Valkyries Roll Through Sun 97-70, New Justé Era Sparks Ballhalla

SAN FRANCISCO — The Valkyries took care of business in dominating fashion, and then the real fun began.

The Golden State Valkyries delivered a statement victory Monday night at Chase Center, overwhelming the Connecticut Sun 97-70 in front of another sold-out crowd in San Francisco. The win showcased everything that has quickly become synonymous with Valkyries basketball, relentless defense, unselfish offense, elite depth, and a rapidly growing connection between the team and its fan base.

Most memorably, the night also featured the highly anticipated WNBA debuts of rookies Justé Jocyté and Ashten Prechtel, whose first appearances in a Valkyries uniform sent the crowd into a frenzy and added another emotional layer to an already electric evening.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Golden State controlled the game virtually from start to finish, never trailing and leading by as many as 34 points during one of the franchise’s most complete performances to date.

The Valkyries fed off the energy inside Ballhalla from the opening tip, with Gabby Williams immediately setting the tone. Williams exploded for 10 points in the first five minutes of the game, attacking aggressively on offense and helping Golden State establish an early cushion that Connecticut never seriously threatened. She finished with a team-high 15 points and once again provided the type of pace, defensive intensity, and leadership that continues to define the Valkyries’ identity.

While Williams sparked the opening surge, the game quickly evolved into a showcase of Golden State’s depth.

Twelve Valkyries players scored in the victory, tying a WNBA record and reinforcing how dangerous the team can become when contributions are coming from every direction.

Kaila Charles continued her strong stretch of play with 12 points and seven rebounds while posting a team-best +27 rating.

Veronica Burton once again controlled the flow offensively, adding 11 points and six assists without committing a turnover.

Kayla Thornton anchored the team’s defensive intensity and rebounding effort with eight rebounds. Kaitlyn Chen also continued her impressive recent play, recording her second straight game in double figures with 10 points.

The Valkyries’ bench completely changed the complexion of the game, overwhelming Connecticut with wave after wave of energy and execution.

Golden State finished with a franchise-high 53 bench points, a reflection of both the team’s trust in its full roster and the relentless pace it maintained throughout the night.

Bench Unit Breaks the Game Open

After a somewhat uneven opening stretch, the second unit helped break the game open, igniting a run that completely shifted momentum in Golden State’s favor.

Burton later pointed directly to the team’s depth as the biggest key to the victory.

“Our depth, and just how balanced of a win that was,” Burton said. “Every single person stepped up, every single person contributed, and it says a lot about us to be able to really spread out the minutes. I think maybe the first quarter was a little rocky, but the second unit really picked us up, and they really started that run, and it allowed us to really just kind of feed off of it.”

Defense Fuels the Blowout

Golden State’s defense once again proved to be the foundation of everything.

The Valkyries held Connecticut to just eight points in the second quarter, tying the fewest points allowed in any quarter in franchise history.

Every possession felt contested, every passing lane crowded, and every loose ball fiercely pursued.

Burton’s disruptive perimeter defense created transition opportunities, while Thornton’s energy helped establish a physical edge that Connecticut struggled to handle throughout the game.

Williams emphasized after the game how important the team’s aggressive mindset was in setting the tone early.

“I was just excited because we talked the talk,” Williams said. “We said we wanted to come out and punch them first and be aggressive, and we did that.”

As dominant as the victory itself was, the loudest moments of the night came late in the fourth quarter when fans finally got their first glimpse of Jocyté and Prechtel in regular-season action.

Rookies Ignite Chase Center

The anticipation surrounding Jocyté’s debut had been building for weeks, and the rookie immediately rewarded the excitement.

Just seconds after checking into the game, she scored her first WNBA basket within five seconds before later knocking down a three-pointer, instantly energizing the entire arena. She finished with five points while displaying the confidence and composure that made her such a highly regarded international prospect.

Prechtel soon joined the celebration, scoring her first WNBA points after knocking down a three-pointer of her own. The crowd erupted as teammates on the bench celebrated both rookies’ milestone moments, reflecting the genuine chemistry that appears to be growing rapidly within the roster. Head coach Natalie Nakase praised not only the rookies’ confidence, but also the way the entire team rallied around them.

“As soon as I subbed her, they were so hyped, they're so excited,” Nakase said about Jocyté. “You see that type of connection and support and that love immediately, that was amazing.”

Team Chemistry on Full Display

Nakase also highlighted the overall togetherness that defined the night, especially with all 12 players contributing offensively.

“I think what I was most proud of is the fact that our whole bench, no matter who subbed in, was always cheering,” Nakase said. “Whoever scored, whoever made a basket, whoever got a rebound or block, we were celebrating each other.”

A New Era Begins at Ballhalla

That collective energy was felt throughout Chase Center as the Valkyries recorded their 27th consecutive sellout with 18,064 fans in attendance.

Every defensive stop, transition basket, and rookie milestone only strengthened the atmosphere inside the building, as the Bay Area crowd continued to fully embrace its newest franchise.

By the final buzzer, the performance felt like more than just another regular-season win. It felt like another major step forward for a team rapidly building confidence, chemistry, and identity.

The Valkyries not only dominated the Sun on the scoreboard, but also showed how dangerous they can become when their depth, defense, and selfless style are all operating together.

With veterans leading the way, rookies creating unforgettable moments, and the Chase Center crowd fully invested, Golden State delivered one of the most exciting nights in the franchise’s young history — and perhaps the first true glimpse into what could become the Justé Jocyté era of basketball in the Bay Area.

UP NEXT

• In a potential revenge game, the Valkyries host Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m., airing on Amazon Prime, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.