The Valkyries won their seventh consecutive game and 40th in franchise history, beating the Connecticut Sun 79-64 at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday. Golden State notched its 40th win in just 68 games, becoming the fastest expansion team in WNBA history to achieve that feat. The Valkyries were without All-Star starter Gabby Williams, but Veronica Burton stepped up in her absence, with a game-high 17 points and a game-high six assists. Janelle Salaün led all reserves with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and was a game-high plus-18 in 27 minutes. The Valks are in a three-way tie atop the WNBA standings with the Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx.
Highlights: Golden State Valkyries 79 - Connecticut Sun 64 | 7/10/26
BEST DEFENSIVE QUARTER IN FRANCHISE HISTORY
The Valkyries have particularly leaned on their defense lately to grind out wins in low-scoring games in which they’ve stalled out a bit offensively. This trend continued for the Valkyries on Friday, as they found themselves in an early 14-6 hole and mustered just 30 total points in the first half. However, Golden State limited the Sun to just six points in the second quarter and closed the half on a 10-0 run. Those six points on 5-for-21 shooting are the fewest the Valkyries have allowed in any quarter in franchise history and tie the fewest any team has allowed in a quarter this season. Golden State accomplished this feat without reigning First-Team All-Defensive wing Gabby Williams, sidelined with a back contusion.
BURTON BLOWS GAME OPEN DURING 13-0 RUN
Veronica Burton helped the Valkyries blow the game open in the second half as she capped a 13-0 run with three straight baskets. First, she perfectly executed a 2-for-1, finishing a three-point play going left and then beating the third-quarter buzzer by converting an up-and-under layup from the same spot. Burton began the fourth quarter with a right-corner 3-pointer, which prompted a Sun timeout. The Valkyries led by as many as 22 points in a 15-point win.
Natalie Nakase Postgame Press Conference | 7/10/26
Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaün Postgame Press Conference | 7/10/26
SUCCESS AGAINST FORMER TEAM
Veronica Burton wasn’t the only Valkyrie to shine against her former team as Tiffany Hayes shot a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, tallying nine points and five assists. Hayes played for the Sun in 2023, while Burton was with Connecticut in 2024.
UP NEXT
The Valkyries have a few days off before they conclude their road trip in Indiana, battling Caitlin Clark and the Fever on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT (WATCH: USA, KPIX (Bay Area), KOVR (Sacramento)).
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)