San Francisco, CA – The Golden State Valkyries broke a four-game losing streak with a dominant 95-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday at Chase Center, fueled by a +40 plus-minus performance from guard Veronica Burton and a smothering defensive effort against A’ja Wilson.
Valkyries Torch Aces 95-68 as coach Nakase faces former mentor Becky Hammon in emotional win in front of sold-out crowd at Ballhalla.
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Burton posted a career-high 12 assists along with 14 points and seven rebounds, orchestrating Golden State best game of the season.
Kayla Thornton led all scorers with 22 points and added 11 boards, while Monique Billings also notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Cecilia Zandalasini scored a career-high 18, and rookie Kate Martin added 12, including a buzzer-beating three to end the first half.
The Valkyries never trailed, hitting a franchise-best 95 points. Martin’s deep three gave Golden State a commanding 49-28 halftime lead that Las Vegas never challenged.
Aces star A’ja Wilson still finished with 17 points, but head coach Natalie Nakase said the game plan was clear: “We just wanted to show her multiple bodies as much as we could. She’s the best player in the world.”
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Nakase, a former Aces assistant, faced her former boss, Becky Hammon, for the first time and credited Hammon with preparing her for a head coaching role. “I literally said, ‘I learned everything from you,’” Nakase shared postgame.
The Valkyries head south to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday June 9th. With their momentum restored, Golden State looks to break their 1-1 series tie with L.A. and continue building toward playoff contention.
LA METRO JOINS THE LOS ANGELES SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION AS THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC TRANSIT PROVIDER FOR
THE LOS ANGELES WORLD CUP 2026 HOST CITY
Metro Partnership to Enhance Fan Experience, Provide Affordable, Stress-free, and Low-impact Transportation Options
LOS ANGELES (June 6, 2025) – The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) is proud to announce that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is now a Host City Supporter and the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City as the region prepares to welcome eight matches for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
“Metro’s partnership with the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission marks a major step forward in how we welcome the world to Los Angeles. As the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City, Metro will help ensure that fans can get to these unforgettable events safely, sustainably, and seamlessly,” said Janice Hahn, Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor.
This partnership underscores Metro’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and fan-firstexperiences—setting the stage for a seamless journey to the heart of the action across the region. As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world, Metro’s extensive network of buses and trains will play a pivotal role in connecting fans, both local and from around the globe, to the games, official fan zones, hotels, and cultural landmarks. By providing reliable public transit services, Metro aims to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental impact, and ensure a seamless experience for local and international visitors.
“Metro is delighted to be teaming up with Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission as the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “We are committed to leveling up our public transit system in the next few years – not just for these big events, but for all Angelenos to use and enjoy for decades to come. We look forward to working with LASEC to support our region and all the people who call LA County home.”
To ensure fans have a seamless experience for all these events, Metro will launch a dynamic public awareness campaign to educate the public and promote using public transportation to experience LA with ease. This milestone partnership is part of Metro’s larger transit-first vision as Los Angeles gears up for a once-in-a-generation convergence of sports and entertainment, culminating in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We’re thrilled to have Metro on board as a Host City Supporter for what promises to be an extraordinary decade of major events right here in Los Angeles,” said Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Manager. “Metro’s dedication to sustainability and smart, efficient transportation is a natural fit with our mission to create positive, memorable experiences for fans. Their support will help us move people effortlessly throughout the region, ensuring that both local communities and visitors from around the globe enjoy everything LA has to offer during this exciting stretch of major events.”
For more information about Metro’s services and LASEC’s initiatives around the upcoming major events, please visit LASEC.net, losangelesfwc26.com and metro.net.
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About the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) is a non-profit organization officially designated to attract, secure and support high-profile sports and entertainment events in Los Angeles and serves as the lead for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 and Super Bowl LXI Host Committees. LASEC connects local businesses and communities with these major events to create lasting economic, cultural, and social impact for the region. For more information, visit: LASEC.net
About the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee
The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee was established to deliver a premier FIFA World Cup 26™ experience and drive lasting social, cultural, and economic impact for the region. We serve as the liaison between FIFA and the Los Angeles region to harness opportunities surrounding the tournament to elevate our community. The Host Committee is co-chaired by LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman and former U.S. Men’s National Team player Chris Klein, led by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), and includes the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), and LA Galaxy. For more information, visit losangelesfwc26.com.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.
