SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries snapped a two-game losing streak with a 77-66 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday night at Chase Center. Forwards Gabby Williams and Kayla Thornton led Golden State offensively with Williams scoring 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, while Thornton added 17 points and a team-high five 3-pointers.
Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini chipped in 14 points to help improve their record to 11-7. Atlanta, which remains atop the Eastern Conference, fell to 12-5.
The Valkyries took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Dream 22-9 to build a 44-27 halftime lead.
Golden State capitalized on Atlanta’s cold shooting, as the Dream connected on just 10 of 33 field-goal attempts and went 1 for 10 from beyond the arc in the first half.
The Valkyries buried eight first-half 3-pointers, which contributed to their early offensive dominance.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited her team’s defensive effort and transition play for helping create the early separation.
“I thought we did a better job in transition,” Nakase said. “For us, it’s just meeting them to the spot and being there early, but at the end of the day we weren’t going to rely on our defense.”
Thornton opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, setting the tone for a strong shooting night for the team. Golden State finished 15 for 32 from long range, continuing the offensive rhythm it established early.
Thornton said her success came from trusting her teammates and playing without hesitation.
“I think I just went out there and played free, not thinking, not overthinking, trusting my teammates and playing for my teammates,” Thornton said. “When we do that, great things happen.”
Forward Janelle Salaün helped spark the crowd in the opening quarter when she knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers. Her second came over a defender as the shot clock expired, giving Golden State a 20-13 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the period.
The Valkyries continued to build momentum in the second quarter. Williams delivered a highlight-reel block on Atlanta guard Te-Hina Paopao before Thornton knocked down another 3-pointer on the ensuing possession.
Moments later, Williams beat the shot-clock buzzer with a 3-pointer of her own and celebrated with a shrug as Golden State stretched its advantage to 39-24 midway through the quarter.
Zandalasini also contributed to the run, connecting from the wing for her first basket of the game as Golden State’s offense continued to roll.
The sold-out crowd of 18,064 stayed engaged late in the first half when Zandalasini and Veronica Burton battled for a loose ball. After a foul was called on Zandalasini and officials reviewed the play, fans responded by starting a wave throughout Chase Center.
Williams said maintaining energy and discipline has become a key focus for the defensive-minded Valkyries team.
“We just need to stay disciplined and know that our energy is our strength,” Williams said.
Golden State extended its lead to 23 points by the end of the third quarter. One of the highlights came when forward Laeticia Amihere joined the 3-point barrage, connecting from deep to make it 61-35 with 2:40 remaining in the period.
Atlanta, however, mounted a fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
The Dream opened the final quarter on an 11-0 run, fueled by backup center Madina Okot, who finished with a team-high 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
Okot knocked down a 3-pointer despite entering the game shooting 16.7% from beyond the arc this season. She followed her big 3-pointer with a pair of layups to help trim the deficit to 63-51 midway through the quarter.
After going scoreless for much of the fourth, Golden State finally halted the run when Zandalasini connected on her third 3-pointer of the night, reigniting Ballhalla.
The Valkyries then delivered the finishing blows. Thornton buried a dagger 3-pointer in the final minute before Zandalasini followed with a deep shot from the top of the key to seal the victory.
Despite the win, Nakase said she still sees room for growth as her young franchise continues to develop.
“In order to be an elite team, I have to be able to build this team in Year 2 to continue to fight all four quarters,” Nakase said. “I haven’t mastered that yet, and that’s OK. I’m really taking a lot of joy in watching film, which you guys know I love, and staying patient.”
Golden State did an effective job limiting Atlanta star center Angel Reese, who finished with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Reese still made her presence felt on the glass, leading all players with 12 rebounds.
The Valkyries and the Dream are scheduled to meet again Friday at 7 p.m. at Chase Center before the Valkyries close out their homestand Sunday and embark on a five-game road trip.
