot more shots than the Aces and came away with numerous second chance opportunities.

Through 3 1/2 quarters the Aces did not have a single second chance ball. The Las Vegas starting lineup struggled the high for the Aces Jackie Young with only 15 points. The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell finished with 27 points and Aliyah Boston a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Aces will not play again until this coming Thursday taking on the Portland Fire. A’Ja Wilson has an estimated return of July 9th which is next Thursday. While the team does not want her to re-injure her ankle they are really hurting without her.

They need her healthy upon her return. Not only is her skill invaluable, she lifts the entire team up when she is on the floor. Tipoff for Thursday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Fight Through Overtime Beating Sky 98-90

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) is fired up after hitting a basket that tied up the game and forced overtime against the Chicago Sky at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Jul 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (15-5) got off to a great start in their matchup with the Chicago Sky (6-14) leading after one quarter 22-19. The Aces really cranked it up in the second quarter outscoring the Sky 27-18 and leading at the half 49-37.

While the Aces held the lead at the half, they were outscored in the third and fourth quarters, in fact, they tied up the game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to go into overtime. It was a wild overtime but it was the Aces who broke through coming away with the win 98-90.

Despite A’Ja Wilson watching the game from the sidelines with a right ankle/leg injury her teammates held their own. WIlson had initially been listed as questionable but ruled out at game time.

This was her second consecutive missed game after sitting out the Commissioner’s Cup this week. Friday night the team had to rely on Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray to generate offense and they really came through as did Nalyssa Smith in a monumental way finishing with the game high of 29 points and 8 rebounds. She was terrific. Gray, Young and Jewell Loyd all turned in double digits in this game.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces outscored the Chicago Sky in the first quarter of their matchup at T-Mobile Arena 22-19. They would be focused on extending that lead throughout the second quarter.

The Aces again outscored the Sky in the second quarter this time by a larger margin 27-18 taking a 49-37 lead into the locker room at the half. They would need more of the same in the second half, keeping the pressure on the Sky.

It got a bit shaky in the third quarter when the Sky answered back outscoring the Aces 27-21. Las Vegas was hanging onto a 70-64 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Sky was taking away the paint and limiting offensive chances for the Aces and they desperately needed to turn that around.

The fourth quarter was a challenging one for Las Vegas. The Sky not only tied up the game but took the lead with 3:47 left in the game 82-81. Chicago took as much as a three point lead in the final minutes of the game. The Aces were able to tie up this game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at 86 but unable to take back the lead. This game went into overtime.

With 2.38 left in the overtime this game remained tied at 88. Jackie Young broke the tie stealing the ball and scoring. With 1:14 left on the clock the Aces had possession and the lead 92-88. This game was going down to the wire.

With 1:08 left in the game the Sky were trailing 92-90 as referees reviewed a collision between Natasha Cloud and Jackie Young that resulted in Young coming away with a bloody lip.

If the review went in the Aces favor, the Sky’s basket and the Vegas foul would be taken away. It did go in their favor and the Aces had a 92-88 lead, Chicago losing the two points. Chelsea Gray hit another basket with under a minute.

The Sky fell apart offensively in the final seconds running out of time. They had played a great second half of basketball just coming up short in the overtime. The final was 98-90 in favor of the Las Vegas Aces.

GAME NOTES

This was a fight right down to the final seconds. The turning point was the challenge by Las Vegas with 1:10 left on the clock that went in favor of the Aces. Las Vegas went on to finish the Sky who began to miss the shots they had been making in the second half. It was a real team effort with the Las Vegas starters really stepping up in the absence of A’Ja Wilson. A lot of credit has to go to the Sky who played tough to the end of this matchup.

The Aces will have the day off Saturday but will be back in action at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday taking on the seventh place Indiana Fever. With the win Friday night the Aces are now tied with the Lynx for first place. Tipoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 4:00 PM PDT.

Valkyries denied Liberty from their East Coast visitors 76-67, Sunday Afternoon inside another sold out BallHalla

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The Golden State Valkyries’ Kaila Charles (6) puts up a shot as New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) defends in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Sunday. Eakin Howard/Getty Images

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (13-7) handled the New York Liberty (12-8) 76-67 inside a packed and raucous Chase Center.

Golden State led from wire to wire, and had the margin as wide as 22 points late in the game.  The Final score was not as indicative of the dominance of the home team.

The Valkyries came into the game with an identical record with the Libertyy, but proved they were not alike after 20 games played in 2026.  After the initial 10 minutes of play, the Liberty were in striking distance, trailing by five points, 20-15.

The second quarter was the key moment when the Valkyries actually took over.  New York showed true pride during the quarter, pulling within one point multiple times; however, Golden State went on an 11-0 run to end the half, totally discombobulating the “Big Apple” team at recess.  