Dallas, Tx, The Los Angeles Sparks cooked the Dallas Wings in their arena 93-79 on Friday night to snap a three-game losing skid led by Azurá Stevens’ 21 points, whom came undone with a career-high five threes, and Dearica Hamby serving across the paint for 20 points, following a three day practice break in between games.
“We were intentional with rest and giving high-minute players, less reps in practice, or just a little time off,” Coach Lynne Roberts said. “but it was a good reset and it was a good reset for me. To be able to hone in on what we were running that was working and what wasn’t, now, I feel like I understand these players a lot better…[to] play to their strengths.”
This was the first time of the season, LA shot as a team over 50 percent for a game while their starting front court, Stevens and Hamby delivered over 20 points for the fourth time.
“I’ve been playing with [Dearica Hamby] now [for] my third year, and I think we complement each other really well,” Stevens explained. “We have similar skill sets, we’re both really active defensively and offensively, and it’s been great playing with her.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
In addition, Odyssey Sims, who appeared full of excitement to return and play in Dallas against her former team after posting 32 points in their previous game against Phoenix, dropped 19 points including multiple “and 1s” plus three triples.
“It’s always good to come home. I feel like the fans, they love me like I never left. But I will say I’m happy where I am,” Sims explained. I think I’m here for a reason. I finally found a home. I love my teammates, no shade to Dallas at all.… I love this coaching staff.”
LA held a 45-40 lead at halftime after Sims completed her first three-point play to close out the first half with less than 3 seconds remaining. Sims scored nine points at halftime, Stevens, 13 and Hamby added 11.
The Sparks opened the third quarter on a 11-0 run and repeated another strong start in the fourth with a 9-0 run taking a 76-55 advantage.
“They’re adapting well. It takes time, but I think we can look back at a couple of our really close losses and not really blame our offense,“ coach Roberts said pregame press conference. “We’ve got to get stops. So right now, I’m looking for us to just lock in a little bit with a little more urgency defensively…If you look at a couple weeks ago to now, everything’s clicking better. People are figuring out their roles, where their shots come from, and how they can help add to winning, but now we need everybody to add to winning on the defensive side.”
The Sparks locked in their defense, seemingly listening to their coach’s pregame, especially in the third quarter when they limited the Wings to only 15 points.
Dallas played without their two primary offense facilitators, including top draft pick, Paige Bueckers, while committing three turnovers and having no answers for the Sparks opening run in the fourth.
Coach Roberts shared how her team won every quarter this game as Kelsey Plum facilitated more for her teammates on tonight, including a highlight dish to Stevens to make her career high 3-pointer on a wide-open shot from the corner off her nice drive.
Plum added 11 points, five rebounds and nine assists still short thus far of reaching her goal for double digits in assists
and Rickea Jackson return to scoring double figures, raking in 10 for her first game back since missing their last game due to personal reasons.
“Rickea [Jackson] looks great. She’s had three really, really good days of practice, so she’s back in the starting lineup, which is awesome,” coach Roberts said during pregame press conference. “We’re a better team with her present.”
For Dallas, DiJonai Carrington led all scorers with 16 points. JJ Quinerly had a career-high 14, Luisa Geiselsoder had 11 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double. Kaila Charles added 10 points.
Dallas (1-8) has allowed 90-plus points three times during its four-game losing streak. LA (3-6) recorded a season-high with 93 points and led by as many as 24 points in the fourth quarter.
The Sparks return home to play the Golden State Valkyries for the fourth time this season after an upsetting loss at home on Monday, June 9, 7pm.
