SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries suffered their first loss of the season Wednesday night, falling 69-63 to the Chicago Sky at Chase Center.
Golden State struggled offensively, shooting just 29.3% from the field and 26.9% from 3-point range.
Despite controlling much of the first half, the Valkyries were unable to maintain their momentum as Chicago rallied after halftime.
Forward Gabby Williams led Golden State with 18 points, including a 3-of-6 performance from beyond the arc while guard Veronica Burton added 16 points.
Chicago was powered by forward Rickea Jackson’s 18 points and an all-around effort from guard Skylar Diggins, who finished with 15 points and seven assists.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase pointed to Chicago’s defensive intensity as a key factor in shifting the game.
“The physicality from the Sky, their defense was great,” Nakase said. “The on-ball pressure, they were definitely trying to take away the paint.”
The Valkyries came out strong, fueled by an early defensive energy from center Kiah Stokes, who recorded two blocks in the opening minutes.
Williams knocked down the team’s only 3-pointer of the first quarter as Golden State built a 12-point lead with under three minutes remaining in the period. Golden State maintained its energy early in the second quarter, highlighted by guard Kaitlyn Chen’s first basket, which came on a tip-in layup after an offensive rebound.
Chicago began to find its rhythm late in the half, capitalizing on Golden State’s offensive struggles to stay within striking distance.
Golden State was able to carry a 28-24 lead into halftime, despite scoring just 9 points in the second quarter.
Williams said the Valkyries were pushed out of their comfort zone offensively.
“I think they did a good job of forcing us into shots that were kind of out of our flow, out of our rhythm,” Williams said. “Sometimes the shots just don’t fall, but we have to do a better job of getting the shots we want.”
After shooting 0-for-11 from 3-point range in the first half, the Sky opened the third quarter shooting 3-for-3 from deep, with guard Gabriela Jaquez hitting its first 3-pointer to end the drought.
Center Kamilla Cardoso gave Chicago its first lead midway through the third quarter with an and-one layup to make it 37-36.
The Sky extended their advantage to 5 points by the end of the period, capped off by guard Natasha Cloud beating the shot clock with one second remaining.
Golden State responded in the fourth quarter.
Burton hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 54-54, but Chicago answered immediately with a 3-pointer from guard Jacy Sheldon to regain control.
Burton said there were positives to build on despite the loss.
“In the first half, the ball was moving and we were getting good looks and getting out in transition,” Burton said. “Our defense was also a testament to that. There’s a lot to learn from the film as well.”
Jackson helped seal the win for Chicago with a 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining, pushing the lead to 5. The Sky then closed out the game by going 4-for-4 at the free-throw line in the last minute of the game.
It was a difficult night for Golden State forward Kayla Thornton, who went scoreless on 0-for-11 shooting after scoring 19 points in Sunday’s win over the Phoenix Mercury.
Golden State now falls to 2-1, while Chicago improves to 2-0 and joins the Atlanta Dream as the only undefeated teams in the WNBA.
The Valkyries continue to draw strong support at home with another sellout at Chase Center, continuing a streak that dates back to last season.
Nakase emphasized the team’s responsibility to match the energy of its fans.
“We’re definitely spoiled with Ballhalla,” Nakase said. “With the love we get every single night, the loudness, the hostility for the opponent, it’s part of our responsibility to show up with that same energy.”
The Valkyries will have a week off before beginning a back-to-back road trip, starting against the New York Liberty on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Barclays Center.