At the half, the Liberty found themselves down by 12 points instantaneously, 41-29.  Although New York had a few chances to take the lead, they instead were picking up themselves from the proverbial matt/floor.

No player from the Golden State side had at least 10 points at the midway point, while Jonquel Jones provided 14 points for the Liberty.  The Liberty wanted to find a solution to their first half woes, and a third quarter blitz was necessary.  Unfortunately that did not come to fruition.

Golden State continued the consecutive points run, but scored the first two points of the second half.  Although New York eventually scored, the Valkyries opened up the lead  to as many as 20 points in the third stanza.  At that point, multiple Golden State players were in double-figures.

After 30 minutes of WNBA game time, the Valkyries led by 16 points, 64-48.  All the momentum was on the Golden State side, as well as the capacity crowd.  The only question left was if the home team would hold on to the insurmountable lead?

In the final quarter, Golden State produced their largest advantage of 22 points, and kept the Liberty at bay on the Bay.  To their credit, New York did cut into that massive deficit, and made the margin a single digit loss of nine points, 76-67.  Not what they wanted, but did show a fighting spirit.  They also gave the Valkyries credit for their suffocating defense as a major factor.

Four Valkyries hit the magic plateau of double-digit scoring.  Kaila Charles led the way with 13 points, while Kayla Thornton chipped in 11, and both Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaun tallied 10 apiece.

The Liberty had just two, including the aforementioned Jonquel Jones with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Breanna Stewart offered 15 points for their cause.

The Valkyries will next be in action Saturday, July 4, as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Dream on the country’s 250th birthday. at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET on CBS.  The Liberty travel back to New York Friday, July 3, to host the Minnesota Lynx at 7:30 PM ET.Reply

Valkyries Win on Pride Night, getting back-to-back Wins on the Atlanta Dream, 78-75

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Golden State Valkyries #3 Laeticia Amihere fighting her way in the paint against the Atlanta Dream’s defense at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Friday June 26th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Robert Edwards-Imagn Image)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries returned to action at their home this Friday night. Once again, the Golden State is hosting the Atlanta Dream as the team celebrated Pride Night in Ballhalla. Just two days ago, Golden State got its first win over Atlanta, 77-66. Friday night, Atlanta came into Chase Center wanting to run it back, and they got it. As the Golden State would take an early-season series on them 2-0, the Valkyries hang on and beat the Dream, 78-75.

In their last matchup on Wednesday evening in San Francisco, Valkyries Gabby Williams dropped 23 points on her 9-of-16 shooting. With a big contribution from her teammate Kayla Thornton, as she knocked down five three pointers and topped it off with her 17 points in their win. That win against Atlanta also snapped their four-game winning streak.

So, once again, with no changes to their starting lineup. Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as their starting five. Golden State’s Cecilia, in the last game, also went 4-of-6 on shooting beyond the arc.

Hoping to bounce back in their last loss at Chase Center. The Atlanta Dream would send out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Coming off the bench and leading the Dream in scoring was Madina Okot with her 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.

Valkyries Kiah Stokes would start the game off in Ballhalla with a 24-foot 3-point jumper and get the Valkyries’ first points of the night. Then, halfway through the first quarter, Kiah Stokes would throw a bad pass, leading Atlanta for a quick running layup, and tying the score, 10-10. Then in the final seconds of the first quarter, again Golden State would cause another turnover, and again leading to Atlanta scoring. Only this time, Dream’s Jordin Canada would make them pay with a 25-foot 3-point step back jump shot. Atlanta holds a 1-point lead, 21-20.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Golden State would get the first basket of the quarter with Kaitlyn Chen driving in for a layup. She would bring the Valkyries lead back by one point, 22-21. The Valkyries would also see more turnovers and shooting fouls called on them. So with that, Atlanta would take advantage and build some momentum, and even take the lead and push it to 6-points, 35-29.

Right before halftime, in the final minute and a half, Golden State’s Kiah Stokes would hit a big three point jumper. Getting the fans and her teammates back on their feet with full of excitement and hope. So at the end of the first half, Golden State is down to Atlanta in their home by just three points, 35-32.

At the start of the second half, Atlanta Dreams Angel Reese would make a quick, inside basket to start the third quarter. Followed right after in the next possession, with Kiah Stokes getting an inside bucket to go in for her own. Atlanta is getting in the paint and seeing some shots going in. Golden State was mentally struggling in their home court and trying to get their offensive momentum going.

Then, Valkyrie Tiffany Hayes fights off a defender for an and one, cutting the lead to two-points, 41-38. That basket would bring some life into Golden State because right after that possession. Golden State’s Kaitlyn Chen would make a 25-foot 3-point jumper and give them the lead, 42-41. In the final 19 seconds of the third, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada would knock down a 3-pointer while getting fouled for a four-point play, 55-49. However, Golden State quickly responded with a driving layup and bringing the lead within four points, 55-51.

