Golden State seals season series over LA behind Zandalasini’s hot start & Burton’s leadership. The Valkyries vs Sparks rivalry added excitement to the series this year.
Chase Center was electric from the opening tip, and the “Beat LA!” chants were already bouncing off the rafters before the ball even went up. Head coach Natalie Nakase doesn’t usually circle games in red ink, but she made it clear — this one was a must-win in our hunt for the playoffs.
And our Valkyries answered.
Golden State (15–15) came in battered — two straight losses, key players still sidelined — but instead of folding, they fought. Veronica Burton commanded the floor, pacing us with 16 points and steady leadership. Cecilia Zandalasini lit the first-half fuse, dropping 14 points on a sizzling 5-for-7 shooting before halftime. Every bucket felt like a dagger into LA’s hopes.
The Sparks (14–16) had been rolling — 8 wins in their last 10 — and they got Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell back. Didn’t matter. Our defense came out snarling, holding LA scoreless in the paint in the entire first quarter. We controlled the tempo, clogged every driving lane, and made them earn every single point.
By late in the second quarter, the crowd could feel it — this wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. The final buzzer sealed a 72–59 Valkyries victory, the season series over our in-state rivals, and a one-game edge over LA in the standings.
From the first “Beat LA” chant to the final horn, this felt like more than just Game 30 of an expansion season. This was Valhalla basketball — fight, grit, and pride.
Next stop: Monday night vs. the Connecticut Sun. The battle for the 8-seed is just heating up.
Final: Valkyries 72, Sparks 59.
Valhalla rising. ⚔️💜
Really appreciate your write-ups and fandom.