Valkyries seize season sequence over Sparks as Zandalasini, Burton shine

SAN FRANCISCO — Whereas there’s nonetheless loads of season left, the Golden State Valkyries’ approached Saturday’s recreation in opposition to the Los Angeles Sparks as one of many greatest of the 12 months.

The 2 California groups got here into Saturday with equivalent data and the Valkyries holding a 2-1 sequence lead over the Sparks. Golden State, clinging onto the eighth and remaining playoff spot with 15 video games remaining within the common season, performed the sport with the next sense of urgency.

“This is a must win game tonight,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase stated previous to Saturday’s contest. “We stay focused on the present, but we do look at the games ahead in the next couple days. So we’re very mindful. … We understand the importance of what our schedule looks like in the next couple days.”

Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) passes the ball in opposition to The Los Angeles Sparks’ Azura Stevens (23) and The Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson (2) within the third quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Space Information Group)

With all that was on the road, the Valkyries got here away with a 72-59 win over the Sparks in entrance of its 14th consecutive sellout crowd of 18,064. The Valkyries snapped the Sparks’ three-game successful streaks and gained their first recreation in eight days.

Cecilia Zandalasini completed with 14 factors — all coming within the first half. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries with 16 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Valkyries held the high-octane Sparks offense to 32.8% taking pictures from the sphere and restricted star Kelsey Plum to only 4 factors.

The Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball in opposition to Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) within the first quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Space Information Group)

“Every game is important,” Burton stated. “We don’t have a ton left and every game is a playoff-indicating game. So you’re aware of it, and you understand the importance of it, but you don’t necessarily make it everything.”

Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 15 factors. Stanford star Cameron Brink completed with 5 factors and former Valkyries’ level guard Julie Vanloo had two factors of their return to the Bay Space.

Guard Tiffany Hayes left the sport within the fourth quarter after a collision with Brink, however did return after getting therapy on the bench. She completed with eight factors.

Zandalasini began Saturday’s recreation sizzling.

The Los Angeles Sparks’ Julie Vanloo (35) waves to the gang after a recreation in opposition to The Golden State Valkyries on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Space Information Group)

The Italian ahead hit 4-of-5 3-pointers within the first half and totaled 14 factors to provide the Valkyries a 33-23 benefit at halftime.

For the reason that All-Star break, Zandalasini has shot 37.5% on photographs from past the arc.

The Sparks clawed their manner again into the sport within the third quarter behind 15 factors from Dearica Hamby. However a 10-4 run from the Valkyries gave the house group their 10-point benefit again and all of the momentum going into the fourth quarter.

Within the remaining interval, the Valkyries torched the Sparks’ drop protection protection, discovering open seems to be all around the flooring. The Valkyries shot 6-for-13 from the sphere within the fourth quarter with most photographs being uncontested.

“If they drop, they need to help from somewhere else because our bigs roll the rim very fast,” Zandalasini stated. “Things are more open for us and there’s more spacing when they’re dropping.”

Golden State outscored the Sparks 16-11 within the fourth quarter to seal the win.

The Valkyries will end their three-game dwelling stand on Monday when the Connecticut Solar involves city.

Burton not sweating Plum scuffle

Within the fourth quarter, Burton received visibly upset with Plum after the four-time All-Star seemed to have tripped her whereas she was dribbling. Burton went to Plum as she was on the bottom and stated one thing to her that received a response out of each groups.

After evaluation, officers deemed the foul a flagrant 1.

When requested in regards to the play after the sport, Burton stated she didn’t thoughts the physicality.

“I think it’s part of the game,” Burton stated. “It got called a flagrant, so we just move on from there.”

Sparks coach Lynne Roberts stated Plum didn’t have malicious intent.

“She was trying to kick the ball, she’s not a dirty player,” Roberts stated.

Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes (15) takes a shot in opposition to The Los Angeles Sparks’ Azura Stevens (23), The Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum (10), and The Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson (2) within the third quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Space Information Group)