San Francisco, CA- The Golden State Valkyries fell 86–75 to the undefeated Minnesota Lynx on Sunday night at the Chase Center, but not without making a statement — and showcasing a breakout performance from crowd favorite, Kate “Money” Martin.
Martin scored a career-high 14 points in a red-hot second quarter that helped the Valkyries take a slim halftime lead. Her energy and confident shooting gave Golden State a spark, earning loud cheers from the home crowd and highlighting her growing role in the lineup.
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Despite the strong start, the Lynx pulled away in the second half behind Napheesa Collier’s 24 points and 11 rebounds. Courtney Williams added 20, leading Minnesota to its seventh straight win.
Head coach Natalie Nakase has emphasized development and culture in the franchise’s inaugural season, and that focus was evident. Golden State moved the ball well, played aggressive defense, and continued to build chemistry on both ends of the floor. “They stayed in the fight and that’s what I love about this team,” Nakase said.
Martin, nicknamed “Money” by her teammates, her fans called “Martinis”, has quickly become a fan favorite, — and Sunday’s performance proved she’s more than just a spark plug. “It’s honestly incredible, when you have a fan base that just sticks with you through highs and lows of the games and cheers you on. It does bring us energy…to have such supportive fans, it really does help,” Martin says.
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
The Valkyries dropped to 2–4 but showed they can compete with top-tier teams. They’ll aim to carry that momentum into a nationally televised game on June 7 against the defending champion, the Las Vegas Aces.
As the season continues, the Valkyrie’s foundation — built on effort, growth, and emerging talent like Martin — is clearly taking shape.
Los Angeles, CA – The Sparks had one last chance in regulation trailing by two-point to tie or win the game only six seconds on the shot clock and 29.5 in the game so Mercury was due a possession any way. Sloppy play would lead to costly turnover and the game.
After few empty possessions and fouls the Mercury won 85-80 in this Commissioner Cup game.
To think the score was all tied up 74-74 with 3:26 in the game and it was time for somebody to step up for either team.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Mercury stuck first with a deep three from the side by Satou Sabally and defensive stop, followed by another 3-pointer by Monique Akoa Makani and just like that 80-74.
Sabally finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and two assist to allow for the win.
Jump ball with 1:06 on clock was won by the Sparks to give them a chance but after two misses and an offensive rebound it wasn’t looking good.
“Frustrating, this a completive group and this game came down to poor shooting,” said Lynne Roberts Sparks head coach, “We just didn’t make shots tonight.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Down the stretch there were few calls the fans were pretty vocal and let their collective voices be heard. The Sparks continued to push through the adversity of allowing the Mercury to comeback and making this a game.
The Sparks jumped to a 50-37 lead at half and just needed to keep that same hunger for the remained of the game.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
After the half the Mercury jumped out to 10-1 run cutting lead down to 51-47 by six-minute mark to push the Sparks to find a basket fast. Their halftime adjustments were just too much for the Sparks.
To start the fourth quarter Mercury held 61-59 lead, after taking over in the third quarter outscoring the Sparks by 15 points.
Mercury called a time with 3:53 left in first quarter after the Sparks take quick 18-14 lead from a blazing start by Odyssey Sims dropping 11 points. She finished with 32 points, five rebounds, and four assists to carry the load.
“I wanted to keep my foot on their neck,” Sims said.
Kitija Laksa took over to start the game to allow for the Mercury to keep pace early, but by the end of first quarter the Sparks stretched their lead to 10 points 27-14. The quarter finished with a story book three pointer by Sims that gave her 14 points in the quarter.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Sparks ball movement was flowing with give and go’s to backdoor cuts, Azurá Stevens moving without the ball getting open. In the second half the ball just kept stopping in one players hand.
The tell of two halves was the end of the story today after the Mercury counter punched the Sparks that left them dazed.
The Sparks will practice this week and fly to Dallas to play the Wings on Friday June 6th.
Los Angeles, CA – Rickea Jackson saw 12 minutes of action in her return on Tuesday night, then appeared emotional after her team’s 88-82 loss in spite of the LA Sparks late rally in the game led by her teammates, Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum, 28 and 27 points, respectively.
