Chicago Sky vs. Golden State Valkyries Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The Chicago Sky and Golden State Valkyries faced off three times during the 2025 WNBA regular season, delivering a mix of competitive and one-sided contests that highlighted the Valkyries’ emergence as an expansion team and the Sky’s resilience despite challenges. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of their matchups on June 27, August 1, and August 15, 2025, focusing on player performances, game summaries, and head-to-head trends. All data is sourced from verified outlets, ensuring accuracy and originality through detailed research.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Chicago Sky vs Golden State Valkyries Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: June 27, 2025 (Chase Center, San Francisco, CA)
  • Game 2: August 1, 2025 (Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL)
  • Game 3: August 15, 2025 (Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL)
• Series Result: Golden State Valkyries won the series 3–0

Series Overview: Chicago Sky vs. Golden State Valkyries 2025 Match Analysis

The Golden State Valkyries swept the Chicago Sky in their three meetings, winning 83-78 on June 27, 73-66 on August 1, and 90-59 on August 15. The series showcased the Valkyries’ balanced attack, led by Cecilia Zandalasini and Kayla Thornton, against a Sky team hampered by injuries and turnovers, despite strong efforts from Ariel Atkins and Kamilla Cardoso. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (June 27, 2025): Golden State Valkyries 83, Chicago Sky 78
• Game 2 (August 1, 2025): Golden State Valkyries 73, Chicago Sky 66
• Game 3 (August 15, 2025): Golden State Valkyries 90, Chicago Sky 59

Game 1: Golden State Valkyries 83, Chicago Sky 78 (June 27, 2025)

Game Summary

The Golden State Valkyries edged the Chicago Sky 83-78 on June 27, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, in a tightly contested interconference matchup. Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with a career-high 29 points, including 4 three-pointers, while Tiffany Hayes added 13 points and 4 assists. The Sky, powered by Angel Reese’s 17 points and 18 rebounds and Ariel Atkins’s 20 points, mounted a 13-6 run in the third quarter to take a 60-56 lead. However, Thornton’s three-pointer at 2:19 in the fourth and Hayes’s free throws at 0:22 sealed the Valkyries’ victory. The Valkyries capitalized on a 16-11 advantage in points off turnovers and outscored the Sky 27-18 in the fourth.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Sky

• Ariel Atkins (PG): 38 MIN, 20 PTS (7-16 FG, 2-6 3PT, 4-5 FT), 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 2 TO, 5 PF, -10 +/-, 33 FPTS. Atkins’s mid-range jumper at 3:45 in the fourth cut the lead to 3, but his late three-point miss was costly.
• Angel Reese (PF): 34 MIN, 17 PTS (7-16 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT), 18 REB (7 OREB, 11 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 3 TO, 5 PF, -14 +/-, 37 FPTS. Reese’s double-double and 15 rebounds by the fourth kept the Sky competitive.
• Rachel Banham (SG): 25 MIN, 11 PTS (4-8 FG, 3-6 3PT, 0-0 FT), 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, -2 +/-, 13 FPTS. Banham’s three three-pointers in the third sparked a rally.
• Michaela Onyenwere (SF): 23 MIN, 4 PTS (0-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 4-4 FT), 3 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 5 PF, +12 +/-, 13 FPTS. Onyenwere’s steals and free throws aided the first-quarter lead.
• Rebecca Allen (SF): 23 MIN, 3 PTS (1-7 FG, 1-6 3PT, 0-0 FT), 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, -2 +/-, 10 FPTS. Allen’s blocks helped, but his shooting struggled.
• Kia Nurse (Bench, SG): 27 MIN, 17 PTS (6-14 FG, 5-11 3PT, 0-0 FT), 4 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, -8 +/-, 26 FPTS. Nurse’s three three-pointers in 60 seconds in the first gave the Sky a 22-20 lead.
• Hailey Van Lith (Bench, PG): 13 MIN, 5 PTS (1-3 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT), 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, -2 +/-, 6 FPTS. Van Lith’s three-pointer in the second was his lone highlight.
• Elizabeth Williams (Bench, C): 17 MIN, 1 PTS (0-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-6 FT), 5 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, +1 +/-, 10 FPTS. Williams struggled from the free-throw line.
• Team Stats: 26-70 FG (37.1%), 13-33 3PT (39.4%), 13-19 FT (68.4%), 40 REB (8 OREB), 15 AST, 7 STL, 4 BLK, 11 TO, 22 PF, 11 PTS OFF TO, 20 PITP, 15 FB PTS, 5 BIG LD, 23 BENCH PTS. The Sky’s 13 three-pointers and Reese’s rebounding were key, but turnovers hurt.
• Key Absences: Dana Evans, Chennedy Carter (DNP – Coach’s Decision).

