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.
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.”
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.
