Golden State Valkyries continue late-season surge with dominant 90-59 road victory over Chicago
The Golden State Valkyries continued their late-season surge with a dominant 90-59 road victory over the Chicago Sky on Friday at Wintrust Arena, securing their fourth straight win, their longest streak of the year. With the victory, Golden State reached its 18th win, the most ever by a WNBA expansion team, surpassing the 1998 Detroit Shock (17).
Golden State’s balanced attack and defensive intensity carried the night. Janelle Salaün set the tone early, scoring nine points in the first quarter en route to 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Cecilia Zandalasini led with 20 points, her second straight 20-point outing, while also matching her career high with four steals. Off the bench, Iliana Rupert delivered 14 points in just 20 minutes, going a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Veronica Burton added 11 points, five rebounds, and three steals, and veteran guard Tiffany Hayes chipped in 13 points on 50 percent shooting. Rookie Carla Leite provided a spark as well, scoring seven points in 19 minutes.
The Valkyries showcased their best perimeter shooting performance of the season, hitting 51.9 percent from three (14-27). It was their ninth game with five players in double figures and the third time this season scoring 90 points. Defensively, Golden State overwhelmed Chicago, especially in the third quarter, where they outscored the Sky 27-9, matching their season-best mark for fewest points allowed in a frame. The victory marked the third time in four games the Valkyries held an opponent under 60 points.
Head coach Natalie Nakase praised her team’s defensive discipline and selfless ball movement, noting that Golden State is playing fresher and sharper as it chases a playoff spot. Salaün and Zandalasini echoed that their hot shooting is tied to improved floor spacing, communication, and trust.
“Maybe it has something to do with our new goal, and the new goal is to make the playoffs. So ever since we said we are in a must-win situation, it’s kind of come to fruition…I think it’s just really taking on the challenge of the goal. I asked them if this is what you guys want, they’re like, yeah. So what does that look like? And we talked about a lot of games in a very short amount of time. Commitment to the recovery process I think really has a big onus, so credit to our medical staff. They are working over time, over time, over time to get them into the positions that they are, to play a little bit more fresh, and we did. We looked a little bit more fresh than last time we had this amount of games. They’re sacrificing, they’re becoming elite pros.”
Golden State closed its road trip riding momentum and returns home Sunday, August 17, against the Atlanta Dream looking to extend its historic first season. Game time is 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBA TV plus local broadcasts that include KPIX+ 44, KMAX 31, and PeachtreeTV.
