Tag: WNBA

Las Vegas Aces podcast Michael Roberson: Aces get crushed by Liberty; Vegas rests 3 key starters in loss

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Liberty guard Marine Johannes, center, scored a career-high 27 points Sunday against a depleted Las Vegas Aces lineup. John Jones / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Las Vegas Aces podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Marine Johannes of the New York Liberty paved the way with 27 points, seven 3 pointers defeating the visiting Las Vegas Aces 111-71.

#2 The Aces head coach Becky Hammon rested three of her top starters A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.

#3 With Wilson, Gray and Young out of the line up the Aces were out their average 57 points per game.

#4 The Aces started Brianna Turner, Dana Evans, and Jewell Lloyd who just couldn’t get enough offense going to keep up with the Liberty. Turner, Evans, and Lloyd combined for eight points.

#5 Next up for the Aces the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night. Mystics are fifth in the WNBA at 19-12 and are on a seven game win streak. The Aces are 22-11, 4.5 games out of first and have played .500 ball in their last ten games going 5-5.

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

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Thornton leads Vaklyries with 20 points in 92-82 win

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Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) heads down the floor against the Toronto Tempo at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Aug 4, 2026 (Golden State Valkyries photo)

Golden State Valkyies podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Golden State Valkyries Janelle Salaun scored 21 points and Kayla Thornton scored two three pointers and got two more in the early minutes of the second half finishing with a total of 20 points for a 92-82 win on Tuesday night.

#2 The Valkyries Veronica Burton scored 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and had seven assists in this second of two games with the Toronto Tempo. The Valkyrie also won the first game 96-79 on Sunday.

#3 Salaun owns the Tempo scoring 61 points over the last three games against Toronto and hit 8-12 and got four 3 pointers finishing with 21 points on Tuesday night.

#4 Michael, talk about how beneficial it is for a traveling team to stay in a city like the Tempo did and play two games over three days. It gives a visiting team some rest rather than play one night and fly out that same night.

#5 Next up for the Valkyrie they hit the road against the Dallas Wings Fri Aug 7th for a 6:30pm PDT tip off. The Valkyrie have won 11 of their last 13 games going into Friday’s game.

Michael Roberson does the Golden State Valkyrie podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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Golden State gets the Win & Season Sweep on Toronto, 92-82, on South Asian Heritage Night

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (#5) makes a 24-foot three-point jumper in a WNBA game at Chase Center on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, in San Francisco, CA. (Photo credit Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries (21-9) ran it back with the Toronto Tempo (10-20) on Tuesday night just two days ago, on Sunday, after hosting and beating them by 17 points, 96-79. That win brought Golden State to a 2-0 season series lead on Toronto. So with that, once again, the Valkyries would beat Tempo, 92-82, as Chase Center and Ballhalla celebrated South Asian Heritage Night.

In their last game on Sunday, Valkyries Janelle Salaun would have herself a game. She would lead Golden State with her 24 points and three rebounds, and finish with two assists in the win over Toronto. Salaun’s effort coming off the bench was exactly what the Valkyries needed to win the game. Salaun shot nine for 15 with three-pointers, but just missed her career-high of 26 points on July 8th at Toronto.

Toronto entered this game on a six-game losing streak. Tempo was just, well, looking for their “tempo” and to turn things around this season. They were led by Nyara Sabally with her 19 points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Her presence and efforts in the paint were able to keep Toronto in the game, but not enough to overcome Golden State’s 29-point fourth quarter. Toronto started with guards Kiki Rice, Julie Allemand, forwards Laura Juskaite, Maria Conde, and center Nyara Sabally.

Valkyries guard Veronica Burton contributed to the team’s win with 17 points, two rebounds, and six assists. Valkyries were also perfect on the second chance points, going five for five, and finishing with 13 points in that category. So with that, head coach Natalie Nakase sent out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, and center Kiah Stokes.

Just like Sunday’s game, Ballhalla had a different look for their fans. The Valkyries played on the Chase Freedom Custom Court, the first-ever Valkyries’ custom court and the only one dropped in the WNBA this season so far. For every made Valkyries shot, Chase Freedom will donate $1,000 to the Golden State Community Foundation to support youth development and education across the Bay Area. The Valkyries generated a $49,000 donation after 33 field goals and 16 free throws made.

Valkyries Cecilia Zandalasini would get the game going with a step-back three-pointer, giving an early spark to Golden State. Then teammate Kayla Thornton would knock down back-to-back three-pointers and push the score to 9-2. In fact, the first four baskets for Valkyries were all three-pointers. However, Toronto was determined to turn things around, and they did thanks to Tempo Marina Marbey, who would finish with ten points in the first quarter. At the end, it would be 25-24, Golden State holding onto a one-point lead.

