Valkyries Shoot Down Reese, Sky in 83-78 Win

SAN FRANCISCO — Tough play, shooting down opponents late in games, and doing so as a team, no matter how big or small your role is. These are your Golden State Valkyries.

The Golden State Valkyries lit up Ballhalla once again, earning an 83–78 win over the Chicago Sky. The victory pushed Golden State to 8–7 on the season and was highlighted by career-best performances from both Kayla Thornton and rookie Kaitlyn Chen.

Thornton’s 29-point outburst, paired with her steady leadership and relentless energy, helped guide the Valkyries through key moments, particularly during a pivotal fourth quarter that secured the win.

Chen added a career-high 10 points, including her first-ever three-pointer, and provided a steady presence attacking the basket and making smart reads to keep Golden State’s offense flowing.

Despite rarely seeing minutes in tight games, she played throughout the second half of this competitive matchup and was on the floor to close out the win, showcasing her growth and the trust she has earned from the coaching staff.

Thornton highlighted Chen’s contributions, saying, “Man, shout out to Kaitlyn Chen, she stepped up in big moments. She just stayed ready when her number was called.”

Thornton wasted no time setting the tone, pouring in nine points in just seven minutes of the first quarter and keeping the Valkyries within striking distance during a back-and-forth first half.

Her impact extended far beyond scoring, as her defensive presence and vocal leadership steadied the team each time the Sky threatened to take control.

“Not even about her amazing performance, but just her leadership,” coach Natalie Nakase said. “Her leadership today… it was not a great start and we kind of struggled, and so we leaned to KT, ‘Hey, can we hear your voice a little louder?’ and then boom, she responds, and you saw her out there commanding, but also supporting, because when we're not playing our best, we need to hear some support.”

Thornton’s commitment to her teammates and the city was clear as she reflected, “I play for them, I play for the city, I play for these wonderful fans out there that give us energy, so shout out to them because they get me going. My teammates get me going, my coaches get me going, the confidence, so it's all them.”

The Valkyries’ offense found its rhythm in the second half, where the team committed just two turnovers, executing with poise and making the right reads down the stretch.

Nakase praised her team’s unselfish play, saying, “They made the right reads, and I thought this game showed complete trust. I told them, ‘We are a family.’ That trust tonight that we had, boom, to just get off of it and move it, I saw it tonight.”

The trust and tempo were evident in Golden State’s fourth-quarter push, where they went on a 15–2 run and created separation against Chicago.

“Honestly, I know their overall three-point percentage isn’t great, but they continue to take them with confidence and make them in big moments,” Sky coach Tyler Marsh said. “Kate Martin hit a couple in crunch time and obviously Kayla Thornton was hot tonight. They’re a good group. They’re gritty, they’re tough, they continue to fight. They don’t give up, and credit to them for coming out with the win.”

The Sky were led by Ariel Atkins’ 20 points and Angel Reese’s 17 points and 18 rebounds. Reese continued her dominance on the glass, collecting 15 or more rebounds for the third straight game, including critical second-chance opportunities that kept the Sky within striking distance.

With two minutes left, Thornton knocked down her fourth three-pointer of the night to give the Valkyries a crucial 78–70 cushion. Chicago responded with four quick points, but Thornton’s composure at the free-throw line and Tiffany Hayes’ clutch free throws sealed the game.

The Valkyries’ depth was once again a factor, with the bench contributing 30 points. This was the sixth time this season Golden State has reached that mark, improving to 5–1 in those games.

Hayes finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, bringing veteran stability and aggressive defense that kept the Sky’s guards in check during late possessions.

Kate Martin added 11 points, hitting double figures for the second straight game. Laeticia Amihere led Golden State with nine rebounds, helping the Valkyries control the defensive glass and limit the Sky’s second-chance opportunities outside of Reese’s relentless effort.

Offensively, Golden State’s commitment to pushing the pace and maintaining spacing opened driving lanes. This allowed players like Chen and Martin to attack the paint and kick out to shooters in rhythm, aligning with Nakase’s emphasis on trust and pace.

“We did a great job finding space, and then again, getting to the paint and spraying,” Nakase said, noting the team’s ability to adapt and share the ball throughout the game.

The team’s balance was complemented by efficient outside shooting. Thornton’s 4-for-7 and Martin’s 3-for-7 from deep helped stretch the floor against Chicago’s defensive rotations.

For Golden State, the win was a testament to their resilience and togetherness. The Valkyries remained perfect at 6–0 when scoring 80 or more points this season and improved to 5–1 with one day of rest between games.

As Kate Martin reflected on the decisive fourth quarter, she noted, “I just think we stuck with it. You know, some shots weren't falling, especially in the first half, and I think we all just were encouraging each other and had each other's back, and that's what happens whenever you remain confident and stick together.”

The Valkyries played in front of their ninth straight sellout crowd of 18,064 fans at Chase Center, a raucous home atmosphere that is becoming so impactful that even Chicago Sky players are taking notice of the energy and support Golden State’s crowds bring each game.

“Anytime you can get fans like this regardless of where you are in the league, that means you’re bringing people to games,” said Sky guard Kia Nurse, who scored 17 points off the bench. “Maybe there’s somebody in the stands who became an Ariel Atkins fan because they watched how good she was too. It’s been great to see the atmosphere here building, so credit to the city for getting out and supporting these women.”

In a season defined by grit and growth, the Valkyries’ performance against Chicago encapsulated their identity: a team that plays for one another, feeds off the energy of its passionate fanbase, and finds ways to deliver when it matters most.

As they continue their inaugural season in San Francisco, the Valkyries’ victory over the Sky was not just another win. It was a celebration of the collective spirit that has quickly made this team one of the WNBA’s most exciting stories.

UP NEXT

• The Valkyries wrap up the five-game homestand this Sunday, June 29 versus the Seattle Storm at 5:30 p.m. on KMAX, KPIX+, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.