The Golden State Valkyries extended their franchise-record winning streak to seven games with a 79-64 road victory over the Connecticut Sun.
The win was also the 40th in Valkyries history. Golden State reached the milestone in its 68th game, becoming the fastest expansion team to record 40 victories.
Veronica Burton led the Valkyries with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and two blocks, shooting 7-for-12 from the field. Janelle Salaün added 16 points, a team-high seven rebounds and three steals, connecting on four three-pointers.
Kaila Charles stepped into the starting lineup and contributed nine points and five rebounds, shooting 3-for-5 from the floor. Tiffany Hayes also scored nine points without missing a field-goal attempt, while Kaitlyn Chen added eight points.
Golden State created separation with a dominant defensive second quarter, holding Connecticut to a franchise-low six points in the period. The Sun shot 3-for-15 from the field, missed all four of their three-point attempts and committed eight turnovers during the quarter.
The Valkyries forced 20 turnovers, tying the franchise record, and continued a strong stretch of perimeter defense. Over their last three games, Golden State’s opponents have combined to shoot 17-for-64 from three-point range.
Laeticia Amihere gave the Valkyries six points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks off the bench. Nadia Fingall also recorded the first three-pointer of her WNBA career.
Connecticut was led by Diamond Miller, who finished with 14 points. Olivia Nelson-Ododa added 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Aaliyah Edwards scored 11 points. Charlisse Leger-Walker contributed 10 points, and Leila Lacan recorded eight points, six assists and two steals.
Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase praised the team’s depth and next-player-up mentality after playing without Gabby Williams.
“We talk about next woman up,” Nakase said. “Kai got the start and did an excellent job. We need everyone contributing, whether they are physically on the floor or helping from the bench.”
Nakase also highlighted the second-quarter defense but said the Valkyries still have room to improve.
“We were very connected and communicating,” she said. “Now we have to find that consistency in all four quarters.”
Burton credited Golden State’s depth for helping the team continue its winning streak.
“To have the depth that we have makes us really difficult to play,” Burton said. “Anyone on our team can start. It is about putting egos aside and finding a way to contribute.”
The Valkyries completed a stretch of four wins in seven days and continued to find different ways to win. This time, defensive pressure and balanced production carried Golden State to a 15-point victory and another franchise milestone.