Toronto, at the start of the second quarter, would knock down shots and focus more on their defense. In fact, the first five minutes of this quarter were all Toronto, as they would drop 14 points while Golden State had none in that time, to give Tempo the lead by 13 points, 38-25. However, with four minutes left, Golden State wasn’t gonna let Toronto go on a scoring run in their home. The Valkyries would cut Tempo’s lead down to four points, 40-33.

By halftime, it would be Toronto holding a one-point lead at 42-41. Tempo’s Maria Conde would lead her team with her 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in this game. Valkyrie’s Janelle Salauan is once again playing great against Toronto so far, with her eight points and one rebound in this close one.

Coming into the third quarter, both teams were ready to make offensive moves and take control of the game. Although Toronto and Golden State would have impressive scoring runs, it would be Valkyries starting to take the lead with their 31-point performance. Especially Salaun, who is still going strong and attacking the paint. To end the third, she would see an opening and drive to the paint, with the foul and get the and-one, for a three-point play in the paint. Valkyries would take the lead, 72-68.

Going into the final quarter of the game, Valkyries’ defense would tighten up on Toronto’s offensive possessions to try and put this game away. With 5 minutes left in the game, the Valkyries held an eight-point lead on Tempo. Golden State would make some tough buckets to hold the lead. Valkyries Gabby Williams, trying her best to close this game out, drove to the paint and got her layup to go in.

With a minute left, no time outs for Tempo, and the lead at seven points for the Valkyries. One more clutch bucket would send Tempo back to Toronto with another loss. Then Tempo Marina Mabrey would foul Valkyries Kayla Thornton, and that would send her to the line for two free throws. Those free throws would ultimately be the dagger as time ran out for Toronto. Giving Golden State their second straight win, and the final score was 92-82. The Valkyries were led by Janelle Salaun again, with her 21 points on 4-for-6 at the three-point range.

The Golden State Valkyries will get a three-day rest before heading on to the road. They’ll head to the College Park Center and face off against the Dallas Wings. They’ll play against each other on Friday, August 7th, at 6:30 p.m. This will be the second time these two teams face each other, with Golden State winning the first one on June 17th, with the final score being 91-80.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries impeded the Tempo 96-79, Sunday Evening inside another Sold Out Ballhalla

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Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün (13), who scored 24 points, shoots a 3-pointer over Toronto’s Kia Nurse (11) in the first half Sunday at Chase Center. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (20-9) managed to overcome a blown double-digit lead and come back and overwhelmed the expansion Toronto Tempo (10-19) 96-79, in front of 18,064 fans in the Chase Center Sunday night.

The Valkyries opened the game with a 4-0 run, and had the crowd in a frenzy.  However, the Tempo had a 6-0 run of their own, to take the lead.  They held their advantage, before the home team fought back.  

Golden State finished the initial quarter with a 5-point lead, 25-20.  During the tense first quarter, there were four lead changes and two ties.  The heavily favored Valkyries appeared to have a battle on their hands.  The Tempo gave the appearance they were in the City by the Bay to play.

In the second quadrant, the Valkyries led by as many as 13 points, but managed to squander most of it by recess.  Toronto was on the verge of being blown out of the arena, but managed to forge their way back to a minute deficit, instead of double-figures.  By the time the halftime whistle blew, that 13-point lead was whittled to just one point, 44-43.

At the midway point of the game, one player from both teams managed to score at least 10 points.  Gabby Williams logged ten points for the Valkyries, while Nyara Sabally produced 12 points and seven rebounds for her Canadian organization after 20 minutes.  The Valkyries had some explaining to do at the break.

Although the Valkyries managed to score the first bucket of the second half, they were still in jeopardy of losing that previous huge lead.  Toronto did finally overcome that 13-point disadvantage at the 7:54 mark of the third quarter., 49-48.  The Valkyries were on their heels and about to disappoint the Bay Area faithful supporters.  The Tempo put the lead up to their top notch of a five point lead (56-51) approximately two minutes later.

Golden State managed to turn that deficit to an 8-point lead late in the same quarter, and eventually settled for a lead of six (67-61) after 30 minutes of WNBA action.  The Valkyries appeared to have righted the ship.

In the Final stanza, the Valkyries pushed the lead as high as 17 points, and took total control of the contest.  During the second half, despite lead changes, Golden State outscored the Tempo by 16 points.  Toronto’s coach even intimated that her team may have run out of gas in the second half.  They did have an uphill battle most of the game.

