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.
Highlights: Golden State Valkyries 86 - Portland Fire 69 | 8/30/26
HAYES IGNITES EARLY, EQUAL FIRE’S POINT TOTAL IN FIRST QUARTER
Tiffany Hayes received her second start of the season with multiple starters having departed to Berlin for the FIBA World Cup. Hayes ignited early against the Fire, scoring eight of the Valkyries’ first 10 points and spearheading a 13-0 run. She finished the first quarter scoring as many points as the entire Portland roster, despite taking nine fewer shots and eight fewer 3-pointers. Hayes scored 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the frame, tied for the fourth-most points she’s had in a quarter in her career and the most she’s had in a quarter since 2023. The Valkyries doubled up the Fire in the quarter, 28-14.
Highlights: Tiffany Hayes 18 Points vs. Portland Fire | 8/30/26
VALKYRIES EXTEND LEAD TO 24 WITH 15-0 RUN
Trailing by as many as 19 points in the first quarter, the Fire pulled within single digits early in the second, 30-21. The Valkyries responded with a 15-0 run to bring their advantage up to 24 points. Kaitlyn Chen scored seven points during the run and led all reserves with 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting in the first half. Golden State was able preserve its double-digit advantage the rest of the way.
BURTON ECLIPSES 500 CAREER REBOUNDS
Veronica Burton eclipsed 500 career rebounds by grabbing six boards on Sunday. Burton recorded her second game this season with double-digit points and at least six rebounds and six assists. She finished with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and was a plus-27 in 29 minutes. Burton has been the ultimate iron woman for the Valkyries, having played and started in all 84 games in the franchise’s history.
Natalie Nakase Postgame Press Conference | 8/30/26
Tiffany Hayes and Kayla Thornton Postgame Press Conference | 8/30/26
UP NEXT
The Valkyries will have a couple of weeks off for the FIBA World Cup break before resuming action by hosting the Portland Fire at Chase Center on Sept. 18. Four active Valkyries will participate in the World Cup from Sept. 4-13, including Gabby Williams (France), Janelle Salaün (France), Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy) and Miela Sowah (Australia). Head Coach Natalie Nakase will also serve as an assistant coach for Team USA. »Learn More
By the Numbers
- Tiffany Hayes led the Valkyries in scoring with 18 points, including 14 points in the first quarter which matched the Fire’s team total in the first. Hayes shot 7-12 (58.3 percent) from the field, 2-5 (40 percent) from three, and a perfect 2-2 from the line, adding six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
- Kayla Thornton recorded 17 points on 5-8 (62.5 percent) shooting, including 3-5 (60 percent) from three and a perfect 4-4 from the line, also adding two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
- Kaitlyn Chen finished with 15 points in 27 minutes on 62.5 percent (5-8) shooting from the floor.
- Kaila Charles led all players with eight rebounds to go with 11 points and five assists.
- Miela Sowah scored her first-ever WNBA points on a layup in the fourth quarter.
- Veronica Burton surpassed 500-career rebounds today, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.
- Golden State became the first team since New York in 2024 to hold its opponent to 70 or fewer points in four straight road games.
- The Valkyries have won six of their last seven road games.
- Golden State shot a season-high 19-21 (90.5 percent) from the free throw line (min. 15 attempts).
- The Valkyries were without Janelle Salaün, Gabby Williams and Cecilia Zandalasini, who are not with the team due to international commitments.
- The Valkyries head into the FIBA World Cup break second in the WNBA standings with a 29-11 record.
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