Valkyries Secure Sixth Straight Win Over Tempo

Game Overview

Janelle Salaün erupted for 26 points, guiding the Golden State Valkyries to an 83‑75 victory over the Toronto Tempo. The win marks Golden State’s sixth consecutive success, a franchise milestone, and gives the Valkyries their first victory against Toronto this season. After trailing early, the teams exchanged leads before Golden State closed strong with a 26‑16 run in the final quarter. Natalie Nakase’s squad displayed resilience despite a late Toronto rally that threatened the upset.

The matchup highlighted two very different second‑half stories. Toronto used a 15‑2 burst to take the lead, aided by Julie Allemand’s jumper and Maria Conde’s three‑point shot. Golden State responded with a balanced attack and decisive bench contributions, ultimately outscoring the Tempo 52‑20 from the reserves. The final margin of eight points reflected the Valkyries’ ability to recover from adversity.

Key Performances

Salaün poured in 26 points on 7‑of‑10 shooting, including a flawless 5‑of‑6 from deep. She capped the fourth quarter with a perfect 3‑of‑3 from three‑point range, anchoring Golden State’s late surge. Kaitlyn Chen chipped in 16 points off the bench, matching her career high with seven field goals made. Kayla Thornton recorded 15 points and nine rebounds, reinforcing the team’s front‑court presence.

Isabelle Harrison led Toronto with a career‑high 24 points and eight rebounds, sparking the Tempo’s early offense. However, Marina Mabrey, honored as an All‑Star the day before, managed only 11 points—well below her 21.1 season average—under heavy trapping by Gabby Williams. Toronto’s defense struggled to generate open looks for its star guard, limiting her impact.

Depth and Resilience

Golden State’s bench outscored its opponents 52‑20, a decisive factor in sealing the win. The Valkyries also dominated the boards, 31‑23, and held an 11‑4 edge on the offensive glass. Nakase praised her players’ composure amid the Tempo’s noisy environment, noting the importance of communication and staying focused. Thornton emphasized the collective effort, crediting depth players for turning a tough stretch into a team victory.

The win highlights a broader narrative of perseverance for Golden State. After early-season hiccups, the roster has leaned on its bench strength and defensive adjustments. Coach Nakase’s emphasis on unity and crowd management appears to be paying dividends as the Valkyries continue to build momentum.

Toronto’s Challenges

Without Brittney Sykes (left plantar fascia), Kiki Rice (ankle sprain), and Temi Fagbenle (concussion), the Tempo entered the game depleted. The absence of these contributors contributed to a three‑game losing streak, now extending to four. Sandy Brondello’s comments underscored the difficulty of generating scoring opportunities without its key defenders.

Brondello noted that the aggressive trapping on Marina Mabrey, while effective, left the Tempo with fewer options. He suggested seeking more pinch‑and‑roll opportunities to free up his All‑Star guard. Toronto’s injuries will likely force further adjustments as the squad looks to arrest its slide.

What’s Next

Golden State travels to face the Connecticut Sun on Friday, looking to add another win to their franchise streak. The Valkyries will aim to maintain the chemistry and depth that propelled them past Toronto. Meanwhile, the Tempo heads to Montreal to host the Dallas Wings, hoping to rediscover its defensive identity and shore up its injured line‑up.

Fans can follow both teams’ updates and join the ongoing WNBA conversation on the roundtable community, where supporters discuss every twist and turn of the season.