The Golden State Valkyries came into Friday’s game against the Chicago Sky exhausted and undermanned.
Playing the second game of a back-to-back and their fourth game in six days, the expansion team suited up just nine players after getting into Chicago from Washington D.C. at 2:30 a.m. Friday morning.
But despite the circumstances, the Valkyries managed to pull out another road win as they defeated the Chicago Sky 73-66.
Golden State improved to 14-13, the first time the expansion team has been above .500 since July 9.
Veronica Burton, a Northwestern University alum, led the Valkyries with 18 points and seven assists while recording a plus-minus rating of +19. Rookie Janelle Salaün had 16 points and nine rebounds while Iliana Rupert came off the bench to score 14 points.
The Valkyries were without forward Cecilia Zandalasini, who missed her second straight game with a left foot injury. Tiffany Hayes was a late scratch after exiting Thursday’s win over the Washington Mystics in the second quarter with a left leg injury. The Valkyries announced on Friday center Monique Billings, who missed three of the last four games, will be out for at least three weeks with a left ankle sprain.
Elizabeth Williams led the Sky with 15 points. Chicago also came into Friday’s game shorthanded as they were without star power forward Angel Reese and second leading scorer Ariel Atkins.
Despite Chicago shooting 48.7% from the field in the first half, the Valkyries did just enough to go into halftime tied at 37. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase used all nine of her available players in the first half, including guard Kaila Charles, who was signed on a hardship contract on Friday morning.
The Sky came out of the halftime break firing on all cylinders. Chicago built its lead to as big as seven in the third quarter behind a balanced scoring attack that saw the home team make seven field goals on seven assists.
A last-second Burton 3-pointer cut the Sky lead to two going into the final 10 minutes.
The Valkyries used a 9-0 run early in the fourth quarter to retake the advantage. Chicago stormed back to cut the lead one, but two made free throws from Burton with 34.6 seconds left made the score 71-66 and iced the game for Golden State.
Golden State outscored Chicago 21-12 in the fourth quarter
The Valkyries will end their five-game road trip on Sunday when they play the Las Vegas Aces.
Nakase welcomes Lacob’s influence
Owner Joe Lacob set a lofty goal for the franchise when he said he wanted the Valkyries to win a championship in the next five years.
Lacob, who also owns the Golden State Warriors, has garnered a reputation in sports as an owner who will be uber-aggressive to win a title.
Just halfway through her first season, Nakase has already felt Lacob’s presence.
“It wasn’t really we want to, but we have to win in five years. Let’s get that straight. Joe doesn’t waver in his expectations,” Nakase said before Friday’s game. “He’s excited when we’re at home. He’s there supporting, cheering, jumping, which is really nice to see. And then now he just says, ‘You guys are doing an amazing job.’ … So far, so good. I still have my job. I’m still here.”
Originally Published: August 1, 2025 at 2:58 PM PDT