Valkyries Storm Back to Defeat Fever Behind Strong Fourth Quarter

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries rallied from a 13-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Fever, 88-77, on Thursday night before a capacity crowd of 18,064 at Chase Center. The win marked Golden State’s sixth home sellout in as many games and pushed the expansion team back to .500 at 6-6. The Valkyries outscored the Fever 33-18 in the fourth quarter, shooting 62.5% from the field and committing zero turnovers in the final 10 minutes.

Clark Contained

Fever star Caitlin Clark entered the night averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Golden State’s defense, led by Tiffany Hayes, held the second-year guard to 11 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. Clark went 0-for-7 from three-point range. It was just the second time this season she was held without a made three.

“We just followed the game plan,” Hayes said about defending Clark. “Coach gave us a great game plan. We knew we had to stay up on her. We knew she’s a three-level scorer, and I think it was a great team defensive game today. Everybody was locked in, making sure she didn’t get any easy looks. So, I think it was a great team defensive win.”

Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase praised the defense of her veteran guard.

“She has a lot of reps with the one-on-one matchup,” Nakase said of Hayes. “Tip is quick — she’s one of the quickest players I’ve been around. High IQ, fearless. She wanted the moment.”

A 45-point Bench Boost

Golden State’s depth was key, with the bench contributing 45 points. Chloe Bibby made her WNBA debut and impressed with 12 points and a plus-minus team-best of +25, the best impact of any player in the game.

Kayla Thornton led Golden State with 16 points, her 11th straight game in double figures, and hit five of eight from beyond the arc.

Hayes added 14 points and a season-high five assists. Veronica Burton scored 11 points and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Laeticia Amihere, who returned to the team after being on the training camp roster, chipped in 10 points and a career-high four blocks.

“Our team just stays ready,” Nakase said. “Credit to my coaching staff and to the players who want to work extra…they all stepped up.”

Nakase also talked about her team’s effort after halftime: “So we just had to make corrections, make some adjustments. Much happier with the effort and the rebounding.”

Indiana’s Double-Digit Lead Fizzles

Indiana (6-6) led 44-38 at halftime and maintained a four-point edge entering the fourth. But Golden State’s defensive pressure and transition play turned the tide.

Aliyah Boston paced the Fever with 17 points and 12 rebounds, recording her 29th career double-double. Kelsey Mitchell added 16 points, and Natasha Howard scored 13 and recorded her 4,000th career point.

The game was the first-ever meeting between the Fever and Valkyries.

Up Next

Golden State continues its homestand on Sunday, June 22, against the Connecticut Sun (5:30 p.m. PT on KPIX+, KMAX, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App).

Indiana wraps up a three-game road trip in Las Vegas on Sunday, June 22, facing the Aces at noon PT on ESPN.