The shots didn’t fall. The rhythm never came during the intense matchup of Golden State Valkyries vs Seattle Storm. The road stayed rough.
The Golden State Valkyries closed out their first half of the season with a gritty but frustrating 67–58 loss to the Seattle Storm on Wednesday night. Indeed, the game against the Seattle Storm highlighted the challenges for both teams. A defensive slugfest that felt more like a street fight than a basketball game, both squads bricked their way through stretches, but Seattle’s veteran composure — and Nneka Ogwumike’s 22 points — proved just enough in this matchup between Golden State Valkyries vs Seattle Storm.
With the loss, the Valkyries head into the All-Star break at 10–12, sitting in ninth place, just outside the playoff picture. The skid is real: three straight L’s, five losses in their last six, especially after facing teams like the Seattle Storm. But the fight during the Golden State Valkyries vs Seattle Storm match? That’s still alive.
⚔️ First Half Flashes
For all the shooting woes, the ball movement was sharp early.
Golden State dished out 9 assists on their first 11 made buckets, with six different Valkyries sharing the rock.
- Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, and Kate Martin each dropped two dimes in that stretch.
- Burton continues to be the league’s quiet architect, ranking top 10 in assists per game (5.2).
The teamwork was there — the shots just refused to cooperate, especially against strong teams like the Seattle Storm.
💜 Zandalasini Stands Tall
On a night where the offense went ice cold, Cecilia Zandalasini was the spark off the bench.
- 12 points in 25 minutes
- The only Valkyrie to hit multiple threes
- A perfect 4-for-4 from the stripe
She was fearless, hunting shots when no one else could find the bottom of the net, even when challenged by the Seattle Storm defense.
🛑 Thornton Caged Again
It happens so rarely you almost forget it’s possible: Kayla Thornton in single digits.
Seattle’s defense has become her kryptonite. For the second time this season, the Storm snapped her scoring streak, holding her to just 4 points on 1-for-9 shooting. Half of her four single-digit games have come against this squad.
But Ballhalla knows what comes next: redemption. Thornton will have a chance to reset the rhythm at the All-Star Game this Saturday in Indiana (5:30 p.m. PT on ABC).
🧩 Clutch Time Woes
This was the 14th clutch game for the Valkyries — tied for second most in the WNBA during their showdown with the Seattle Storm.
- Seattle improved to 10-6 in clutch scenarios thanks to their prowess in games like the one against the Valkyries.
- Golden State? 6-8, tied with Dallas for the most clutch-time losses in the league.
The silver lining? They’re right there, trading blows with the best. But late-game execution remains the thin line between heartbreak and triumph.
🛡️ What It Means
The Valkyries have taken their lumps in this first half. But look closer:
- They’re in every game.
- They’re pushing veteran squads to the edge.
- They’re learning how to close.
When this team finally puts it all together? Ballhalla is going to be unstoppable. Indeed, the next time Golden State Valkyries face Seattle Storm, expect a thrilling encounter.
For now, they’ll breathe, regroup, and come out of the All-Star break sharper.
