The Golden State Valkyries fell to the Washington Mystics 90-82 on Monday night at Chase Center. This result marks the end of a historic nine-game win streak, the longest in Valkyries' franchise history. Despite a back and forth battle for majority of the contest, the Valkyries were unable to come back from the Mystics 22-5 scoring run that closed out the fourth quarter. Kaitlyn Chen led the team on offense, recording a career-high 20 points, followed by Kayla Thornton (15) and Veronica Burton (12) scoring in double figures.
Highlights: Golden State Valkyries 82 - Washington Mystics 90 | 7/20/26
CAREER-HIGH NIGHT FOR CHEN
Kaitlyn Chen had a career performance, setting new highs in both points (20) and assists (6) on Monday night. Attacking in all forms, she shot 8-for-13 from the field with a pair of triples.
Kaitlyn Chen's Career Night vs. Washington Mystics - 7/20/26
THIRD QUARTER THRILLER
After eight lead changes in the first half, the momentum shifted in the Valkyries' favor when they went on a 10-2 scoring run, highlighted by four triples in that span, with a pair from Kayla Thornton, to tie it at 52-52 in the third quarter.
With just over a minute left in the frame, Janelle Salaün battled for a steal and earned a technical foul after review. She followed up her made free throw by sinking a dagger of a three pointer to take the advantage at 56-54 and send Ballhalla into an uproar.
THORNTON DIALED IN FROM BEYOND THE ARC
Kayla Thornton was locked in from distance as she recorded four three pointers. She shot an impressive 5-for-8 from the field, finishing with 15 points. Monday was her fifth time recording four three pointers this season.
As a team, Golden State tallied a total of twelve three pointers against the Mystics.
ALL-STAR RECOGNITION
Ahead of Monday night's matchup, All-Star starter Gabby Williams was honored with a tribute video of her loved ones congratulating her on being the first Valkyrie in franchise history to start in an All-Star game. Williams was gifted a framed 2026 All-Star jersey surrounded by her teammates.
Gabby Williams Recognized As 2026 All-Star Starter in Pregame
Kaitlyn Chen and Veronica Burton Postgame Press Conference | 7/20/26
Natalie Nakase Postgame Press Conference | 7/20/26
UP NEXT
The Valkyries' will be back in action after the 2026 WNBA All-Star break, when they play the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. PT (WATCH: USA/CNBC,KPIX+ 44/KMAX 31). Fans can tune in to see Gabby Williams starting on the court for Team Coop in the All-Star game at the United Center in Chicago on July 25 at 5:30 p.m. PT (WATCH: ABC).
BY THE NUMBERS
- The Valkyries posted their 37th consecutive home sellout on Monday night, drawing 18,064 fans.
- Tonight marks Kaitlyn Chen's 10th time scoring in double figures this season.
- Kayla Thornton scored 15 points, shooting 4-7 (57.1 percent) from three, and added three rebounds and two steals.
- Veronica Burton contributed a team-high seven assists along with 12 points. Burton shot 5-8 (62.5 percent) from the field and tied Thornton with a team-best two steals.
- Janelle Salaün finished 4-4 (100 percent) from the line and totaled 11 points. Tonight was Salaün’s 18th time scoring in double-digits this season.
- Kaila Charles hauled in a team-best five rebounds, marking her fifth time this season she’s led the team in boards.
- With two blocks, Kiah Stokes surpassed her season average of 1.8, a stat that ranks second in the league.
- The Valkyries produced 10 steals to Washington’s four and scored 19 points off the Mystics’ 17 turnovers.
- Four Valkyries finished in double figures in Chen, Burton, Salaün and Thornton.
- Golden State didn’t shoot its first free throw until 2:19 in the third quarter, and went 8-11 (72.7 percent) from the line in the game.
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