Golden State Valkyries will continue with an increase in the late season with dominant 90-59 road victory in Chicago

The Golden State Valkyries continued their increase in the late season with a dominant 90-59 road victory on the Chicago Sky on Friday in Wintrust Arena, as a result of their fourth consecutive victory, their longest line of the year. With the victory, Golden State reached its 18th victory, the most ever by a WNBA expansion team, which surpassed the Detroit shock from 1998 (17).

The balanced attack and the defensive intensity of Golden State wore the night. Janelle Salaün set the tone early and scored nine points in the first quarter on the way to 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Cecilia Zandalasini led with 20 points, her second consecutive 20-point outing, while she also matched her career High with four Steals. From the bank, Iliana Rupert delivered 14 points in just 20 minutes, and went a perfect 4-out-4 from further out of the bow. Veronica Burton added 11 points, five rebounds and three steals, and experienced guard Tiffany Hayes broke at 50 percent in 13 points. Rookie Carla Leite also gave a spark and scored seven points in 19 minutes.

The Valkyries showed their best circumference performance of the season and reached 51.9 percent of three (14-27). It was their ninth game with five players in double digits and the third time this season scored 90 points. Defensively, Golden State Chicago, especially in the third quarter, defeated the Sky 27-9, with their season-best figure for the least points allowed in a frame. The victory marked the third time in four games that the Valkyries had an opponent under 60 points.

Head coach Natalie Nakase praised the defensive discipline of her team and selfless ball movement and noted that Golden State is playing fresher and sharper while haunting a play -off place. Salaün and Zandalasini reflected that their hot shooting is bound by improved floor distance, communication and trust.

“Perhaps it has something to do with our new goal, and the new goal is to make the play-offs. So since we said we are in a must-win situation, it has come to fruition a bit … I think it just assumes the challenge of the goal of the goal. Credit our medical staff. A little more fresh than the last time we had this amount of games.

Golden State closed his road trip at the Momentum and returns home Sunday, August 17, against the Atlanta -Drome who wants to extend its historic first season. Play time is 17:30 pt and is broadcast on NBA TV Plus local broadcasts with KPIX+ 44, KMAX 31 and PeachtreetV.