Valkyries halt Sparks' three-game winning run with a loss.
Golden State Valkyries Edge Past Los Angeles Sparks, But Minnesota Lynx Remain atop Western Conference
In a closely contested match, the Golden State Valkyries managed to secure a 72-59 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. However, the win did not propel the Valkyries to the top of the Western Conference standings, as the Minnesota Lynx maintain their dominant position with a 28-5 record.
Rae Burrell scored 10 points as a reserve for the Sparks, while Rickea Jackson shone with 20 points in the same game. Despite their efforts, the Sparks were outscored 12-5 by the Valkyries over the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, and could not recover.
The Valkyries' shooting star, Cecilia Zandalasini, performed exceptionally well in the first half, scoring 14 points on five-for-six shooting. She also made four out of five three-point shots in the first half. However, Zandalasini missed her only shot attempt after halftime. Janelle Salaun contributed 11 points and eight rebounds for the Valkyries.
Veronica Burton scored 16 points for the Valkyries, but it was not enough to overtake the Lynx in the conference standings. The Valkyries currently hold the eighth and final playoff spot, four or more games behind the Lynx.
In a separate game, Dearica Hamby scored 21 points for the Sparks in their 102-91 win over the Connecticut Sun. Hamby also made a three-pointer in the third quarter, and Kelsey Plum added a short shot for the Sparks in the same quarter.
The Valkyries won the regular-season series 3-1 against the Sparks, but the Sparks managed to get within 43-40 in the third quarter. However, they could not close the gap and ultimately fell to the Valkyries.
With the Minnesota Lynx continuing to dominate the Western Conference, the Valkyries will have to work hard to catch up and challenge for the top spot. The next few games will be crucial in determining their position in the standings.
In the subsequent fixtures, the California-based Golden State Valkyries will aim to close the gap on the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA's Western Conference standings, particularly with their impressive 72-59 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. However, despite this victory and Zandalasini's great start to the game, the Lynx remain undefeated with a 28-5 record in basketball, maintaining their commanding position.
