NFL
By: Ashemere Prasad
Saturday, August 9 – San Francisco
The Golden State Valkyries locked down the Los Angeles Sparks in Saturday’s must-win game, holding them to just 59 points in a decisive victory. Kelsey Plum was limited to four points on 1-of-9 shooting, including 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.
After losing back-to-back games to the Aces, Golden State needed to reconvene and work on its communication.
“We talked about the stakes, but we also talked about what we’re in control of, and that’s our energy, that’s our communication,” coach Natalie Nakase said. “When we felt like it’s kind of been lacking, I would say, especially the last two games. So we just made an onus today, and yesterday in practice, and also just our walkthrough, we know we have to be loud, we have to be connected.”
Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini combined for 30 points in the team’s victory. Zandalasini scored five points within the first two minutes, which helped set the scoring tone early for Golden State.
“Cece is one of the most steady players I’ve ever played with.” Veronica Burton said. “Just to see the ball go in early gives us all the confidence. Gives Cece the confidence, but we all feel a sense of just relief when Cece is hot.”
The Valkyries (15-15) took advantage of the Sparks’ poor shooting night (32.8% FG) and maintained their lead. They outscored Los Angeles 12-5 over the first six minutes of the fourth.
“I think they just followed their game plan, to pack the paint and make us hit outside shots.” Dearica Hamby said. “We couldn’t find confidence like we normally do and get to the basket. I think it just became mental for us after that.”
All-Star Support
All-Star Kayla Thornton was in the stands for the first time since her season-ending knee surgery she endured during practice after the All-Star break. It was nice to see her face in Ballhalla, and the fans’ cheers roared throughout the stadium.
Our girl @KBT_5Blessed returned to Ballhalla tonight and had the whole crowd on its feet. 💜
She was honored as the first-ever Valkyries All-Star with a stunning piece by Oakland artist Taylor Smalls. pic.twitter.com/X4BAx0lUb2
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) August 10, 2025
Steph Curry and his family were also in attendance supporting his goddaughter, Cameron Brink. Brink’s mother and Curry’s are longtime friends from college. This was Brink’s first time playing in the Bay Area since she was drafted to the Sparks in 2024.
Julie Vanloo’s Return
When Julie Vanloo returned to the court for the first time since she was waived, the crowd gave her a warm welcome. Multiple players shared hugs and smiles with her throughout the game. Once the clock hit zero, Vanloo looked around the arena with tears in her eyes and embraced Monique Billings and Tiffany Hayes.
Everyone happy to see each other during warmups 🫂 #wnba #valkyries
— Ashmere Prasad (@ashmeremedia.bsky.social) 2025-08-10T00:49:11.535Z
During pregame warmups, Vanloo shared her feelings about returning to Ballhalla.
“It’s definitely special. I’ve been like… I don’t know, it’s like excitement, it’s a bit anxious, it’s a bit like so many emotions together. There’s a lot of people I love a lot here, especially the Valkyries fans. I’m excited to be back in Ballhalla for sure…I’m an emotional person, so it’s touching to be back.”
Golden State won their regular series matchup with the Sparks 3-1 and are back to .500. They hold the eighth place spot in the standings and the final playoff spot. They face the Connecticut Sun on Monday, whom they lost to on the road on July 27. That game felt similar to this matchup, but Golden State was the Sparks in that matchup and had a poor shooting night (33.9%). The Sun hit every shot, were 41% from the arc, and Tina Charles had a 24-point night to seal the win.