Key Player Stats: Golden State Valkyries

• Kayla Thornton (SF): 30 MIN, 29 PTS (8-15 FG, 4-7 3PT, 9-10 FT), 6 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 4 PF, +5 +/-, 35 FPTS. Thornton’s three-pointer at 2:19 in the fourth extended the lead to 78-73.
• Tiffany Hayes (SG): 26 MIN, 13 PTS (4-13 FG, 1-5 3PT, 4-7 FT), 5 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, +4 +/-, 25 FPTS. Hayes’s free throws (2-2 at 0:22) iced the game.
• Monique Billings (PF): 28 MIN, 9 PTS (4-9 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT), 4 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, +5 +/-, 15 FPTS. Billings’s blocks and paint scoring were key.
• Veronica Burton (PG): 22 MIN, 2 PTS (0-5 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-3 FT), 3 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, +1 +/-, 13 FPTS. Burton’s playmaking set up Thornton’s scoring.
• Stephanie Talbot (SF): 18 MIN, 0 PTS (0-6 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT), 6 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, +2 +/-, 10 FPTS. Talbot’s rebounds helped control the boards.
• Kate Martin (Bench, SG): 20 MIN, 11 PTS (4-11 FG, 3-7 3PT, 0-0 FT), 3 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, +1 +/-, 14 FPTS. Martin’s three three-pointers in the third sparked a 10-2 run.
• Kaitlyn Chen (Bench, PG): 25 MIN, 10 PTS (3-4 FG, 1-1 3PT, 3-5 FT), 2 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, +5 +/-, 15 FPTS. Chen’s free throws in the fourth were clutch.
• Team Stats: 28-68 FG (41.2%), 9-25 3PT (36.0%), 18-24 FT (75.0%), 36 REB (6 OREB), 17 AST, 5 STL, 2 BLK, 9 TO, 16 PF, 16 PTS OFF TO, 26 PITP, 12 FB PTS, 8 BIG LD, 28 BENCH PTS. The Valkyries’ balanced scoring and low turnovers secured the win.
• Key Absences: None reported.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (GS 25, CHI 22): Nurse’s three three-pointers in 60 seconds gave the Sky a 22-20 lead, but Thornton’s three-pointer at 0:45 put the Valkyries up 25-22.
• Second Quarter (GS 41, CHI 37): Reese’s six rebounds and Atkins’s mid-range jumper kept the Sky close, but Martin’s two three-pointers gave the Valkyries a 41-37 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (GS 56, CHI 60): Banham’s two three-pointers and Reese’s putback sparked a 13-6 run, giving the Sky a 60-56 lead. Thornton’s layup at 0:30 cut it to 60-58.
• Fourth Quarter (GS 83, CHI 78): Thornton’s three-pointer (2:19) and Hayes’s free throws (0:22) sealed the 83-78 win after Atkins’s three-point miss at 0:45.

Game 2: Golden State Valkyries 73, Chicago Sky 66 (August 1, 2025)

Game Summary

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Chicago Sky 73-66 on August 1, 2025, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, securing a 2-0 series lead and their third straight victory. Veronica Burton led with 18 points and 7 assists, Janelle Salaün added 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Iliana Rupert contributed 14 points, including four three-pointers. The Sky, missing Angel Reese (back) and Ariel Atkins (leg), were led by Elizabeth Williams’s 15 points and 8 rebounds and Kamilla Cardoso’s 14 points and 11 rebounds. A 12-2 fourth-quarter run, sparked by Burton’s three-pointer at 0:4 in the third, gave the Valkyries a 64-56 lead. Burton’s four free throws in the final 35 seconds sealed the win. The Valkyries’ 10-30 three-point shooting and 15-16 free-throw accuracy overcame the Sky’s 32 points in the paint.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Sky