“It’s a dose of perspective, right?” Coach Lynne Roberts said. “[Kelsey Plum]’s been amazing and there’s a lot of pressure on her, but she’s done a great job handling it.” Coach Roberts added about Hamby, “[Dearica] just been having unbelievable stat lines.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
As for the Atlanta Dream, Allisha Gray led her team with 25 points despite her team almost squandering a 17-point lead before taking down the Sparks with Gray’s four clutch free throws to end the game.
“They [Dream] play in transition and they banged really timely threes,” Plum said. “This league is extremely tough and if you take your foot off the gas for a second…people make you pay.”
The Sparks continue to move the ball better within coach Roberts “not so new anymore” structured offense. Hamby dished eight assists and four steals, refusing to let her team go down without a fight, reading the defense and hustling down loose balls.
“We talked about the versatility and the way the offense is set up,” Hamby said. “I’m usually the first person to touch the ball, so…it helps having Kelsey here and just making the right reads.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Both Plum and Hamby sparked an early fourth quarter 12-0 run to cut down the lead to single digits, 66-63.
“I don’t think we were able to execute our game plan defensively at the level we wanted, particularly in second half,” coach Karl Smesko said. “You just have to give them credit, we had a big lead and they refused to quit.”
The Dream’s Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and starting guard Rhyne Howard hit back to back triples, keeping Atlanta ahead after the Sparks’ Plum nailed a three-pointer of her own to cut the lead, 71-70, a little passed the midway point in the final quarter.
Azura Stevens hit a triple for the Sparks to make it 81-77 with less than a minute left in the game, but Naz Hillmon’s answered with a dagger from the top of the key to put Atlanta back up by seven.
Five Dream players including two off the bench scored in double figures. Howard had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Brionna Jones scored 13 points, Hillmon 11 and Walker-Kimbrough 10.
“We have a lot of good players and anyone can step up any day,” coach Smesko said.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Hamby had six rebounds and another game with stats full across the board. Plum finished also with five assists and tied Hamby with four steals. Stevens scrapped for a double double 10 points and 11 rebounds after experiencing her first game of the season where she struggled in the first half.
Both teams started the game scoring within a minute from tip-off. Gray drove clear pass Sarah Ashlee Barker for a left handed layup, followed by Hamby’s drive pass Nia Coffey to the basket, drawing a quick foul and nailing both free-throws.
After several lead changes and three score ties, Maya Caldwell sinked a 3-pointer for Atlanta to go up 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. Hamby and Plum would keep their team in the game, with eight points apiece to close the half, 40-31.
The Sparks came close within six, 51-45, halfway through the third quarter after a three-point play by Plum, but the Dream’s next three possessions was a sequence of a layup and short jumper by Gray then a step back 3-pointer from Howard for a 58-45 lead. Even though the Sparks shot 47 percent in the third, Hamby and Plum combined for 35 of those 53 points entering the fourth quarter.
LA Sparks played most of their roster’s active players except rookie Sania Feagan as well as still playing without Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink, whom are still rehabbing their way back onto the team’s active roster.
“My message to the group was, we’ve got to be able to put 40 minutes together, not get down and then play with urgency,” coach Roberts said. “You can’t let a missed shot, a bad shot, a turnover, affect how you play defensively and I think we could get better at that.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
While Jackson missed a couple of shot attempts on limited action, a total of 12 minutes, as expected from Coach Roberts pregame press conference comments that she would play off the bench, gradually into the fold in compliance with the concussion protocol. Yet, Jackson, a crowd favorite and rising, versatile 2-way player, coming off a remarkable first team all- rookie season, expected to carry that momentum into this season as she continues to look for her breakthrough moment with the new coach’s system and roster improvements.
When avid Sparks supporter and former Saturday Night Live (SNL) Comedian Leslie Jones saw the usually bubbly Jackson after the game on the court, a more somber Jackson fell into her arms for a nurturing embrace that Jones would later share during her arena departure, the context of their private exchange though seen in public for which even compelled Atlanta’s Howard to interject with words of encouragement.
