In a weekend clash lit by 3-point barrages and mounting injuries, the Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces matchup saw the Valkyries’ three-game win streak snapped by the defending champs. Jewell Loyd came off the bench like a storm with 27 points and a season-high seven threes. This performance powered the Las Vegas Aces to a 101–77 win over our short-handed Valkyries.
Golden State (14–14) entered Sunday’s showdown without All-Star Kayla Thornton (knee), sparkplug Monique Billings (ankle), veteran sniper Tiffany Hayes (ankle), and Cecilia Zandalasini (foot). And just when it couldn’t get worse, Janelle Salaün was ejected late in the second quarter for a Flagrant 2. This was a dagger that left the Valkyrie shield even thinner.
In the heat of the Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces clash, even with the odds stacked sky-high, Iliana Rupert delivered her best performance in purple and gold, dropping a season-high 17 points. She showed why her midseason arrival might still change the playoff race. Laeticia Amihere added 14 points and nine boards off the bench, and Carla Leite poured in another 14 with her usual blend of speed and grit. Kaila Charles chipped in 13 in extended minutes.
The Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces game saw the Aces come out swinging, building a 28-point lead and draining 18 threes on 40 attempts. But even in defeat, the Valkyries found moments — sparks of resilience, signs of heart. These are the kind that define this franchise in its debut season.
Yes, it was a tough ending to a gritty 3–2 road trip.
But the fight? It’s still very much alive. And the next battle is already loaded: Wednesday. San Francisco. The Aces come to Chase.
Let’s make Ballhalla roar.
