Golden State Valkyries set franchise record for bench points in win
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Golden State Valkyries set franchise record for bench points in win
Marcus D. Smith, USA TODAY
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3 min read
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TheGolden State Valkyriesresponded to back-to-back losses with consecutive wins, their latest coming Wednesday night against the Connecticut Sun, 89-64.
The Valkyries' losses to the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx really tested the team – one a loss to a marquee team in Minnesota, which boasts the best-record in the league, then losing on a game-winning, step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer to the Sky.
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Golden State responded to those tough losses with some get back against the Lynx, returning the "L" back to them and getting its first win against Minnesota in the franchise's short, two-year history.
The Valkyries capitalized on that momentum with Wednesday night's rout against the Sun, with the Valkyries (27-11) scoring a franchise-record 54 bench points.
"We have had some slow starts in the past few games, and given the team energy, so we wanted to make sure that we punch first today, and then continue punching all four quarters, so that was an emphasis, to really set the tone and dictate and not react," Kaila Charles told reporters after the game.
Charles provided Golden State with an energetic effort with 14 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench.
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Golden State has already clinched a postseason berth. With weeks remaining in the WNBA regular season, the Valkyries are simply tuning their engines, perfecting their team and addressing their flaws as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
"I think we just continue to buy into the program. They've done a great job of bringing in great players that love to work, love to play, very selfless, and so we don't necessarily pay attention to the rankings and all that stuff. We just pay attention on things that we can control, and that's playing hard," Charles said.
"Defense is our identity, so making sure that we're doing the things that we can control, and then just playing together. And I think that's been showing this season and how much love we have for each other. We have a lot of fun, and so it's showing. And we want to continue," she added. "The rankings don't matter, the playoffs do. So we want to continue to build and make a really deep run and go for championship."
Indiana Fever guardCaitlin Clark(22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Matt Blewett, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Portland Fire forward Nyadiew Puoch (13) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half at Moda Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates with guard Natasha Cloud (9) after scoring a game winning three-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) drives to basket against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Portland Fire guard Carla Leite (0) vies for a loose ball on the floor against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the first half at Moda Center on July 31, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dallas Wingsguard Azzi Fudd (35) blocks a shot by Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center on July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) and Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) battle for the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 12, 2026
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
Portland Fire forward Emily Engstler (21) reaches for a rebound past Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) shoots past Portland Fire guard Karlie Samuelson (44) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) tries to go to the basket between Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and forward Nia Coffey (12) in the first quarter at Target Center on July 11, 2026.
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 9, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after being fouled against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 8, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) fight for the ball during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 4, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 2, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) steals the ball from Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke (7) during overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm center Awa Fam (11), Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) reach for a rebound during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates with guard Olivia Miles (5) after a play against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Jun 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center on June 11, 2026 on Portland, Oregon.
(Jaime Valdez, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots against Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Wintrust Arena on June 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands up Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo, 113-91.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) sports her signature Nike Caitlin 1 shoe while warming up Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts to hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after her three point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 13, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) battles for a loose ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) pose for a photo after a game at State Farm Arena on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) blocks the shot on Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at PeoplesBank Arena in May 30, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) looks for a reboudn with Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guardCaitlin Clark(22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Matt Blewett, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guardCaitlin Clark(22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Matt Blewett, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire forward Nyadiew Puoch (13) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half at Moda Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates with guard Natasha Cloud (9) after scoring a game winning three-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) drives to basket against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire guard Carla Leite (0) vies for a loose ball on the floor against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the first half at Moda Center on July 31, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Dallas Wingsguard Azzi Fudd (35) blocks a shot by Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center on July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
9/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) and Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) battle for the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
10/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 12, 2026
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
11/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire forward Emily Engstler (21) reaches for a rebound past Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
12/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) shoots past Portland Fire guard Karlie Samuelson (44) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
13/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) tries to go to the basket between Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and forward Nia Coffey (12) in the first quarter at Target Center on July 11, 2026.
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images)
14/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 9, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
15/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after being fouled against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 8, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
16/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) fight for the ball during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 4, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
17/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 2, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
18/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) steals the ball from Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke (7) during overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
19/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm center Awa Fam (11), Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) reach for a rebound during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
20/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates with guard Olivia Miles (5) after a play against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Jun 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
21/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center on June 11, 2026 on Portland, Oregon.
(Jaime Valdez, Imagn Images)
22/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots against Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Wintrust Arena on June 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
24/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands up Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo, 113-91.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
26/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) sports her signature Nike Caitlin 1 shoe while warming up Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
28/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
29/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts to hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
31/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
32/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after her three point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 13, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
33/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) battles for a loose ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
34/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) pose for a photo after a game at State Farm Arena on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) blocks the shot on Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
36/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at PeoplesBank Arena in May 30, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
38/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) looks for a reboudn with Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
39/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
40/40
2026 WNBA season is underway. See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Janelle Salaun scored a team-high 15 points off the bench in 18 minutes, knocking down 4 of 6 3-point field goals. Salaun echoed Charles in speaking about the important role of the next unit and how it's coming together.
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"I think we're working well as a second unit. I think we know each other pretty well, and I think it's something that, that's our our strength," Salaun told reporters. "We just know how to play together, and like she said, we're selfless players, and I think that's what (is) working for us."
Players temporarily leaving team for FIBA World Cup
The Valkyries are on the first night of a back-to-back and will travel to New York to play the Liberty (23-15) on Prime Video on Aug. 27.
Salaun, Gabby Williams and Cecilia Zandalasini will then miss the Aug. 30 game against the Portland Fire due to their commitments to represent their countries in the FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin.
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Zandalasini will play for Italy, while Salaun and Williams will join teammate Leila Lacan, who left Golden State on Aug. 24, to prepare to play with Team France.
Their brief hiatus allows opportunities. Head coach Natalie Nakase went deep into her bench to see what she had.
Kaitlyn Chen scored 10 points in 20 minutes against the Sun. Juste Jocyte played 14 minutes and had a couple of dazzling dimes while she controlled the offense. Ashten Prechtel and Laeticia Amihere combined for five blocks.
The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup begins on Sept. 4 and ends on Sept. 13.
The players will return shortly after to resume the remainder of the WNBA regular season, which ends on Sept. 24, with the postseason beginning on Sept. 27.