So, entering the final quarter of the game, Golden State again would score the first basket of the quarter. Then, eventually, two minutes in, tying the game, 55-55, but it wouldn’t hold long as Atlanta’s Jordin Canada drove it in for the layup. Canada’s impact and style of play were crucial for Atlanta in this game. At the halfway point, Atlanta took the lead by two, due to Jordin Canada once again finding a way inside the paint to score, 63-61.

Entering the final two minutes of the game, both teams were exchanging buckets, back and forth, until Atlanta would challenge a ball possession and lose that challenge. Then, on the next possession, Gabby Williams would make a midrange jumper, giving Golden State the lead, 71-69. Just seconds later, Williams would get a steal on Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and go in for the layup with a minute remaining.

Then it was smooth sailing from there as Golden State would hang on and get the win against Atlanta as time winded down. The final score would be 78-75, as Gabby Williams would lead the Valkyries with her 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. With big help from her teammate, Kiah Stokes, off of her 13 points and had four rebounds.

With one more game remaining in the month of June for Golden State. The Valkyries will remain in their home at Ballhalla and host the New York Liberty. The New York Liberty are coming off a loss in Seattle against the Storm, 99-88. In that loss, Liberty was led by Jonquel Jones with 26 points and eight rebounds. The game will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN.

Aces Handle the Wings After Two Previous Losses 99-84

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) is fired up after scoring against the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Sheppard (right) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jun 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

They say third times a charm. In their first meeting back in late May the Dallas Wings (11-7) beat Las Vegas Aces (13-5) 95-87 and in their second matchup Dallas walloped the Aces earlier this month 96-66. Thursday night the Aces figured it out and via a great opening quarter and a terrific finish they finally beat the Wings in a solid offensive and defensive game 99-84.

Game recap: This was the start that had eluded the Aces in their two previous matches with the Wings. They built an early lead by forcing Dallas into some difficult shots. They also got balanced scoring rather than relying on just one or two players. They controlled the pace and took a 28-17 lead into the second quarter.

The fast start for Las Vegas set the tone for this game in one of their best opening quarters of the season. Aggressive defense, efficient shotmaking and controlling the glass forced Dallas to work overtime for most of their baskets in the first ten minutes of play.

In the second quarter Dallas raised its intensity outscoring the Aces but only by a single point 22-21. The Wings were more aggressive attacking the basket putting more pressure on the Aces. Dallas had found more offensive rhythm in the second quarter than they had had in the opening quarter.

The Aces had more turnovers and a number of empty possessions. They did however respond with timely baskets whenever the Wings threatened to make a major run. Las Vegas had a 49-39 lead at the half.

The Wings continued to hang around in the third quarter again outscoring the Aces by a couple of points 24-22 making this game a bit uncomfortable for Las Vegas. This had been the Aces most uncomfortable stretch in the game.

Dallas came into the quarter with a lot of energy putting a lot of pressure on Las Vegas. They continued to attack the paint playing with greater urgency. The Aces offense on the other hand became less fluid and they had fewer easy scoring opportunities.

By the end of the quarter the comfortable lead the Aces once enjoyed had shrunk. They needed to execute in the fourth quarter and avoid letting the Wings make a comeback.

The Wings had chipped away at the lead in the second and third quarters but the Aces did not panic. They came out and executed better in key moments in the final quarter. Las Vegas made timely buckets and the veterans made smart decisions by hitting key shots, getting to the free-throw line or creating great looks for teammates.

They really tightened up defensively with key stops in the closing moments which made all the difference in this game. They kept the Wings from getting too many second-chance opportunities. Las Vegas outscored the Wings in the fourth quarter 28-21 and the final score in the Vegas win was 99-84.

A’Ja Wilson had the high score in this game with 32 points and Jackie Young finished with 20 points. Chelsea Gray had 11 points and bench players Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Keirstan Bell both came away with double digits. Collectively the bench finished with 31 points.

The Wings’ Jessica Shepard finished the game with a double double, 22 points and 14 rebounds. Paige Bueckers had the high for the Wings with 25 points

Game notes: The Aces settled a score with the Wings with their first win after three tries against Wings. Thursday night they found a way to beat the Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena after losing to the New York Liberty Tuesday night.

The Las Vegas offense sputtered at times in that game and the Liberty came in with a solid game plan that they executed to perfection. The fourth quarter in that game saw the Aces threaten to make a come-back but came up just short losing 87-76.

The score that Las Vegas would dearly love to settle Thursday night however was regarding a loss to the Wings on June 15 to the tune of 96-66. It was a most unexpected lop-sided game with the Wings thrashing the Aces.