“Rickea is like my little sister, ever since college we’ve had a close relationship,” Howard said. “I just reminded her of who she is that she is a great player, a great person and if she ever needs anything that she can reach out to me.”
Whereas Jones did not share specifically her personal message to Jackson but did offer an exclusive public service announcement of how to uplift not only Jackson but the Sparks in general.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
“These are human beings, they’re not just basketball players and they have feelings, fears, insecurities like everybody else,” Jones said. “We as a crowd need to love them and support them no matter how much you think they’re doing bad or whatever because they are [expletive] humans…playing for us, giving their heart so we ought to give that [expletive] back!”
Atlanta (4-2) played without their star veteran center Brittney Griner, who sat sidelined near NBA superstar Kevin Durant rather than on her team’s bench.
The Sparks (2-4) will have a longer break in between games as they prepare to hit the road for their Friday’s game, where Plum and Hamby return together to play their former team, the Las Vegas Aces.
Los Angeles, CA –Cali showed love to Angel Reese during game introductions despite her not being one of the Halos in Los Angeles while the Sparks (2-3) showed the Sky (0-3) their limits at Crypto Arena in a lopsided victory, 91-78.
Both “Angels” took an “L” on Sunday for Los Angeles baseball team and Chicago WNBA team to continue their teams’ losing streak.
Sparks – Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
“It’s tough losing 3 in a row,” Reese said. “But I think if we stick together and work on the things we need to then we will be alright.”
And on the winning side, Sparks’ coach Lynne Roberts had this to say, “Yes, I prefer winning. I’m much better at it,” Roberts continued, “And that’s what I just told them in the locker room, we played 40 minutes and wins are hard to come by in this league.”
For Coach Roberts this was their first game of a complete 40 minutes playing “good” basketball the way that she expects and sees their potential for the remainder of the season.
Sparks – Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Even with the Sky’s height advantage making it uncomfortable, the Sparks were still able to finish with a team best 24 assists on 31 made baskets.
“That’s the stat of the game for me,” coach Roberts said.
The Sparks went tit-for-tat with the Sky most of the first quarter with the Sky keeping it a close game early on despite early foul trouble with their starting center, Kamilla Cardoso.
“I think Dearica Hamby and me boxed out as much as we could, but the guards came in and got the ones that fell around the free throw line,” starting center Azurá Stevens said. “I think that’s important when you’re playing teams that have size, it takes a gang effort.”
Sparks – Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Stevens rose to the occasion on both ends of the floor, scoring 24 points as well as helping to contain two of the young, rising first round draftees, post players in the league.
But the Sky didn’t go away quietly or quickly as they fought throughout the game, especially when Rebecca Allen came off the bench in the second quarter to warm up her team from the outside after Stevens and Hamby’s defense somewhat froze scoring inside the paint.
“They did a really good job of just not dwelling on the run and to just keep chopping wood,” coach Roberts said.
After halftime, Plum chopped more than wood, finishing with 28 points for the game, 17 coming in the third quarter, as she chopped the Sky’s defense into “Reese’s” pieces, sort of previewing this with a first quarter gestured once she drove clear pass Reese for an easy left hand layup. Plum celebrated with a popular hand low to the ground to express the Sky’s defense is too little.
Sparks – Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Not only too little defense from the Sky, too little offense as well, donning currently the last place in the league for both categories.
However, the Sparks played big with four players scoring in double figures behind Plum and Stevens, starting guard Odyssey Sims scored 12, and Hamby finished with 10 to go along with a full stat line of six rebounds, eight assists, and six steals.
The Sparks kept the momentum going with their defense while being more meticulous with their offensive movement.
“We were 13 out of 27 from the [three-point line],” Coach Roberts said. “We had a good proportion of twos to threes. The ball was moving, and [we had a] season high of points, so we just gotta build on it.”
