The Golden State Valkyries are officially flying into the history books. In the Valkyries vs Chicago Sky match, Cecilia Zandalasini lit up Chase Center with a career-high 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting as our Valkyries dominated the Chicago Sky, 90–59, on Friday night.
With the victory, Golden State (18–15) set a WNBA record for wins by an expansion team, breaking the mark of 17 set by the 1998 Detroit Shock. Four straight wins, franchise-best streak, and a playoff push that feels more real every night — the Bay is buzzing.
🔥 Zandalasini Leads the Charge
Zandalasini was in her bag all night, drilling shots from everywhere on the floor and igniting the Valkyries’ offense when it mattered. But she wasn’t alone. Janelle Salaün dropped 15 points, Iliana Rupert stayed perfect from deep (4-for-4 from three, 14 points total), and Tiffany Hayes added 13. Veronica Burton, fresh off her own career-high earlier this week, chipped in 11 while orchestrating the attack.
⚡ Third-Quarter Knockout
After Rachel Banham briefly tied it up at 44 early in the third, Golden State slammed the door shut with a 15–2 run that sent the Sky spiraling. Chicago missed 11 straight shots and coughed up four turnovers as the Valkyries’ defense turned Chase Center into a fortress. By the time the fourth quarter opened, the Sky had no answers.
🎯 Long-Range Excellence
This Valkyries squad has found its stroke from beyond the arc. After drilling a season-high 15 threes against Washington, Golden State kept the flamethrowers hot with 14-of-27 from deep tonight — including a ridiculous 7-of-10 in the opening quarter. Rupert, Zandalasini, Salaün… everyone was locked in from downtown.
🌉 Bay Area Making Noise
From San Francisco’s Chase Center to fans across Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento, the Valkyries faithful are rallying behind this team as they chase a historic playoff berth. What started as an expansion experiment has turned into a legit force in the WNBA playoff race.
🏀 What’s Next
The Valkyries look to stretch their winning streak to five when they host the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. With the postseason in sight and Violet the Raven watching from her nest, Golden State is proving that the future of Bay Area basketball is already here.
Final: Valkyries 90, Sky 59. Record: 18–15. History made.
The Chicago Sky play in Wintrust Arena. Thank you for the write up.