The Golden State Valkyries return from the FIBA World Cup break to host the Portland Fire at Chase Center on Friday. The Valkyries’ top scorers, Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün, played alongside the Fire’s top scorer, Carla Leite, in the World Cup as they led France to a silver medal. Golden State resumes play on a four-game winning streak and holds a two-game lead over the Las Vegas Aces for second place — they also trail the first-place Minnesota Lynx by two games. With their next win or a loss by the Atlanta Dream, the Valkyries can clinch home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Portland has been eliminated from postseason contention in its inaugural season and is currently eight games behind the eighth-place Dallas Wings.
All fans in attendance for Friday's game will receive a Valkyries snapback presented by Iren.
Valkyries vs. Fire
Friday, Sept. 18 | Tipoff: 7 p.m.
WATCH: ION
LISTEN: 95.7 The Game, ESPN 1320, The Audacy App
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LAST TIME OUT
Tiffany Hayes (18 PTS), Kayla Thornton (17 PTS) and Kaitlyn Chen (15 PTS) combined for 50 points to lead the Valkyries to an 86-69 victory over the Portland Fire at Moda Center on Sunday. The Valkyries’ depth was on full display as several players stepped up in larger roles with two starters (Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini) and a leading candidate for Sixth Player of the Year (Janelle Salaün) out of the lineup. The Valkyries led by as many as 26 points in the win and had five players score in double figures. On the other end, the Fire’s offense sputtered without its leading scorer, Carla Leite, as they scored just 69 points and shot 38.7% from the field. Portland's 69 points are the second-fewest they've had in a game this season. » Full Game Recap
Audio postgame recap, courtesy of Valkyries’ Post-Up Show streams live on 95.7 The Game and the Audacy App. » Full Episode
Highlights: Golden State Valkyries 86 - Portland Fire 69 | 8/30/26
NAKASE AND TEAM USA WIN GOLD MEDAL AT FIBA WORLD CUP
Team USA defeated France in the FIBA World Cup championship game, as Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped the United States win its fifth consecutive gold medal. Valkyries forwards Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün led France to a silver medal, the country’s best-ever World Cup finish. Williams was named the tournament's best defensive player and was recognized as one of its five best players overall by FIBA's All-Star Five. Williams led the World Cup in total points (112) and finished third in points per game (18.7 PPG). Salaün earned World Cup All-Second Team honors, averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 46.4% from three. »Learn More
NUCLEUS OF THE WNBA’S MOST DOMINANT DEFENSE
The Valkyries have imposed their will on WNBA opponents with suffocating defense, making them the toughest team in the league to score on. The Valkyries are allowing just 75.4 points per game, the fewest of any opponent, and have a league-best defensive rating of 99.8. They have held their opponents below 70 points a league-high 14 times this season. Opponents are shooting a league-worst 41.8% from the field against Golden State. The Valkyries have four starters in the top 10 among qualifiers in defensive win shares: Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, and Kiah Stokes. »Learn More
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