In an electrifying rematch at the Chase Center, the Golden State Valkyries triumphed over the Toronto Tempo 92-82 on Tuesday night, marking their second consecutive victory against the Canadian side. Janelle Salaun led the charge for the Valkyries with a stellar performance, scoring 21 points, while Kayla Thornton contributed significantly with a total of 20 points, including four crucial three-pointers.
Salaun Shines in Back-to-Back Wins
The Valkyries’ win was bolstered by Salaun’s impressive shooting, where she converted eight of 12 attempts from the floor, sinking four three-pointers in the process. This performance brought her cumulative points against the Tempo to an impressive 61 over three encounters. Salaun’s ability to find the net consistently allowed Golden State to keep pace with Toronto, especially during crucial moments of the game.
Kayla Thornton also played a pivotal role, showcasing her shooting prowess with two quick three-pointers in the first half and two more shortly after halftime. Her contributions were instrumental in maintaining the Valkyries’ momentum throughout the match. Additionally, Veronica Burton showcased her versatility, posting a solid line of 12 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, further solidifying the team’s strong collective performance.
Toronto’s Struggles Continue
Despite the efforts of the Tempo, who welcomed back their leading scorer Marina Mabrey after a brief absence due to a neck injury, the team was unable to halt their losing streak, now standing at seven consecutive losses and 11 out of their last 12 games. Mabrey added 12 points but struggled to find her rhythm, shooting 4-for-10 in her 35 minutes on the court.
Nyara Sabally was the standout for Toronto with 22 points, while Maria Conde chipped in with 17 points and six rebounds. However, the early lead that Toronto established, going 13 of 22 from the field and 8 of 14 from three-point range, was ultimately overturned by the Valkyries’ tenacious defence and late-game execution.
Key Moments and Controversies
The match was not without its controversies. A notable incident occurred in the third quarter when Kayla Thornton took an elbow to the throat from Aneesah Morrow, which was deemed a Flagrant 1 foul after a video review. Morrow, who made her debut for Toronto after being traded from the Connecticut Sun, managed to score eight points and grab five rebounds, showing flashes of her potential.
Toronto had appeared in control midway through the second quarter, leading 38-25, but a late 16-4 run from the Valkyries allowed them to close the gap, finishing the half just one point behind at 42-41. This shift in momentum proved crucial as the Valkyries took command in the second half.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Valkyries will face the Dallas Wings on Friday night, seeking to build on their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Tempo will look to regroup as they prepare for a clash against the Chicago Fire on Thursday. With both teams eager for improvement, the upcoming fixtures promise to be compelling contests.
Why it Matters
This victory for the Valkyries not only highlights their resilience but also underscores the growing competitiveness within the WNBA. As they continue to establish themselves as a formidable force, the implications for playoff positioning and team morale are significant. For the Tempo, however, the continued struggles raise questions about their strategy moving forward, especially as they seek to reverse their current trend of losses. The result is a reminder of the dynamic nature of the sport, where every game can shift the narrative for teams striving for success.