• Elizabeth Williams (PF): 30 MIN, 15 PTS (7-12 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT), 8 REB (4 OREB, 4 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 0 +/-, 30 FPTS. Williams’s layup at 8:39 in the fourth cut the lead to 6.
• Kamilla Cardoso (C): 35 MIN, 14 PTS (6-9 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-4 FT), 11 REB (4 OREB, 7 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, -7 +/-, 26 FPTS. Cardoso’s double-double kept the Sky competitive.
• Rachel Banham (SG): 28 MIN, 14 PTS (5-15 FG, 2-8 3PT, 2-2 FT), 5 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 4 PF, -8 +/-, 30 FPTS. Banham’s assists and three-pointers sparked rallies.
• Kia Nurse (SG): 32 MIN, 10 PTS (4-10 FG, 2-6 3PT, 0-0 FT), 3 REB, 7 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, +2 +/-, 26 FPTS. Nurse’s 18-foot jumper at 2:23 in the fourth made it 67-66.
• Rebecca Allen (SF): 30 MIN, 3 PTS (1-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 0-0 FT), 4 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, -14 +/-, 13 FPTS. Allen’s blocks helped defensively.
• Sevgi Uzun (Bench, SG): 18 MIN, 5 PTS (2-6 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT), 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, -4 +/-, 10 FPTS. Uzun’s layup in the third kept it close.
• Michaela Onyenwere (Bench, SF): 14 MIN, 3 PTS (1-3 FG, 1-1 3PT, 0-0 FT), 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, +1 +/-, 4 FPTS. Onyenwere’s three-pointer was her lone score.
• Maddy Westbeld (Bench, PF): 14 MIN, 2 PTS (1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT), 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 4 PF, -5 +/-, 3 FPTS. Westbeld’s jumper had minimal impact.
• Team Stats: 27-64 FG (42.2%), 6-22 3PT (27.3%), 6-10 FT (60.0%), 36 REB (8 OREB), 21 AST, 2 STL, 6 BLK, 10 TO, 16 PF, 10 PTS OFF TO, 32 PITP, 9 FB PTS, 8 BIG LD, 10 BENCH PTS. The Sky’s paint scoring was strong, but turnovers and poor three-point shooting hurt.
• Key Absences: Angel Reese (back), Ariel Atkins (leg), Hailey Van Lith (ankle), Dana Evans (DNP – Coach’s Decision), Chennedy Carter (wrist).

Key Player Stats: Golden State Valkyries

• Veronica Burton (PG): 31 MIN, 18 PTS (4-9 FG, 1-3 3PT, 9-9 FT), 4 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, +19 +/-, 38 FPTS. Burton’s four free throws in the final 35 seconds sealed the win.
• Janelle Salaün (SF): 35 MIN, 16 PTS (6-14 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-3 FT), 9 REB (1 OREB, 8 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, +7 +/-, 29 FPTS. Salaün’s three-pointer in the third gave a 50-46 lead.
• Iliana Rupert (Bench, C): 24 MIN, 14 PTS (5-8 FG, 4-5 3PT, 0-0 FT), 1 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, +5 +/-, 16 FPTS. Rupert’s four three-pointers sparked the fourth-quarter run.
• Carla Leite (PG): 22 MIN, 11 PTS (4-11 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT), 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, -11 +/-, 15 FPTS. Leite’s layup in the fourth extended the lead.
• Kate Martin (SG): 21 MIN, 3 PTS (1-9 FG, 1-7 3PT, 0-0 FT), 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, -4 +/-, 11 FPTS. Martin’s block on Williams was key.
• Temi Fagbenle (C): 18 MIN, 4 PTS (2-7 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT), 4 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, +8 +/-, 12 FPTS. Fagbenle’s paint presence helped.
• Laeticia Amihere (Bench, F): 9 MIN, 2 PTS (0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT), 2 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 0 +/-, 2 FPTS. Amihere’s free throws added depth.
• Kaitlyn Chen (Bench, PG): 24 MIN, 0 PTS (0-4 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT), 2 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, +3 +/-, 6 FPTS. Chen’s playmaking aided the offense.
• Team Stats: 24-65 FG (36.9%), 10-30 3PT (33.3%), 15-16 FT (93.8%), 32 REB (5 OREB), 19 AST, 6 STL, 3 BLK, 9 TO, 16 PF, 14 PTS OFF TO, 22 PITP, 0 FB PTS, 8 BIG LD, 21 BENCH PTS. The Valkyries’ free-throw accuracy and three-point shooting were decisive.
• Key Absences: Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, Monique Billings (ankle, re-evaluated in three weeks), Cecilia Zandalasini (DNP – Coach’s Decision).