As the Sparks continue to build around injuries and new improvements, they might have established some foundational pillars against the Sky after committing fewer turnovers and creating more fastbreak opportunities leading to points.
Sparks – Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Meanwhile, Reese led her team with another career double-double for the season, scoring an efficient 13 points and 12 rebounds. Sky had three other players in double figures including Cardoso with 12, Rebecca Allen and Courtney Vandersloot both scoring 11 apiece.
Sparks will have another 36 hour turnaround game action this Tuesday night after the Memorial Day holiday against the Atlanta Dream at Crypto Arena. Coach Roberts alluded to her adjustment from college to pros is managing lesser practice time in exchange for more film study.
Speaking of attention to details, hopefully with another Sparks win, it will not only be two in a row, it will also tie both teams’ records, breaking even, 3-3.
Los Angeles, CA – The LA Sparks returned Friday night to Crypto Arena for their second home game of the season and third matchup against Golden State Valkyries after a close road loss to Phoenix Mercury, to fall again, 82-73 for their third consecutive loss.
The Sparks trailed at the onset, with the Valkyries scoring instantly from the game tipoff, quickly taking a six point lead, before the Sparks began their rally midway thru the first quarter to tie the game, 7-7, only to go cold from the field almost three quarters until the last minutes of the game.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
“I was really frustrated with the second quarter. We missed some shots that I think we were expecting to make and then that just affected our defense,” Sparks’ Coach Lynne Roberts said. “We stopped the game plan. Like we weren’t running, we weren’t moving it, we got caught trying to do too much one on one…We gotta put up a full 40 minutes together. We haven’t done it yet this season.”
The Sparks had no answer on defense in the first half for Janelle Salaün, who proved to be the game’s difference maker for Valkyries from their previous meetings, hitting back-to-back threes, leading her team’s 20-0 run. Eventually, Sparks’ Dearica Hamby scored a layup, to give her team hope and momentum into the second half, entering halftime, 49-35.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
“I just do what I do consistently, just trying to bring energy,” Hambry said. “Definitely picked up the defensive energy…I want to win, so I’m willing to do whatever.”
Hambry’s will to win was not enough for her team to cut down and overcome a huge deficit as the Valkyries executed their game
plan with playing harder and more intensity that demonstrated a sense of urgency missing from the Sparks.
“I thought in the fourth quarter, we finally played with the urgency it takes to win this league,” coach Roberts said. “so credit to them. They beat us.”
By the fourth quarter, the Sparks appeared awaken from their almost three quarters of slumber to cut the Valkyries’ lead down to five. Although, it was a valiant effort from LA, especially led by Hambry’s energized play, tallying 25 points, Golden State refused to let this game slip away after building a fort tight lead to block any chance of a comeback.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Starting guard Kelsey Plum dropped 37 points in the season opener versus the Valkyries, but Golden State figured out a way to limit the guard this game with scoring 16 points, shooting 6-18 from the field and 2-10 from behind the arc. Odyssey Sims looked to be on the brink of turning a page with her current role on the team’s new chapter, scoring 13 points primarily in the first half, despite shooting 4-13. Sarah Ashlee Barker making her second start as a rookie had another rough night, having a tall task of guarding hard-nosed players like Salaun and oftentimes looking like a deer in headlights.
“From the mental aspect of it, just [have a] next-play mentality,” Barker said. “I have great coaches who believe in me, trust in me, and like Coach [Lynne Roberts] said, we play Chicago in 36 hours, so you gotta move on to the next and just be ready for the next moment.”
Both teams did not take care of the ball, particularly in second half, as the Sparks turned it over 19 times and Valkryies capitalized by scoring 22 points. LA shot just under 40% from the field and little over 70% from the free throw line in comparison to Golden State shooting over 40% and 90% from the charity stripe.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Still adjusting to early season injuries that impacted both teams’ key lineups, as the Sparks continue to play without Rickea Jackson, Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink, whom has been out since preseason while the Valkyries played without former Aces and Veteran star, Tiffany Hayes and Monique Billings.
