Chase Center was rocking Monday night during the game between the Golden State Valkyries vs the Connecticut Sun, as the Valkyries put on an offensive clinic in the second half, burying the Sun 74–57 in a game that could prove massive for the WNBA playoff race.
With the victory over the Connecticut Sun, Golden State (16–15) jumped into 7th place in the standings with just 13 games left — and if this is the kind of shooting they bring to the postseason chase, watch out.
Stream bestsellers, popular titles and more
Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini each poured in 17 points, with Hayes also etching her name in history — passing Sheryl Swoopes (4,875) for 31st on the WNBA’s career scoring list. Janelle Salaün added 16 points, including a pivotal third-quarter flurry that broke the game open.
🔥 The Game-Turning Run
After a gritty, defense-heavy first half (32–26 Valkyries), Salaün caught fire, scoring on three straight possessions. Zandalasini followed with a dagger three, and suddenly Golden State had its first double-digit lead at 45–33. By the time the third quarter was seven minutes old, the match against the Connecticut Sun featured the Valkyries already nailing their fifth three of the period, stretching the gap to 53–36.
The Sun (5–26), who dropped to 1–15 on the road this season, never recovered. A 14–2 Golden State run in the fourth, capped by a corner triple from rookie Kate Martin, pushed the lead to 69–50 and sent the Chase Center crowd into full celebration mode.
📊 By the Numbers
- 3-Point Barrage: Golden State shot 13-of-33 from deep (39.4%), while Connecticut managed just 5-of-25. The 3-point victories contribute immensely to the Valkyries’ position over Connecticut.
- Playmaker Energy: Veronica Burton dished out 10 assists, running the offense with surgical precision.
- Depth & Balance: Iliana Rupert chipped in 10 points, while the Valkyries’ defense held Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey to just 3 points, demonstrating the Valkyries’ dominance over the Connecticut Sun.
⚡ What’s Next
The Valkyries continue their three-game homestand looking to solidify their playoff positioning. If this mix of hot shooting, relentless defense, and Hayes-Zandalasini leadership keeps up, Golden State might be one of the most dangerous lower seeds come postseason time, especially after their triumph against the Connecticut Sun.
Final Score: Valkyries 74, Sun 57 🌟
Keep up the write-ups!
PS: Money Martin is in her 2nd year in the WNBA. Not a rookie.