Golden State Valkyries Roll Past Chicago Sky 91-71 Behind Dominant Second Half

The Golden State Valkyries continued their impressive 2026 WNBA campaign on August 13 with a commanding 91-71 victory over the Chicago Sky at home. The Valkyries used a relentless defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack to pull away in the second half, turning a competitive first two quarters into a comfortable wire-to-wire win that showcased exactly why they are emerging as one of the league's most dangerous teams.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Golden State set the tone with aggressive ball pressure and quick transition scoring. Chicago traded baskets for most of the first half, leaning on its frontcourt to keep pace, but the Valkyries' depth began to tell in the third quarter. A 14-2 run early in the second half stretched the lead to double digits, and the Sky never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way. The final margin of 20 points reflected a complete team performance on both ends of the floor.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Golden State outscored Chicago 28-16 in the third, turning a slim halftime lead into a decisive cushion.
• Defensive lockdown: The Valkyries held the Sky to just 33 percent shooting from the field after halftime.
• Fast-break dominance: Golden State tallied 22 fast-break points, repeatedly turning Chicago turnovers into easy baskets.
• Bench production: The Valkyries' reserves outscored the Sky's bench 31-15, providing the spark that broke the game open.

Tactical Story

Golden State's game plan was clear: force Chicago into difficult mid-range looks and control the glass on both ends. The Valkyries won the rebounding battle 44-36 and used their length to contest every shot. Offensively, ball movement was the star of the show, as Golden State recorded 27 assists on 36 made field goals. The Sky, by contrast, became stagnant in the half-court, settling for contested jumpers while their offense stalled against Golden State's switching defense.

Chicago did find some success inside during the first half, but the Valkyries adjusted by packing the paint in the third quarter and daring the Sky to beat them from beyond the arc. That bet paid off, as Chicago connected on only 6 of 22 three-point attempts.

Standout Performances

• Valkyries backcourt: The Golden State guards combined for 38 points and 15 assists, orchestrating the offense with pace and precision.
• Frontcourt anchor: A double-double from the Valkyries' starting forward — 18 points and 14 rebounds — set the tone in the paint.
• Chicago's leading scorer: The Sky's top scorer finished with 19 points, but needed 22 shots to get there and received limited support from the rest of the lineup.

Season Impact

The win improves the Valkyries' record and further solidifies their position near the top of the WNBA standings. With the postseason race heating up, victories like this one — against a Chicago team still fighting for playoff positioning — carry extra weight. For the Sky, the loss is a reminder that consistency will be required down the stretch if they hope to make a serious run in the playoffs.

Golden State will look to extend its winning streak on the road, while Chicago returns home hoping to rebound and correct the offensive issues that proved costly in this matchup.