Salaün helped Valkryies secure their biggest lead of the game after hitting her fourth triple to open the quarter and then clutch free throws to close the game, sealing the win, 83-72. Barker, Hambry and Plum all missed key scoring opportunities after reaching within scoring distance, 78- 71 that could have shifted the momentum.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Sparks return to Crypto Arena on Sunday to host WNBA All Star Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky at 3 p.m. PT.
Bay Area – Last night, the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (District) passed a unanimous vote to provide financial resources to ensure that Vallejo’s youth have a safe space on Friday evenings during the summer. Board Member Rizal Aliga’s eyes swelled with tears as he spoke about the positive impact this program had on his upbringing. The District will provide an immediate $25k cash payment through the Solano County Community Foundation.
Louis Michael of Touro University organizes Late Night Basketball. The program is more than just basketball. Before the first shot is taken, the participants must attend mandatory classroom sessions on health, wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. They also receive a meal. Basketball is just the carrot to get community participation.
The pillars of the Vallejo community pledged resources and joint engagement to ensure the program’s success. Dr. Ramona Bishop and Tausha Johnson of Elite School will provide the gymnasium, insurance, and staff support. Mark Lampkin of the East Bay Basketball Officials Association will provide quality officials and job training. “Sarah Speaks” a mental health professional and her 13-year-old son, spoke passionately about the positive impact of the program. “This is a place where kids that can’t afford AAU basketball or don’t have the competitive skills can come and play. It’s these 12 and 13-year-olds that can’t play basketball at a high level that need somewhere to go.” Pastor Tony Summers of Impact Bible Ministries and various community members spoke about how many of these children go hungry and simply need a meal.
Despite a packed meeting with overwhelming support, the tension and passion in the District meeting were thick. Vice Chairman Tom Starnes addressed the need for prudent fiscal decisions, such as the ability to make payroll and purchase simple items, such as pens. The most passionate voice in the room was Secretary Thomas Judt who illuminated that in the face of budget deficits, “there are funds available and there is no better use of the funds.” Board Members Ward Stewart and Thomas Bell provided context and affirmed that these types of programs are what the District is supposed to support.
Late Night basketball will be hosted from June 20th to August 8th on Friday evenings from 6pm to Midnight. If you would like to participate or volunteer, visit website latenightbasketball.org or send an email to louismichaeljr@gmail.com.
San Francisco, CA – In a historic night for the WNBA’s newest franchise, the Valkyries notched their first-ever win with a thrilling 78-72 victory, overcoming adversity and a second-half deficit to cement their place in league history.
Valkyries – Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Veronica Burton delivered a breakout performance, setting career highs with 22 points and nine rebounds. Her defining moment came just before halftime when she drained a 38-foot buzzer beater. “Just looking for my shot,” Burton said. “That shot was a little lucky, …but to see that go in, just helped me to see a few more go in.”
The game took a tense turn late in the second quarter when starting guard Tiffany Hayes exited with a nose injury after taking a hard foul from Shakira Austin. Hayes did not return, and her absence was deeply felt as the Valkyries struggled to keep pace heading into the third quarter.
Valkyries – Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Washington’s Brittney Sykes was electric, pouring in 30 points and sinking two clutch free throws with 1:58 remaining to briefly give the Mystics the lead. But the Valkyries responded with poise, knocking down all the big shots in the final minutes—despite the loss of Hayes—to seize control and close out the game.
Trailing by seven midway through the third, the Valkyries responded with resilience, closing on a 12-4 run to snatch a one-point lead heading into the fourth. Their grit and defensive intensity ignited the crowd and shifted momentum.
Valkyries – Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Despite missing a key veteran, the Valkyries leaned on teamwork and emerging stars to battle through adversity. The win not only marks a historic milestone but showcases the potential and depth of a promising young team. As the franchise celebrates its first victory, the foundation is clearly set for a competitive future.
Reflecting on the win, Burton added, “I think these are the moments you don’t really forget… just the emotions behind it, the feeling, and just embracing this moment.”
Valkyries – Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 NewsValkyries – Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
