The Golden State Valkyries extended their franchise-record winning streak to six games with an 83-75 road victory over the Toronto Tempo, marking Golden State’s first franchise win over Toronto.
Janelle Salaün led the way with a career-high 26 points, adding six rebounds and one steal in just over 23 minutes. She shot 7-for-10 from the field and 5-for-6 from three-point range, including a perfect 3-for-3 from deep in the fourth quarter.
Kayla Thornton added 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds, shooting 4-for-6 from the field, 3-for-5 from three and 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Kaitlyn Chen scored 16 points and added three assists and one steal, while Veronica Burton finished with a team-high six assists, six points and two steals.
Golden State’s second unit played a major role, helping the Valkyries post 52 bench points, one shy of the franchise record. The Valkyries also forced a franchise-high 20 turnovers and held Tempo guard Marina Mabrey to 11 points after she entered the game averaging 21.1 points per game.
Toronto was led by Isabelle Harrison, who finished with 24 points and eight rebounds. Mabrey added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Julie Allemand had nine points and seven assists.
Golden State took control with a 22-6 run in the second quarter, part of a 30-point period highlighted by three straight three-pointers from Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini and Thornton.
After the game, head coach Natalie Nakase pointed to the team’s depth and ability to play through adversity.
“Playing through adversity has been the key,” Nakase said. “The second unit came to life again, so credit to them for staying ready.”
Thornton called it “a great team win,” crediting Golden State’s depth and defensive focus. Salaün said the Valkyries’ defense helped fuel her shooting night, adding that the team’s fighting mindset helped carry the win.
Golden State’s balanced production, bench scoring and defensive pressure proved to be the difference as the Valkyries continued their historic winning streak.
