Down. Doubtful. Defiant. Unfortunately, Kayla Thornton is out for the season.
That’s how it started. And that’s how it flipped.
On Friday night, the Golden State Valkyries walked into halftime with only 30 points and a 12-point hole. By the final buzzer? They had turned Chase Center into a cauldron, dropping 56 points in the second half to complete an 86–76 comeback win over the Dallas Wings.
The expansion squad — one player down, one dream still alive — proved yet again that Ballhalla never quits.
🔥 The Spark: Third Quarter Inferno
The first half? A grind. Shots clanged. Offense sputtered. Fans were restless.
But then the third quarter came, and everything changed.
- 33 points in the quarter.
- The ball zipped. The crowd roared.
- By the end of the frame, the Valkyries led 63–60.
It wasn’t just a rally. It was a revival.
🛡️ The Clutch Moments
Dallas wouldn’t go quietly. Paige Bueckers tied it at 71 with a floater that silenced the crowd.
But Ballhalla answered.
- Temi Fagbenle grabbed a monster offensive board with under three minutes left, muscled in the putback, and drilled the free throw for a three-point play that made it 78–72.
- From there, Tiffany Hayes iced it at the line, going 5-for-6, while Veronica Burton calmly knocked down 3 of 4 free throws to seal the deal.
Every possession was a fight. Every free throw a dagger.
✨ Heroes of the Night
- Tiffany Hayes: veteran takeover mode, 17 points, clutch at the line.
- Janelle Salaun: 16 points, pure hustle.
- Carla Leite: 14 points, fearless drives.
- Temi Fagbenle: 11 points, 8 boards, the biggest rebound of the game.
- Cecilia Zandalasini: 10 points, steady off the bench.
Golden State had five players in double figures. It was balance. It was belief.
💔 Kayla Thornton News
Before tipoff, the Valkyries confirmed the gut punch: All-Star forward Kayla Thornton is out for the season after knee surgery earlier this week.
This one was for KT. And you felt it in how they fought.
🔮 What’s Next
The Valkyries improve to 11–12, back within striking distance of a playoff spot as they head to Connecticut on Sunday.
The second-half surge was more than a win — it was a statement:
Even without their star, Ballhalla will battle.