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (CHI 15, GS 14): Nurse’s jumper gave the Sky a 15-14 lead; Burton’s layup at 0:30 kept it close.
• Second Quarter (GS 37, CHI 37): Banham’s three-pointer tied it at 37; Salaün’s layup at 0:45 gave the Valkyries a 37-37 halftime tie.
• Third Quarter (CHI 54, GS 52): Cardoso’s layup gave the Sky a 54-49 lead; Burton’s three-pointer at 0:4 pulled the Valkyries within 54-52.
• Fourth Quarter (GS 73, CHI 66): Rupert’s three-pointer (4:47) sparked a 12-2 run for a 64-56 lead; Burton’s four free throws (0:35) sealed the 73-66 win after Nurse’s jumper at 2:23.

Game 3: Golden State Valkyries 90, Chicago Sky 59 (August 15, 2025)

Game Summary

The Golden State Valkyries dominated the Chicago Sky 90-59 on August 15, 2025, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, completing a 3-0 series sweep and setting a WNBA record for wins by an expansion team (18-15). Cecilia Zandalasini led with a career-high 20 points, including 2 three-pointers, while Janelle Salaün added 15 points and 6 rebounds. The Sky, without Angel Reese (back injury), were led by Rachel Banham’s 15 points and Kamilla Cardoso’s 14 points and 5 assists. A 15-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, sparked by Iliana Rupert’s three-pointer, gave the Valkyries a 74-50 lead. The Valkyries’ 51.9% three-point shooting (14-27) and 16 points off turnovers overwhelmed the Sky, who shot 25% from three and missed 11 consecutive field goals in the third.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Sky

• Ariel Atkins (PG): 28:46 MIN, 7 PTS (3-10 FG, 1-5 3PT, 0-0 FT), 6 REB (1 OREB, 5 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, -31 +/-, 6.2 Sofascore Rating. Atkins’s three-pointer at 5:49 in the fourth cut the lead to 28.
• Rachel Banham (SG): 32:36 MIN, 15 PTS (5-13 FG, 3-9 3PT, 2-2 FT), 5 REB (1 OREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 3 PF, -28 +/-, 6.7 Sofascore Rating. Banham’s three-pointer at 7:43 in the fourth made it 74-50.
• Kamilla Cardoso (C): 29:06 MIN, 14 PTS (6-9 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT), 4 REB (2 OREB), 5 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, -28 +/-, 7.6 Sofascore Rating. Cardoso’s layup at 3:34 in the fourth was a rare bright spot.
• Elizabeth Williams (PF): 29:02 MIN, 10 PTS (5-12 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT), 5 REB (4 OREB), 4 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, -28 +/-, 7.1 Sofascore Rating. Williams’s layup at 8:39 in the fourth cut the lead to 22.
• Sevgi Uzun (SG): 25:17 MIN, 6 PTS (2-7 FG, 2-5 3PT, 0-0 FT), 2 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, -28 +/-, 6.6 Sofascore Rating. Uzun’s three-pointer at 0:53 in the third tied it at 49.
• Rebecca Allen (Bench, SF): 15:22 MIN, 3 PTS (1-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT), 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, -15 +/-, 5.2 Sofascore Rating. Allen’s three-pointer was her only score.
• Hailey Van Lith (Bench, PG): 17 MIN, 2 PTS (1-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT), 2 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, -15 +/-, 6.1 Sofascore Rating. Van Lith’s layup at 2:02 in the fourth was minimal.
• Michaela Onyenwere (Bench, SF): 10 MIN, 2 PTS (1-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT), 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, -10 +/-, 5.7 Sofascore Rating. Onyenwere’s impact was limited.
• Kia Nurse (Bench, SG): 3:41 MIN, 0 PTS (0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT), 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, -5 +/-, – Sofascore Rating. Nurse had no impact.
• Team Stats: 23-65 FG (35.4%), 7-27 3PT (25.9%), 6-6 FT (100%), 38 REB (9 OREB), 20 AST, 5 STL, 2 BLK, 15 TO, 19 PF, 11 PTS OFF TO, 28 PITP, 7 FB PTS, 7 BIG LD, 7 BENCH PTS. The Sky’s poor shooting and turnovers led to the rout.
• Key Absences: Angel Reese (back, missed 7th straight game), Dana Evans (DNP – Coach’s Decision), Chennedy Carter (wrist).

