The Valkyries battled back from a 21-point deficit, but Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor drained the game-winning 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds left, spoiling Golden State’s comeback efforts and handing them a 73-70 loss at Wintrust Arena on Friday. Laeticia Amihere led the way for the Valkyries with a career-high 16 points and was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. Janelle Salaün added 13 points off the bench, becoming the single-season leader in total points scored by a reserve. The Valkyries' reserves outscored the Sky's bench by 39 points, 51-12, but they were unable to overcome four Chicago starters scoring in double figures. Taylor scored 14 points and was a plus-15 in 18 minutes for the Sky, while Natasha Cloud matched Golden State's total for made 3-pointers going a perfect 5-for-5 from behind the arc and leading all scorers with 17 points.

OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES DIG VALKYRIES 21-POINT HOLE IN FIRST HALF
The Valkyries got off to a slow start Friday, scoring just two points in the first six minutes of the first quarter and beginning 1-for-8 from the field. Golden State had a three-minute scoring drought over that span but answered an 11-0 Chicago run with an 8-0 run of their own to remain in striking distance. However, the Valkyries dug themselves back into a hole to begin the second quarter, going scoreless for the first four minutes of the frame. Cecilia Zandalasini ended the drought for the Valkyries, making their first 3-pointer of the night. Zandalasini’s 3-pointer was the only triple of the half for Golden State and they ended the half tying their previous first half against the Minnesota Lynx for the lowest-scoring half of the season (26 points). The Valkyries trailed by as many as 21 points in the first half of Friday’s game and Laeticia Amihere was the lone bright spot with a team-high eight points on 3-for-3 shooting in nine minutes. 

VALKYRIES TAKE THE LEAD WITH 17-2 RUN
The Valkyries flipped the switch in the third quarter, outscoring the Sky 25-11 and taking the lead with a 17-2 run. Janelle Salaün paced the team with seven points in the frame, Kaila Charles added five points including the go-ahead layup and Laeticia Amihere increased her consecutive field goals made streak to six with two more baskets. Golden State’s zone defense was particularly effective during the run, as they conceded perimeter jump shots that Chicago was unable to convert. 

SHOOTING VARIANCE 
The perimeter shots that the Sky were missing in the third quarter went in at a significantly higher rate in the fourth as they shot 5-for-7 from deep in the final frame. Meanwhile, the Valkyries converted just one of their six 3-point attempts, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. Chicago's final triple sealed Golden State's fate as Sydney Taylor attacked Veronica Burton in isolation, sized her up with a crossover dribble and sank a 24-footer.

SALAÜN SETS WNBA RECORD FOR TOTAL POINTS IN A SEASON BY A RESERVE
With 13 points off the bench, Janelle Salaün passed former Minnesota Lynx guard Candice Wiggins for the most total points in a single season by a WNBA reserve (458 points). The Valkyries have eight regular season games remaining, meaning Salaün can further increase this record. 

AMIHERE’S CAREER NIGHT MAKES FRANCHISE HISTORY
Laeticia Amihere became the first player in Valkyries’ franchise history to make seven field goals in a game without a miss. Only five players in the WNBA this season have scored more points in a game without missing a shot — Kamila Cardoso (30 points), Naz Hillmon (24 points), Megan DeLio (22 points), Angel Reese (20 points) and Dearica Hamby (19 points). Amihere’s 16 points are a career-high mark. 

UP NEXT
The Valkyries continue their road trip with a rematch against the Lynx in Minnesota on Monday at 5:00 p.m. PT. Tune in at USA Network, KPIX, KMAX, or the Audacy App. 

By the Numbers