At the final buzzer, the full house erupted with joy as the Valkyries won their 20th game of the season, and fought off a potentially embarrassing loss.  After it was all said and done, the second year squad won in blowout fashion, 96-79.  The Tempo will have come right back at the victors in part two of the series.

Janelle SaSalaun led all scorers with 24 points.  Veronica Burton contributed 17 points and six assists, while Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes tallied 15 points.  Kiah Stokes grabbed 11 rebounds, to go with her eight points.

Toronto’s starting five all reached the 10+ points plateau.  The aforementioned Sabally led with 19 points and eight rebounds.  Rookie sensation Kiki Rice put up 16 points and five assists, Laura Juskaite (15), Julie Allemand (11) and six assists, and Maria Conde (10), five rebounds and five assists..

Both teams will be right at it in Ballhalla on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 PM PT on KMAX/KPIX+.

Aces Get Past New York In a Wild Game With An Even Wilder Finish 104-99

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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives on the New York Liberty’s center Jonquel Jones (left) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jul 30,2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (20-8) took on the New York Liberty (16-13) in was a highly competitive game between the two rivals. The Aces got a grip on Liberty with a 104-99 win at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

The Aces came out on fire with Jackie Young leading the charge hitting 22 points in the first half.

They took a 52-44 lead into the half and would need more of the same in the third quarter. The Liberty made some needed adjustments in the second half still unable to take the lead but getting to within a single point.

When it got so very close, the Aces pushed back taking a 70-61 lead with 3:25 left in the third. With a lot of time left on the clock this game was still up for grabs. A’Ja Wilson came alive in the third quarter scoring 18 points finishing with 28 through three quarters giving Las Vegas a 79-71 lead going into the fourth.

The final quarter was a wild one with the Aces coming out on top 104-99. There were some key plays down the stretch for Las Vegas and a little bit of luck thrown in as well.

GAME RECAP

The Liberty got off to a great start in the early minutes of the first quarter but the Aces came roaring back with Jackie Young taking charge. After less than four minutes into the quarter Young was on a heater leading the comeback rally giving the Aces a 14-12 lead. She demonstrated her ability to hit three-point shots going 3 of 3.

As the opening quarter wore on this game was off the charts competitive with the lead changing back and forth throughout. After the first ten minutes of play Las Vegas was hanging onto a 27-26 lead.

Las Vegas continued to fight back in an effort to push out their lead in the second quarter. Jackie Young had an incredible quarter scoring 22 points in the first half. She was on fire and the Liberty were unable to extinguish that fire.

A’Ja Wilson also had double digits in the first half but it was Young who had the hot hand. At the half the Aces had created a 52-44 lead. It was Las Vegas who was dictating the pace taking more and more control of this game throughout the second quarter.

The Aces hit 8 shots from downtown in the first half while the Liberty only hit four. Las Vegas had put themselves in a strong position although an eight point lead is not a safe lead against a team with the likes of Breanna Steward and Sabrina Ionescu aboard. Second-chance points could swing this game in the second half.

New York could not afford to give the Aces extra possessions. If Steward and Ionescu really get going attacking the paint then the Aces would have to work a lot harder getting open shots and they cannot have any sort of breakdown. We will for sure see some major adjustments from the Liberty and how the Aces handle that could very well determine the winner of this game.

There were fireworks in the first half of this game and the third quarter displayed more fireworks. After the Aces had pushed their lead out to 54-44, the Liberty pushed back and two minutes into the quarter New York was trailing by only four points 58-54.

The Liberty had even more energy than in the first half and they were making a real push in a one-possession ball-game four minutes into the quarter. Las Vegas needed to regain the energy they had in the first half.

The Aces were in foul trouble with Chelsea Gray and Nalyssa Smith both with four personals. A’Ja Wilson had hit 18 points in the quarter with 30 seconds left in the clock. Going into the fourth quarter Las Vegas had a 79-71 lead and they would need to continue to elevate their play to finish off this game.

The Aces started off the fourth quarter stripping the ball from Breanna Stewart and the race was on. After taking a ten-point lead the Liberty cut the Aces lead in half. They were not going down without a fight.

Despite getting close the Liberty had still been unable to take the lead although threatening throughout the fourth quarter. Both teams were coming away with empty possessions with 3:36 remaining in the game.

Las Vegas was still clinging to a 92-87 lead. It was crunch time in the final two minutes of the game with Las Vegas taking a 98-93 lead with 55 ticks left on the clock. Chelsea Gray fouled out with 20 seconds left in the game giving Ionescu a couple of free throws.

She made both but the Aces got a huge break when the officials missed a call that would have given the Liberty the ball trailing by 3 points with ample time to tie up this game. Las Vegas went on to win the game 104-99.

