The Golden State Valkyries delivered a statement performance in the 2026 WNBA season, dismantling the Connecticut Sun 97–70 in a dominant home victory at the Chase Center. The May 26 matchup saw the expansion franchise—playing only their second season in the league—assert themselves as a rising force, while the perennial contender Sun struggled to find an answer on either end of the floor.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the Valkyries set a blistering pace, jumping out to a 28–14 lead in the first quarter. Their up-tempo offense, fueled by sharp ball movement and aggressive transition play, kept Connecticut scrambling. The Sun, known for their disciplined half-court sets, never recovered from that early deficit. Golden State stretched the lead to 20 by halftime and coasted through the second half, maintaining a double-digit margin for the entire final 24 minutes.

Key Moments

• First-Quarter Blitz: Valkyries guard Kelsey Plum—acquired in the expansion draft—scored 11 points in the opening period, including three 3-pointers. Her hot start set the tone.
• Defensive Stops: Golden State held Connecticut star Alyssa Thomas to just 6 points and 4 assists in the first half, forcing the Sun into uncharacteristic turnovers.
• Second-Half Clincher: A 14–2 run early in the third quarter, capped by a steal and fast-break layup from rookie forward Cameron Brink, pushed the lead to 30 and effectively ended any comeback hopes.

Standout Players

Golden State: Kelsey Plum finished with a game-high 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding 7 assists. Forward Alysha Clark chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds, while center Teaira McCowan controlled the paint with 12 boards and 3 blocks.

Connecticut: DeWanna Bonner led the Sun with 18 points, but no other Connecticut player reached double figures. The team shot just 37% from the field and committed 17 turnovers.

Tactical Story

The Valkyries’ game plan centered on speed and spacing. By pushing the ball early in the shot clock, they prevented Connecticut from setting its physical defensive shell. Golden State’s pick-and-roll actions involving Plum and McCowan repeatedly forced mismatches, while the Valkyries’ wing defenders—Clark and Brink—switched effectively on screens to disrupt the Sun’s half-court sets. On the other end, Connecticut’s offense became stagnant, often settling for contested mid-range jumpers.

Table and Season Impact

The win improved Golden State’s record to 4–1 early in the 2026 season, cementing their place among the top teams in the Western Conference. For Connecticut, the loss dropped them to 2–3, raising questions about their ability to keep pace with the league’s new powerhouses. The Valkyries also claimed the season-series opener, with the teams set to meet again in July in Connecticut.

If this performance is any indication, the Golden State Valkyries are no longer just a promising expansion story—they are a legitimate contender. The Connecticut Sun, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they head home for a three-game homestand.