San Francisco, CA – June 27, 2025 – The WNBA landscape was set ablaze Friday night at the Chase Center as the Golden State Valkyries, in a display of resilience and offensive firepower, edged out the Chicago Sky in a fiercely contested battle, securing an 83-78 victory. The game, a true testament to the competitive spirit of women’s basketball, saw a career-defining performance from Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton, whose scorching 29 points proved to be the decisive factor.
From the opening tip, the intensity was palpable. Both squads traded blows in a high-octane first quarter, with the Valkyries establishing a slight edge, ending the period up 20-22. The Golden State faithful were on their feet as their team demonstrated an early chemistry that belied their relatively nascent status in the league. The Sky, however, led by the formidable Angel Reese, refused to yield, showcasing their trademark grit on the boards.
The second quarter saw a more defensive battle unfold, with scoring becoming a tougher proposition for both teams. Despite periods of offensive droughts, particularly for Chicago, the Valkyries maintained their slender lead, heading into halftime with a 39-34 advantage. The chess match between coaches was evident, with adjustments being made on both ends of the floor.
As the third quarter commenced, the Sky mounted a charge, determined to close the gap. Ariel Atkins, with 20 points on the night, provided a significant offensive spark for Chicago, while Reese continued her rebounding masterclass, pulling down an astounding 18 boards. Yet, the Valkyries weathered the storm, holding onto a narrow 56-54 lead as the teams entered the crucial final frame.
The fourth quarter was a spectacle of clutch plays and dramatic swings. Kayla Thornton, already having a stellar night, elevated her game to another level. Her timely three-pointers and relentless attacking of the rim kept the Sky at bay. With just two minutes remaining, Thornton drained her fourth triple of the night, extending the Valkyries’ lead to 78-70, sending the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy.
While the Sky made a valiant push in the dying minutes, including a critical offensive rebound and score from Angel Reese, the Valkyries held their nerve. Tiffany Hayes, who contributed 13 points, sealed the deal with crucial free throws, ensuring the Golden State Valkyries’ hard-fought 83-78 triumph. Other notable performances for the Valkyries included Kate Martin’s 11 points and Kaitlyn Chen’s 10. For the Sky, Kia Nurse added 17 points, and Rachel Banham chipped in with 11. The absence of Kamilla Cardoso due to overseas commitments was certainly felt by the Sky, particularly in their frontcourt rotation.
This victory marks a significant moment for the Golden State Valkyries (7-8), demonstrating their growing cohesion and potential in the league. For the Chicago Sky (4-11), it’s another tough loss in what has been a challenging season, despite the individual brilliance of players like Angel Reese. Looking ahead, these two exciting WNBA franchises are set to clash twice more in the 2025 season, promising more thrilling basketball action. Fans can mark their calendars for August 1st and August 15th, both scheduled to take place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The WNBA continues to deliver captivating storylines, and the rivalry between the Valkyries and the Sky is certainly one to watch.
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