Los Angeles, CA — Rookies Carla Leite and Janelle Salaun led the way as the Golden State Valkyries secured their second consecutive win, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 82-73 on Friday night in a strong early-season statement for the WNBA expansion team.
Leite scored 19 points on a sharp 7-of-10 shooting performance, while Salaun chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. Kayla Thornton added a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards, anchoring a well-rounded effort from Golden State (2-1).
Veronica Burton also made her presence felt, contributing 12 points and five steals in a game that saw the Valkyries capitalize on defensive pressure and second-chance scoring opportunities.
Historic Momentum for Expansion Golden State:
The victory marks a milestone for Golden State — their first-ever winning streak as a franchise. Coming off a narrow 76-74 win over Washington just two days earlier, the Valkyries now sit above .500 for the first time.
Golden State built a commanding 73-58 lead midway through the fourth quarter after a floater from Thornton, but went cold for over five minutes. The Sparks responded with a 10-0 run, fueled by a Kelsey Plum 3-pointer and Dearica Hamby’s late push.
Thornton halted the drought with three clutch free throws at the 1:33 mark, reestablishing momentum and sealing the win.
Sparks Struggle Despite Strong Start:
Dearica Hamby led all scorers with 25 points, while Plum added 16, and Odyssey Sims chipped in 13 for Los Angeles (1-3), who have now dropped three straight games — including back-to-back losses to the Valkyries.
After jumping out to an early nine-point lead in the first quarter, the Sparks went ice cold, missing 15 consecutive shots and committing six turnovers. That opened the door for Golden State’s massive 26-1 run, capped by a Temi Fagbenle layup that made it 42-26 late in the second quarter.
The Sparks haven’t won since their season-opening 84-67 victory — also against Golden State — but have since failed to replicate that form.
What’s Next:
Valkyries hit the road to face the New York Liberty on Tuesday
Sparks return home to host the Chicago Sky on Sunday.
