Valkyries Outlast Sparks 89-81 for First Overtime Victory

Nine games into their inaugural season, the Golden State Valkyries have made one thing clear: they’re not here to play, they’re here to win.

The Valkyries’ first overtime game in franchise history was a memorable one as they beat the Los Angeles Sparks 89-81 on Monday evening at Crypto.com Arena.

Janelle Salaün led Golden State (4-5) with a career high 21 points while Kayla Thornton had her second straight double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Temi Fagbenle also had a double-double with 14 points and 13 boards for the Valkyries second two game win streak of the campaign.

"I just didn't think too much," Salaün said. "I think my teammates trusted me and (when) I was open I let it fly and when I wasn't I was trying to make the other play."

The Achilles heel was 3-point shooting as the Valkyries were only 5-of-32 (15.6 percent) from long range but Thornton provided the dagger three late in overtime to ensure the win. "My teammates and my coaches just kept telling me (make the) next shot," Thornton said. "I know I can make that shot, and I just kept believing in myself and I wouldn't have made it without my teammates.

When asked about the success of 46 points in the paint, Thornton added, "Once we get into the paint then our threes open up. Before we were trying to shoot threes and we weren't really getting into the paint, so it was kind of tough. Our penetration especially from V (Veronica Burton), getting into the paint and creating for us and taking what the defense gives us."

Kelsey Plum scored a game high 24 points for the Sparks but only 10 points in the second half and overtime. Plum was just 7-of-20 shooting from the field thanks to a swarming Valkyries defense. Afterwards, Plum did not mince words with her criticism of the officiating. "I know I'm going to get fined for saying this, but I drive (to the basket) more than anyone in the league," Plum said frustratingly. "So to shoot six free throws is f-ing absurd. And I've got scratches on my face; I've got scratches on my body and these guards on the other team get these ticky-tack fouls and I'm sick of it. I don't know what else to do and it's really frustrating. They're fouling the s-t out of me every single play!"

The Sparks (3-7) started the season winning their first two games but have since dropped seven of nine. Golden State had a slim two-point edge after the first quarter but stumbled in the second netting only 15 points. Yet, the Sparks only led by four points at halftime. The Valkyries never trailed by more than nine points as the second half was close.

"We talked about it at halftime...we didn't play our greatest half," coach Natalie Nakase said. "We were very soft defensively and then all of the sudden, we knew the level we had to get to. They picked it up defensively, their physicality, their awareness, their communication. And you could tell in the third and fourth quarter they had each other's back. We've got to continue to rely on each other and hold each other accountable so that was really cool to see."

With 38 seconds left in the 4th quarter, Plum made a step-back three to put LA up 78-76 but Carla Leite answered with a finger roll layup to send the game to overtime. In the extra session, the Valkyries dominated, outscoring the Sparks 11-3.

GAME NOTES

• The Valkyries are the first WNBA team this season to have five players in double figures for three straight games.
• The 46 points in the paint, 49 total rebounds, 17 offensive rebounds, and five blocks are all season highs.

UP NEXT

• Golden State is off until Saturday when the Valkyries return to Chase Center to host the Seattle Storm at 5:30 PM
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.