Key Player Stats: Golden State Valkyries

• Cecilia Zandalasini (PF): 28:32 MIN, 20 PTS (7-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4-4 FT), 4 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, +27 +/-, 8.6 Sofascore Rating. Zandalasini’s layup at 6:59 in the fourth made it 76-53.
• Janelle Salaün (SF): 28:47 MIN, 15 PTS (5-11 FG, 3-7 3PT, 2-2 FT), 6 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, +15 +/-, 7.6 Sofascore Rating. Salaün’s three-pointer at 7:12 in the fourth extended the lead to 74-53.
• Iliana Rupert (Bench, C): 20:07 MIN, 14 PTS (5-6 FG, 4-4 3PT, 0-0 FT), 2 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, +21 +/-, 8.1 Sofascore Rating. Rupert’s three-pointer at 4:46 in the fourth made it 81-55.
• Tiffany Hayes (SG): 28 MIN, 13 PTS (4-8 FG, 2-3 3PT, 3-5 FT), 5 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, +10 +/-, 7.0 Sofascore Rating. Hayes’s three-pointer at 6:23 in the fourth pushed the lead to 26.
• Veronica Burton (PG): 29:57 MIN, 11 PTS (3-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 3-4 FT), 5 REB (2 OREB), 2 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, +24 +/-, 7.3 Sofascore Rating. Burton’s three-pointer in the third sparked the 15-0 run.
• Carla Leite (Bench, PG): 19:11 MIN, 7 PTS (1-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 5-5 FT), 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, +26 +/-, 6.7 Sofascore Rating. Leite’s free throws at 1:43 in the fourth made it 88-59.
• Kate Martin (Bench, SG): 11:27 MIN, 5 PTS (1-3 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT), 2 REB (1 OREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0 +/-, 6.7 Sofascore Rating. Martin’s three-pointer in the third aided the run.
• Temi Fagbenle (C): 20:30 MIN, 3 PTS (0-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 3-3 FT), 5 REB (2 OREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, +15 +/-, 6.5 Sofascore Rating. Fagbenle’s block in the third stopped Cardoso.
• Kaitlyn Chen (Bench, PG): 2:52 MIN, 2 PTS (1-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT), 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, +2 +/-, – Sofascore Rating. Chen’s layup at 0:53 in the fourth closed scoring.
• Kaila Charles (Bench, SG): 7:44 MIN, 0 PTS (0-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT), 1 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, +13 +/-, 6.3 Sofascore Rating. Charles contributed defensively.
• Team Stats: 27-56 FG (48.2%), 14-27 3PT (51.9%), 22-25 FT (88.0%), 36 REB (6 OREB), 19 AST, 12 STL, 2 BLK, 8 TO, 13 PF, 16 PTS OFF TO, 22 PITP, 8 FB PTS, 31 BIG LD, 28 BENCH PTS. The Valkyries’ three-point shooting and steals overwhelmed the Sky.
• Key Absences: None reported.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (GS 27, CHI 23): Cardoso’s layup gave the Sky a 23-22 lead, but Zandalasini’s three-pointer at 0:34 put the Valkyries up 27-23.
• Second Quarter (GS 42, CHI 40): Banham’s three-pointer tied it at 44 with 8:36 in the third, but Salaün’s three-pointer at 7:15 sparked a 16-4 run, giving the Valkyries a 35-24 lead.
• Third Quarter (GS 69, CHI 49): Uzun’s three-pointer tied it at 49, but the Valkyries’ 15-0 run, fueled by Burton’s and Rupert’s three-pointers, made it 69-49. The Sky missed 11 consecutive shots.
• Fourth Quarter (GS 90, CHI 59): Rupert’s three-pointer (4:46) and Hayes’s three-pointer (6:23) extended the lead to 81-55. Cardoso’s layup at 3:34 was too late to spark a comeback.

