On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Golden State Valkyries didn't play like underdogs on Saturday and Kayla Thornton had 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way in a 95-68 victory over the Las Vegas Aces at San Francisco.
Cecilia Zandalasini scored 18 points, Monique Billings added 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while Veronica Burton recorded 14 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds as the Valkyries (3-5) ended a four-game losing streak.
Leading into Saturday's game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase was shocked by her team's lack of energy in their last game, a loss to the Phoenix Mercury, and her team responded in a big way. Golden State pushed the pace from the opening jump and outscored the Aces (4-3) by 16-0 in the first half on fast-break points and 10 forced turnovers.
Golden State's lead pushed to 49-28 at halftime when Kate Martin took the last shot and hit a deep 3-point attempt, which left Las Vegas stunned heading into the halftime locker room. The Valkyries held a 34-15 advantage in the second quarter.
The Valkyries' defense held the visitors to 29 percent shooting from the floor to start the game, but the Aces adjusted at halftime and head coach Becky Hammon's side opted to push into the paint to try and get to the free-throw line. It worked on the offensive end of the court and Las Vegas trimmed its deficit to 18 points, but defensively could not stop Golden State.
Las Vegas never had a lead in the game and was down by as many as 29 points in the third quarter, despite having three-time MVP A'ja Wilson on the roster. The Aces won two WNBA championships over the past three seasons.
Wilson scored 17 points in the defeat, with 16 points by Chelsea Gray, the only two Las Vegas starters to reach double-digit points. First-year Aces guard and WNBA champion Jewell Loyd struggled offensively and went 1-of-6 from the floor with five points.
The win is the first Commissioner's Cup victory in the Valkyries' history and the most points scored in a game for Golden State in its eight-game history.
More must-reads:
- Marina Mabrey, Sun look to topple struggling Mystics
- Lynx aim to stay undefeated in clash vs. struggling Wings
- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Chicago Sky Coach Issues Strong Statement After Loss to Caitlin Clark-Less Fever
The Chicago Sky put up a good fight on Sunday against the Indiana Fever. Despite not having the services of two-time All-Star Angel Reese due to a back injury, the shorthanded Sky battled hard against an Indiana side that was also missing the injured Caitlin Clark. In the end, however, Chicago still lost out, 93-78, marking their third defeat to the Fever in three games played this season. This was also the Sky’s fifth consecutive loss as they fell to 7-18 on the season. Sky Coach Tyler Marsh Reacts to Fever Defeat In his postgame press conference, Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh sent a defiant message following the disappointing loss. The rookie shot-caller heaped praise on his players’ effort in the game. "You learn to be proud of efforts like these,” he said, via Sky reporter Karli Bell. “One thing about us is we're not going to give up." Reese wasn’t the only player sidelined on Sunday. Ariel Atkins, Moriah Jefferson and Hailey Van Lith also sat out due to respective injuries. Courtney Vandersloot has also been out of commission after undergoing season-ending surgery on her ACL in June. It was Rachel Banham who led the charge for Chicago in this one, going off for a season-high 26 points on six triples. It still wasn’t enough, though, as the Fever still managed to hold off the Sky. "I thought we played three quarters of really tough basketball," Marsh added. The Sky will need to focus on the silver lining from this tough loss as they prepare for their next game. This comes in the form of a road matchup against the 12-13 Washington Mystics on Tuesday. At this point, it remains to be seen if Reese will be ready to go for that one.
Why SS Bo Bichette's stellar play could cost Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have the best record in Major League Baseball. Depth contributions throughout the lineup and on the pitching staff are a major factor in their success, but what might be even more important is the heater shortstop Bo Bichette is on. Like most of the rest of the team, after a slow start, Bichette has found his groove, and he put it all on display as Toronto (63-43) won three of four at AL Central-leading Detroit from Thursday-Sunday. Already with two RBI on Thursday and Friday, Bichette added two RBI in Saturday's 6-1 win that included this unreal 13-pitch at-bat against Tarik Skubal. Not many are taking arguably the best pitcher in baseball 13 pitches deep and forcing a walk. In Toronto's 10-4 loss Sunday, Bichette went 5-for-5 with two more RBI. Per StatMuse, it was his fourth five-hit game in the big leagues. Bichette entered the four-game series with a .281 average and now heads to Baltimore with a .289 average. That's superstar stuff from the 27-year-old two-time All-Star. Through 103 games, Bichette has 13 HRs and 65 RBI, putting him on pace for a 20-HR, 99-RBI season. He has driven in 100 runs only once during his seven-year MLB career. Bichette is doing himself wonders in a contract year, especially after a down, injury-plagued 2024 season. Toronto's chance to extend him at a discounted rate is long gone, and it feels like a formality that Bichette will at least test the market this winter. We've seen megadeals handed out to some of the league's best shortstops in recent years, including the Mets' Francisco Lindor, Texas' Corey Seager, Philadelphia's Trea Turner and Minnesota's Carlos Correa. Combine that with the increasing contract values around baseball, and Bichette is set to receive a massive payday. For now, Bichette's focus is on helping the Blue Jays win and make a postseason run that includes Toronto's first World Series title since 1993.
