Valkyries blow out cold-shooting Kelsey Plum, Sparks

Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 5:10 am

Valkyries Dominate Sparks in Crucial Commissioner's Cup Clash

The Golden State Valkyries secured a significant victory on Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 78-58 in a game critical for Western Conference standings in the Commissioner's Cup. The win propelled the Valkyries to a 9-5 record, placing them just one game behind the leading Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx with one game remaining in their Cup contention.

Gabby Williams spearheaded a balanced offensive effort for the Valkyries, leading all scorers with 16 points. The team saw consistent contributions from Kaila Charles, who added 13 points, Veronica Burton with 12, and Cecilia Zandalasini with 10. The Valkyries established control early, building a substantial 25-10 lead by the end of the first quarter and extending their advantage to 19 points by halftime.

A key factor in the Valkyries' decisive win was their ability to neutralize the Sparks' leading scorer, Kelsey Plum. Plum, who had recently scored 43 points in a previous game, was held to a season-low nine points on inefficient shooting, going 3-for-10 from the field and 1-for-4 from three-point range before fouling out late in the contest. This marked a significant drop from her usual scoring output.

The Sparks struggled offensively throughout the game, particularly from beyond the arc, where they shot a dismal 1-for-9 in the first half and finished the game making only three of their 21 three-point attempts. Their overall field goal percentage was 33.3%.

In addition to their scoring, the Valkyries showcased strong all-around play. Kaila Charles contributed significantly off the bench, leading her team in rebounds with eight and assists with five. Kiah Stokes added seven rebounds and two blocks, while Kayla Thornton was instrumental in Golden State's defense, tallying four of the team's 13 steals. The Valkyries also shot effectively from three-point range, making seven of their 21 attempts, and maintained a 42.4% overall shooting percentage.

For the Sparks, Rae Burrell led the team with 13 points off the bench, supported by Cameron Brink's 10 points. Dearica Hamby grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. Erica Wheeler, Plum's backcourt teammate, dished out five assists but was unable to score, missing all seven of her shot attempts.

BNN's Perspective: This victory represents a significant step for the Golden State Valkyries in their pursuit of the Commissioner's Cup. Their ability to stifle a high-powered offense like the Sparks, particularly by limiting Kelsey Plum's impact, demonstrates a strong defensive identity. The balanced scoring attack and contributions from multiple players suggest a team that is cohesive and capable of winning in different ways. While the Sparks' shooting woes were evident, the Valkyries capitalized on their opportunities, showcasing the importance of consistent offensive execution and defensive pressure in crucial matchups.

Tags: Golden State Valkyries, Los Angeles Sparks, Commissioner's Cup, Kelsey Plum, Gabby Williams, Kaila Charles, Veronica Burton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Western Conference, basketball, WNBA

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