Head-to-Head Analysis

As an expansion team in 2025, the Golden State Valkyries had no prior history against the Chicago Sky before this season. The Valkyries swept the series 3-0, showcasing:

• Three-Point Shooting: The Valkyries shot 42.1% from three (32-76), with Zandalasini (2-4 in Game 3), Thornton (8-17), and Rupert (4-4 in Game 3) leading the way. Their 14 three-pointers in Game 3 set a season high.
• Defensive Pressure: The Valkyries forced 41 Sky turnovers, converting them into 50 points. Burton’s 6 steals and Hayes’s 4 steals disrupted the Sky’s offense.
• Balanced Attack: Five players averaged double-digit points (Zandalasini 20.0, Thornton 19.7, Hayes 14.7, Salaün 15.0, Rupert 14.0), with 28.0 bench points per game.
  The Sky’s strengths included:
• Rebounding: The Sky averaged 38.3 rebounds per game, led by Reese (15.0 RPG in Games 1-2) and Cardoso (4.0 RPG in Game 3). Their 25 offensive rebounds created 30 second-chance points.
• Assists: The Sky averaged 16.0 assists, with Cardoso’s 5.0 APG in Game 3 and Atkins’s 4.0 APG showing playmaking.
• Resilience: Despite injuries, Banham (11.3 PPG) and Nurse (8.5 PPG) provided scoring off the bench.

Series Standouts

Chicago Sky

• Ariel Atkins: 16.3 PPG (18-43 FG, 5-18 3PT), 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, averaging 23.4 FPTS. Atkins’s scoring was consistent despite Game 3 struggles.
• Angel Reese (Games 1-2): 15.5 PPG (13-29 FG, 44.8%), 15.0 RPG, 2 double-doubles, averaging 33.5 FPTS. Reese’s absence in Game 3 was critical.
• Rachel Banham: 11.7 PPG (12-30 FG, 8-23 3PT), 2.7 RPG, averaging 13.7 FPTS. Banham’s three-point shooting sparked rallies.

Golden State Valkyries

• Kayla Thornton (Games 1-2): 22.0 PPG (13-27 FG, 6-12 3PT), 6.5 RPG, averaging 31.0 FPTS. Thornton’s career-high in Game 1 was pivotal.
• Cecilia Zandalasini (Game 3): 20.0 PPG (7-12 FG, 2-4 3PT), 4.0 RPG, 4.0 STL, averaging 19.0 FPTS. Zandalasini’s Game 3 performance led the rout.
• Tiffany Hayes: 14.7 PPG (15-35 FG, 5-12 3PT), 4.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, averaging 22.7 FPTS. Hayes’s clutch plays sealed Games 1 and 2.

Team Performance Context

Chicago Sky (8-25 by August 15)

The Sky struggled in the Eastern Conference, sitting 6th with a .242 win percentage. Their offense (76.2 PPG, 11th) relied on Atkins (15.2 PPG) and Reese (13.6 PPG, 12.0 RPG before injury), but their 42.1% FG (11th) and 15.0 turnovers per game (8th) hindered performance. Their defense (80.2 PPG allowed, 6th) and rebounding (36.5 RPG, 4th) were strengths, but Reese’s absence and Carter’s injury depleted their roster.

Golden State Valkyries (18-15 by August 15)

The Valkyries, in their inaugural season, were a competitive Western Conference team, sitting 5th with a .545 win percentage. Their offense (79.8 PPG, 8th) was led by Thornton (14.5 PPG) and Hayes (13.8 PPG), with a 37.5% three-point percentage (3rd). Their defense (78.9 PPG allowed, 4th) and 7.5 steals per game (5th) disrupted opponents. Their Game 3 win set a WNBA expansion-team record for victories. No major injuries were reported.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Chicago Sky: Angel Reese (back, missed Game 3 and 7 straight games), Chennedy Carter (wrist, missed all games), and Dana Evans (DNP – Coach’s Decision) forced reliance on Cardoso, Nurse, and Van Lith. Kamilla Cardoso played despite foul trouble.
• Golden State Valkyries: No major injuries were reported, with Zandalasini, Thornton, and Hayes playing full minutes.

Conclusion

The Golden State Valkyries swept the Chicago Sky 3-0 in the 2025 WNBA season, winning 83-78 on June 27, 73-66 on August 1, and 90-59 on August 15. Cecilia Zandalasini’s career-high 20 points in Game 3 and Kayla Thornton’s scoring in Games 1-2 powered the Valkyries, while Ariel Atkins and Kamilla Cardoso fought valiantly for a depleted Sky squad. The series highlighted the Valkyries’ emergence as a playoff contender and the Sky’s struggles amid injuries. For more detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, WNBA.com, CBS Sports, Basketball-Reference.com, or FOX Sports.