Yankees not close to done adding ahead of trade deadline
The New York Yankees already made headlines by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. That may not be their only move ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Yankees have an extensive shopping list. While a right-handed hitting infielder is a priority, New York is also looking for help in the rotation and bullpen. Acquiring McMahon may have contributed to the push for a right-handed hitting infielder. McMahon has struggled against left-handed pitching throughout his career, posting a .231/.307/.378 batting line in 1,079 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 35 doubles. Those struggles have been even more pronounced this year. McMahon is slashing .207/.289/.310 in 97 plate appearances against southpaws, with two homers and three doubles. Kirschner specifically listed Minnesota Twins utility man Willi Castro as someone the Yankees are targeting, whose career .260/.306/.399 batting line in 689 plate appearances against lefties would make him a solid complement to McMahon. Likewise, the club's pursuit of pitching makes sense. Marcus Stroman has been much better since returning from the injured list at the end of June, but he cannot be considered a reliable option. Rookie Will Warren has been inconsistent, and with Clarke Schmidt likely lost until 2027 due to Tommy John surgery, the rotation needs work. New York's relief corps may be further down the team's needs. While every contending team looks to bolster the bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, the Yanks' upgrades could come from within. Relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. are expected back in August, while fellow reliever Yerry De los Santos was activated from the IL on Saturday. The Yankees still have a lot of work to do ahead of the trade deadline. It could be a busy next few days in the Bronx.
Aaron Rodgers’ True Colors Revealed at Training Camp After Offering Olive Branch to Terry Bradshaw
Commanders just made their stance on Daron Payne crystal clear
For the first time in years, Daron Payne doesn't have the veteran presence of Jonathan Allen to depend upon. They were teammates at Alabama before linking up with the Washington Commanders. They became close friends, but there was only one undisputed alpha in the room. Now things have changed. And the signs suggest that Allen's departure might be a good thing for Payne. Allen's production no longer matched the paycheck. He was released by the Commanders when no willing trade suitor came forward, eventually signing for the Minnesota Vikings. Payne was immediately thrust into the No. 1 defensive tackle role, and the expectations have been made crystal clear. Payne must take the lead. He must become the top dog through leadership and on-field performance. He must be a driving force for his teammates, whether they're experienced veterans or younger players looking to make their way. Commanders are expecting more from Daron Payne, and he's delivering so far These increased responsibilities have brought a positive response from Payne. Head coach Dan Quinn once again echoed these sentiments, proudly proclaiming the former first-round pick is right at the forefront of the defensive tackle unit, and he couldn't be more thrilled. Man, I have had so much fun coaching Daron [Payne] this spring and in training camp. He is on it, and it's nice to see the connection with him, [Javon] Kinlaw, and [Deatrich] Wise. [Jacob] Martin and now [Von] Miller and others that are new to the team. Their fight, their battle, and how we're using guys. Daron… he is right at the front of it. I like that he doesn't have to say it; he's just doing it. And I really respect that.Dan Quinn If fans were on the fence about the Commanders' stance on Payne, they should have full clarity now. Payne is one of the team's longest-serving players. He's the Commanders' biggest salary-cap hit in 2025. More importantly, he's finally got the chance to shine out of Allen's shadow. It's the opportunity he's been waiting for. Washington's defensive line is taking people by surprise over the initial stages of training camp, which is positive. Keeping this up during the regular season is a different challenge entirely, but if Payne can get back to something like his 2022 Pro Bowl form, this isn't going to be the weak link fans have feared. Quinn is having fun with Payne. He's setting the tone for others to follow. People are following his lead, which is arguably the most important thing above all else. After all, Payne won't be able to hold down the fort by himself. It takes a collective effort to excel. More Commanders news and analysis
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