GAME NOTES

It was a wild game for Las Vegas. Both teams played their hearts out this game going down to the wire. An unfortunate break late in the fourth quarter for New York occurred when the officials missed a call that solidified the 104-99 win for the Aces.

A’Ja Wilson found her groove in the second half finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds, a double double. Jackie Young had 29 points and Chelsea Gray finished with 16 points before fouling out.

This was an outstanding game for both teams and it was unfortunate when the officials, all three of them, missed a critical call that hurt the Liberty when they would have had then opportunity to at least tie up this game.

Not to diminish the Las Vegas effort but the bottom line is that these officials really blew it in the closing seconds something that cannot happen in a game the caliber of this one.

Brenna Ionescu had the high for the Liberty with 26 points and 11 rebounds also with a double double and Pauline Astier chipping in 19 points.

The Aces will now head out on the road; their first stop in Chicago taking on the Sky. They will face some challenges on this road trip with stops in Atlanta, Indiana, Minnesota and finally finishing off the trip taking on the Liberty once again. They will take it one game at a time with their first road matchup Saturday in Chicago with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Aces Victory Determined In Opening Quarter Beating Portland 98-83

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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) takes a lay up against the Portland Fire’s guard Carla Leite (0) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (19-8) were looking for a fast start in the first quarter of their matchup with the Portland Fire (11-17) Tuesday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena and what they got was a lighning start leading after the first ten minutes of play 36-21.

They would be looking to extend that lead in the second quarter and take a sizeable lead into the half, a lead that could turn out to be unsurmountable. After leading by as much as 17 points in the first quarter they did not get the enormous lead at the half that they were looking for but they did take a good size lead into the locker room at the half 53-37.

The Fire had rallied in the second quarter but the Aces held steady going into the third quarter. Although the Aces have struggled in the fourth quarter of games they held on in this one for a 98-83 win.

They had led for most of the game. It was the first quarter that decided the winner of this game. For three quarters, the Fire played a really competitive game. They matched the Aces shot for shot with each team scoring 62 points in the final three quarters.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces had a great start in their matchup with the Portland Fire taking a 36-21 lead after the first quarter came to an end. Las Vegas played with good offensive pace and got quality looks early. They got efficient scoring from their starters and strong guard play. They forced Portland into some difficult shots with some solid defense.

The Aces had led by as much as 17 points in the opening quarter but the Fire began to flip the script as the second quarter got underway. Portland cut the Las Vegas lead to six points mid-way through the quarter prompting a timeout.

The Fire continued to threaten the Las Vegas lead refusing to back down playing a much more competitive quarter than their opener. As the first half came to an end the Aces had pushed their lead back out to sixteen 53-37.

Despite the rally that the Fire forged in the second quarter the Aces did continue to control the pace of the game. They had hit seven shots from beyond the arc and they were a perfect 8 of 8 at the line. Each team had seven turnovers and Las Vegas would be looking to clean that up in the second half. A’Ja Wilson finished the half with 14 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each had 13 points. The only Portland players in double digits was Megan Dileo with ten points.

The Aces outscored Portland in the third quarter 27-26 keeping their double digit lead intact going into the fourth quarter. They were holding onto a 79-64 advantage.

The fourth quarter of recent games have proven to be low-scoring for the Aces this season compared to the first three quarters of their games. It has been the fourth quarter that has determined the outcome in games for Las Vegas at times.

Mid-way through the final quarter, the Aces continued to hang onto a sixteen point lead. 89-73. As the clock continued to wind down Las Vegas stubbornly hung onto their double digit lead. The final was 98-83.

GAME NOTES

This game was largely determined in the opening quarter. The Aces jumped on Portland early and controlled the game with their defense and star power. Las Vegas created a lead in the first quarter that the Fire never fully recovered from.

A’Ja Wilson set the tone being a major factor inside giving Portland problems with scoring and rebounding. It was not only WIlson that racked up the points with Jackie Young and others keeping the Fire from making a comeback. Portland’s slow start really hurt them and the Aces took full advantage.

A’Ja Wilson had the game high a double double with 28 points and 14 rebounds. Jackie Young was also on fire finishing with 25 points. Chelsea Gray chipped in 17 points and Jewell Loyd had 11 points off the bench.

The team high for the Fire was Megan Dileo with 20 points. Portland had a number of players finishing with double digits, Bridget Carleton had 13, and Carla Leite with 11 points. Off the bench Frieda Buhner was outstanding finishing with 16 points.

Las Vegas is now in second place in the standings tied with the Golden State Valkyries 2.5 games behind the Lynx. Thursday night the Aces will take on the New York Liberty at home. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM as they fight to retain their place near the top of the standings.

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.