Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
BY HELEN LAME’
Still reeling from the season ending loss of Kayla Thornton, the Golden State Valkyries overcame a ten point second half deficit to score a gutty 86-76 win over the Dallas Wings Friday night at Chase Center.
Tiffany Hayes goes up for a shot over the the outstretched arm of Luisa Geiselsoder on the way to a team high 17 points during the Valkyries 86-76 win over the Dallas Wings Friday night at Chase Center.
Less than 24 hours after learning that Thornton, their leading scorer at 14 points a game, who just days ago became the first Valkyrie to compete in the WNBA All-Star Game, would miss the remainder of the season following right knee surgery, Golden State rode a team effort with five players scoring in double figures to avenge a nine point loss in Dallas last month.
Cecilia Zandalasini gets a shot off over Paige Bueckers on the way to a ten point effort during the Valkyries 86-76 win over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center Friday night.
Tiffany Hayes led the Valkyries with 17 points and five assists while Janelle Salaün posted 16 points and seven assists. Carla Leite added a team leading 14 points off the bench while Temi Fágbénlé contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Veronica Burton grabbed a team tying high nine rebounds.
Asked about the loss of Thornton, Golden State coach Natalie Nakase stated ““It’s the first time we’ve ever not had K.T., she’s always been starting for us, playing heavy minutes. So this was a nice team win. Like we mentioned prior, this was for KT. We talked about it pregame. So KT, if you’re listening, this game was for you. We miss you and we love you. I thought everyone stepped up, and we talked about doing a little bit more because we’re going to miss her.”
Paige Bueckers of Dallas goes up for a shot against Golden State Friday night. Bueckers led the Wings with 17 points in the Valkyries 86-76 win.
Paige Bueckers, in her first WNBA appearance in the Bay Area, overcame a slow start to lead Dallas with 17 points. Arike Ogunbowale added 16 for the Wings while Aziaha James connected for 13 off the bench. Luisa Geiselsoder had a game high tying nine rebounds.
The Valkyries return to action after a cross country flight Sunday morning, facing the Connecticut Sun at 10AM.
