Valkyries Blow the Game Open in Q2, Cruise Past Fire 95–77

Photographed by Vaughn Mendoza

The Golden State Valkyries put on a clinic Tuesday night, rolling past the Portland Fire 95–77 behind a dominant second quarter and stellar performances from Kayla Thornton and Janelle Salaün.

Photographed by Vaughn Mendoza

Golden State trailed by nothing more than a whisker after the first quarter, then erupted for 35 points in the second while holding Portland to just 16 — a run that effectively ended the contest before halftime. The Valkyries shot 45% from three, racked up 25 assists, and turned Portland's 15 turnovers into 19 points of their own.

Photographed by Vaughn Mendoza

Thornton led the way with 19 points and 8 rebounds, hitting 5-of-10 from deep and converting every free throw she attempted. Salaün was just as sharp, dropping 18 points on 60% shooting with a true shooting percentage of 79.5%. Veronica Burton orchestrated the offense brilliantly with 9 assists and just one turnover, and the bench added 43 points — 12 more than Portland's reserves could muster.

Golden State's biggest lead reached 22 points. They never looked back.

By Margaret Anuran