00:00San Francisco CA. August 11, 2025. In front of a roaring chase center crowd, the Golden State Valkyries pulled off one of their most complete wins of the season, defeating the Connecticut Suns 74-57.
00:14This game wasn't just about a scoreline. It was a story of resilience, strategy, and a fourth quarter explosion that showcased exactly why the Valkyries are one of the most exciting new franchises in the WNBA.
00:28The build-up. Two teams, different stories. The Connecticut Sun entered this. Game on a skid, having lost four straight and desperately searching for momentum.
00:38For a franchise known for toughness and gritty defense, this season has been a roller coaster. On the other side, the Valkyries, WNBA's shiny new expansion team, were riding a wave of fan enthusiasm, looking to build chemistry and prove they belong among the league's contenders.
00:57Every possession mattered. Every shot echoed with weight. And for three quarters, both teams went back and forth, trading blows like heavyweights, waiting for the other to blink first.
01:07First half, neck and neck. Battle from tip-off, Anisa Morrow set the tone for Connecticut.
01:13The rookie phenom showcased why she's a cornerstone for the Suns' rebuild, bullying her way inside for rebounds and hitting mid-range shots with confidence.
01:22She would finish with an impressive 13 points and 14 rebounds, securing yet another double-double. For Golden State, it was Tiffany Hayes who sparked the offense.
01:32The veteran guard, known for her ability to score in bunches, drilled multiple threes early and orchestrated the Valkyries' attack. By halftime, she already had ten points, keeping the Suns' defense on their toes.
01:45At the break, Connecticut trailed by only two points. The game was still very much in reach. Third quarter, trading runs. The third quarter turned into a chess match.
01:55Connecticut leaned on Olivia Nelson Odota, who contributed with smart cuts to the basket and solid defense in the paint. Her 12 points were crucial in keeping the Sun competitive, but Golden State's balanced attack began to shine.
02:12Cecilia Zandalicini, the Italian sharpshooter, knocked down big-time threes that electrified the home crowd. Her ability to stretch the floor forced Connecticut to adjust defensively.
02:23Opening lanes for Janelle Salon to operate. Still, after three quarters, the Sun trailed by just five points. Hope was alive. Until the storm hit.
02:34Fourth quarter, Valkyries unleashed. Then came the knockout punch. In the final frame, the Valkyries delivered a 17-4 scoring run over a 7-30 stretch. It was pure dominance.
02:47Hayes hit another dagger from deep. Zandalicini kept raining triples. Salon's aggressiveness inside added another 16 points to her tally.
02:56The Sun looked stunned, unable to match Golden State's pace or respond to their defensive intensity. Connecticut's offense collapsed under pressure. Turnovers piled up. Shots rimmed out. And even Moro's energy couldn't stop the bleeding.
03:11In the blink of an eye, the Valkyries built a double-digit lead and never looked back.
03:17By the final buzzer, the chase center erupted as Golden State sealed a 74-57 victory, sending a clear message to the league.
03:26This expansion team isn't just here to participate. They're here to compete.
03:31Key performers, Golden State Valkyries.
03:33Tiffany Hayes, 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, three three-pointers.
03:39Cecilia Zandalicini, 17 points, four rebounds, three threes.
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