The Golden State Valkyries finished their road swing on Friday with a game against the Chicago Sky, looking to continue their winning streak against a team that is not really in the playoff picture. The hosts had the better start and it took a while for the Valkyries to build a comfortable lead, but they made a big run in the third quarter to build a margin that lasted. The 90-59 win meant that the team kept rolling as their competitors for spots in the playoffs also had good days.
First Quarter
Chicago had the better start, getting two early baskets from good work in the post by Elizabeth Williams. Tiffany Hayes hit a three-pointer for the Valkyries to start the scoring between a pair of turnovers, but Sevgi Uzun hit a pair of three-pointers for the Sky. Golden State started to settle down eventually as Janelle Salaun hit a trio of shots from distance while Cecilia Zandalasini made a pair of layups, but the Sky also played well on offense to keep the lead going back and forth. The Valkyries had to take a timeout after Zandalasini took some contact to the face, but the substitutes made an immediate impact, including Kaila Charles returning on a third straight 7-day contract. Iliana Rupert and Hayes joined the party beyond the arc and it was Zandalasini’s turn right at the end of the quarter for the 27-23 lead.
Second Quarter
The Valkyries extended their run from the end of the last quarter to 13-0 with an excellent start. Carla Leite got fouled once again behind the arc to get three free throws, Veronica Burton continued the strong shooting for the team and then Kate Martin came off the bench to also hit free throws. Chicago answered with their own 8-0 run before Martin was the latest player to make a three-pointer. Temi Fagbenle did not connect from distance, but she was fouled and hit the free throws, but the Sky had another 8-0 run while holding Golden State without a field goal for nearly the entire latter half of the quarter. Tiffany Hayes did make one free throw for a 42-40 lead at the break.
Third Quarter
Cecilia Zandalasini scored the first points of the half, but the Valkyries zone was punished with another Defensive Three Seconds violation. Rachel Banham made the free throw and a three-pointer to tie the score. Veronica Burton gave Golden State the lead on a free throw and Tiffany Hayes finally ended a stretch of over seven minutes of game time without a made field goal and then converted a three-point play. Burton hit a three-pointer to help the Valkyries push the lead back out as part of a 25-5 surge to end the quarter with a 69-49 advantage.
Fourth Quarter
After the last game when a comfortable lead was nearly completely wiped out, the Valkyries were looking to put the game away earlier this time. The defense did their part, keeping the Sky scoreless for over six minutes before the dreaded Defensive Three Seconds violation. The three-point shooting did not stop with makes from Janelle Salaun and Cecilia Zandalasini being sandwiched by a pair of makes from Iliana Rupert. The bench was cleared for the final three minutes and Kaitlyn Chen scored to provide the final 90-59 win.
The Verdict
Golden State has been on a good run during a key part of the season in their push to make the playoffs. This was a noteworthy victory in that quest as they officially broke the record for wins for an expansion team in a very different era from when that mark was set. Taking care of business against a team outside of the playoff spots was huge as the Valkyries now play three games in a row against teams that are above them in the standings. Any minutes of rest of the starters were also welcome as the schedule continues to be tough with games every other day.
Player of the Game
This was a good team effort, but the award definitely goes to Cecilia Zandalasini for this game. She had a career WNBA game in the last outing, but happened to have a teammate record an even bigger statline. She picked up right where she left off previously, matching that point mark in this game. While her shooting continues to be great, she continued to chip in with playmaking, rebounding, and defense in her return to the starting lineup and has been critical with Kayla Thornton injured.
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