Kaitlyn Chen Explodes for Career‑Best 20 Points
Outstanding Performance vs Washington Mystics
The Golden State Valkyries guard delivered a career‑best outing against the Washington Mystics, despite her team’s 90‑82 defeat and the end of a franchise‑record nine‑game winning streak. Chen posted 20 points, six assists, two three‑pointers, a steal, and two rebounds in just 24 minutes off the bench. Her 8‑for‑13 shooting clip landed a 61% field‑goal percentage, a rate that separated her from the rest of the league.
Draft Background and Role
Chen was selected 30th overall in the third round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, heading out of the University of Connecticut. The former Huskies star has carved out a niche as a sixth‑man, contributing steady offense and playmaking while the Valkyries look to stay competitive in a crowded Western Conference.
Impact on WNBA Standings
Golden State sits at 19‑8, holding the third‑best record in the league. The team trails the Minnesota Lynx by two games and the Las Vegas Aces by a half‑game, keeping the playoff picture tightly contested. Chen’s surge adds depth to a roster that will need every weapon as the Valkyries chase a return to the postseason.
Upcoming Matchup
The Valkyries have a week to regroup before resuming play against the Phoenix Mercury on July 29 at the Footprint Center. Tip‑off is set for 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET, with the game airing on CNBC and the USA Network. A win would reignite Golden State’s streak‑breaking momentum heading into the summer stretch run.
Jul 20, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) brings the ball down the court against Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Jul 20, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) celebrates with guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) after a basket and foul against the Washington Mystics during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Jul 20, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) shoots the ball against the Washington Mystics during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Jul 20, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) smiles after a basket against the Washington Mystics during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen scores career‑high 20 points off bench in loss
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