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Valkyries Crush Shorthanded Tempo, Snap Skid in Dominant Fashion
Golden State Valkyries Bounce Back with Big Win Over Toronto Tempo
What Happened in the Game?
The Golden State Valkyries (that’s a professional women’s basketball team) got back to winning ways on Sunday! They beat the Toronto Tempo 96–79 at home in San Francisco.
Here’s the simple version of the story:
- The Valkyries had won nine games in a row earlier this season — a team record!
- Then they lost two straight games (one right before the All-Star break, one right after).
- On Sunday, they played a Toronto team missing two of its best players.
- The game was close for a while, but Golden State pulled away in the fourth quarter (the last 10 minutes) to win comfortably.
Important Point: This win stops the losing streak and gets the Valkyries back on track!
Why This Win Matters
Let’s break it down like you’re 5:
- Momentum – Winning builds confidence. Losing two in a row can make a team doubt themselves. This win says, “We’re still good!”
- Missing Stars – Toronto didn’t have Marina Mabrey (an All-Star, aka one of the best players) or Aneesah Morrow (a new player still getting ready). So Toronto was shorthanded — like playing tag with one shoe off.
- Comeback Kids – The Valkyries were behind in the second half but didn’t panic. They went on a scoring run (a bunch of points in a row) late in the third quarter to take the lead for good.
Key Players and Stats
Here’s who shined for Golden State:
| Player | Points | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Janelle Salaun | 24 | Led everyone in scoring! |
| Veronica Burton | 17 | Steady guard play |
| Gabby Williams | 15 | Just came back from resting — and she started the All-Star Game last week! |
| Tiffany Hayes | 15 | Veteran leader, clutch buckets |
For Toronto (even though they lost, these players worked hard):
- Nyara Sabally – 19 points
- Kiki Rice – 16 points
- Laura Juskaite – 15 points
How the Game Went Down (Step by Step)
- First Half – Back and forth. Both teams trading baskets.
- Third Quarter – Toronto actually led for a big chunk of this quarter.
- Late Third Quarter – Valkyries go on a run (score a lot fast) → lead 67–61 going into the fourth.
- Fourth Quarter – Golden State takes control. Lead grows. Last 5 minutes = stress-free basketball.
- Final Buzzer – Valkyries win 96–79.
What’s Next?
- The Valkyries stay home for more games (check the schedule!).
- Gabby Williams is back and looking strong — big plus for the playoff push.
- Coach Natalie Nakase said after the game: “We’re all about inclusivity and playing the right way.” (That’s team culture talk for “we support each other and play fair.”)
Want more? Sign up for the Valkyries Newsletter for game breakdowns, scores, and behind-the-scenes stuff from Ballhalla (that’s their arena nickname).
Summary
- Valkyries win 96–79 vs. Toronto Tempo
- Ends 2-game losing streak
- Janelle Salaun leads with 24 points
- Gabby Williams returns after All-Star start + rest
- Toronto missing 2 key players (Mabrey, Morrow)
- Valkyries take over in 4th quarter
- Team confidence restored heading into next stretch
FAQ (Questions You Might Have)
1. What’s the All-Star break?
It’s a mid-season pause where the league’s best players play a showcase game. No regular games happen for about a week.
2. Why was Gabby Williams held out last game?
The team said “reconditioning” — that means she was resting and getting her body 100% ready after the All-Star Game. Smart move!
3. Who are the Valkyries?
Golden State’s WNBA team (Women’s National Basketball Association). They’re in their second year as a franchise.
4. What’s a “scoring run”?
When one team scores a bunch of points in a row while the other team doesn’t score. It flips the momentum fast.
5. Where can I watch the next game?
Check the WNBA schedule or the Valkyries’ official site. Games are on ESPN, CBS Sports, ION, or streaming on WNBA League Pass.
Go Valkyries!