Las Vegas does remain in second place in the standings with the Dream nipping at their heels in third place. The season is approaching the half-way mark and the Aces got back on track with a win Thursday night over Dallas. The Wings are currently in fifth place in the WNBA.

The Aces will next take on the Chicago Sky at United Center. The game will take place this Sunday June 28th. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 1:00 PM PDT. It will be televised on CBS and Paramount.

Golden State Valkyries makes 15 Three Pointers in Win over Atlanta Dream, 77-66

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The Golden State Valkyries bench react after a play against the Atlanta Dream in the second quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – On this last Wednesday evening of June, the Golden State Valkyries returned to Ballhalla for some action, hosting the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta came to the Bay riding a four-game win streak and has also gone 6-2 on the road this season. So Atlanta isn’t fazed when it comes to playing on other teams’ courts, but they haven’t played the Valkyries yet this season and found out why Golden State is dangerous at home. As the Valkyries would make 15 three-pointers in the win over the Atlanta Dream, 77-66.

In their last game, the Golden State Valkyries went on a quick road trip back to Las Vegas, where they faced off and lost to the Aces, 93-72. The Valkyries struggled offensively on the road. In the second quarter of that game, Golden State had only put up a low 13 points. Compared to Las Vegas in that quarter, where they had put up 27 points. So Golden State was ready to make this game a bounce back from last Sunday, and use their home court advantage on Atlanta.

The Valkyries sent out Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kiah Stokes as their starting five for this one. In the last game, Cecilia Zandalasini led the Valkyries with her 12 points and three rebounds. This was also the first time these two teams saw each other for the season, so both of them were looking to take game 1 in this season series.

The Dream sent out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Atlanta, looking to make this their fifth straight win of the season, will rely on their inside scoring, which has brought it great success. In fact, Atlanta leads the WNBA in inside scoring, averaging 43.6 points in the paint. In Atlanta’s most recent game, Rhyne Howard led the team with her 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from deep and bringing in seven rebounds in the Dream’s 94-87 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Atlanta Dream would get the game going here in Ballhalla from Rhyne Howard’s 12-foot shot. Then the Valkyries responded with a three-point jumper by Kayla Thornton. Halfway through the first, the game is tied, 11-1, but then Valkyries Gabby Williams would knock down a three-pointer to give Golden State the lead, 14-11.

Valkyries shooting would take over the first quarter. Golden State would go 4-of-8 from deep, lifting them to a 22-18 lead. In the Golden State’s last game on Sunday in Las Vegas, the team went a terrible 5-of-30, so already a huge improvement for the Valkyries. This momentum would get carried through the second quarter for the Valkyries.

With 4 minutes left in the first half, Golden State’s lead jumped to double digits over Atlanta by 14 points, 36-22. The Valkyries are just thriving in their home court, as they’re just feeling themselves and making almost all their shots. They’re shooting over 54% in all of their shooting categories so far in this game. At the end of the 1st half, Golden State’s lead over Atlanta was 17-points, 44-27.

Starting the second half, the Valkyries would score first by Veronica Burton attacking the rim for a quick layup. Then, two minutes into the third quarter, the lead jumped to 23 points by Cecilia Zandalasini, knocking down a corner three-pointer, the largest lead of the game. Ballhalla would turn into a splash party, as Golden State would make its 11th three-pointer of the night.

At the end of the third quarter, the score was now 63-40, with the Valkyries heading into the final quarter with full control of the game. So, going into the fourth and final quarter, Atlanta went on a 7-0 scoring run, and this second unit for the Dream got some rhythm going late in the game. That 24-point lead Golden State had cut to a 12-point lead over Atlanta.

A much-needed three-pointer goes in for Golden State as Cecilia Zandalasini would get one to fall. That shot would be their first field goal of the quarter, which took almost seven minutes in the fourth quarter. With three minutes remaining, the lead was 13 points, 69-56. Atlanta would get as close as a ten point lead, but Valkyries Kayla Thornton would hit a crucial three-pointer that ultimately sealed the game for Golden State.

Valkyries Gabby Williams led the team in this win with her 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Williams had shot over 56% in all her shooting categories this game. Along with help from Kayla Thornton’s 17 points on 5-of-10 from three pointers, and bringing in five rebounds. Although going into the fourth quarter, the Valkyries couldn’t get a shot to go in until almost halfway in, but showed Wednesday night how the Valkyries can always bounce back when they play at home.

The Valkyries will have two more games left in June, and both of those games will be played at home for Golden State. So they’ll be looking forward to winning the last two games of the month and walk into July on a three game winning streak. On Friday evening, at 7:00 p.m., the Valkyries will run it back for another game with the Atlanta Dream right back in here at Chase Center. The game will be broadcast live on ION.