Chicago, IL — The Golden State Valkyries made WNBA history Friday night, notching their fourth straight victory — a franchise best — with a commanding 90–59 win over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.
Rookie standout Cecilia Zandalasini led the charge for Golden State, scoring a career-high 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including a trio of 3-pointers, in a breakout performance that headlined an all-around team effort.
With the win, the Valkyries improved to 18–15, breaking the WNBA record for most wins by an expansion team in a single season — surpassing the 1998 Detroit Shock, who posted 17 victories in a 30-game schedule.
Dominance After the Break
Chicago (8–25), who trailed by just two at halftime (42–40), collapsed in the second half — scoring a combined 19 points in the third and fourth quarters. After Rachel Banham tied the game at 44 with a 3-pointer early in the third, the Valkyries went on a 15–2 run, effectively taking control for good.
The Sky couldn’t recover, missing 11 straight field goals and turning the ball over four times during a cold stretch that spanned over six minutes. A mix of tight defense and crisp ball movement from Golden State turned a once-close game into a rout.
Balanced Effort Fuels Valkyries’ Surge
Beyond Zandalasini’s career night, the Valkyries saw production up and down the roster:
Janelle Salaün contributed 15 points
Iliana Rupert was perfect from deep, hitting 4-of-4 from three and finishing with 14
Tiffany Hayes added 13 points
Veronica Burton chipped in 11
Golden State continued its recent 3-point barrage, going 14-of-27 from beyond the arc — just two nights after sinking a season-high 15 threes in a win over Washington. The Valkyries started hot, hitting 7-of-10 from distance in the opening quarter.
Sky Struggles Continue
Chicago was once again short-handed, with rookie Angel Reese (back) missing her seventh consecutive game. The offense sputtered despite 15 points from Banham, 14 from Kamilla Cardoso, and 10 from Elizabeth Williams.
The Sky have now lost four straight and 12 of their last 13, with their playoff hopes all but extinguished.
Series Sweep & What’s Next
Golden State completed a regular-season sweep of Chicago, having previously beaten the Sky 83–78 on June 27.
Up Next:
The Sky return home to host the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.
The Valkyries will look to extend their win streak to five when they welcome the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.
