Latest news with #GoldenStateValkyries'
San Francisco Chronicle
8 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Kayla Thornton's career-high 29 points power Valkyries past Sky and Angel Reese
With Kayla Thornton at the free-throw line with 47 seconds to play, a soft chant wafted down from the Chase Center crowd. 'MVP. MVP. MVP.' Thornton isn't going to be in MVP consideration, but she could very well be a WNBA All-Star. In the Golden State Valkyries' 83-78 win over the Chicago Sky on Friday night, Thornton broke her career-high in scoring for the third time this season, tallying 29 points in the ugly victory. Over Thornton's last eight games, she is averaging 19.5 points per game and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 45.9% from the floor and 40.4% from 3-point range. She has scored at least 20 points in four of those eight games after doing it six times ever in her previous 309 contests. Thornton leads the Valkyries in points (15.9), rebounds (7.1), field-goals made (5.2), and steals (1.7), all while averaging 30.5 minutes per game. In the franchise's first season, the 10-year veteran has been exactly what the Valkyries need. 'It was not our greatest start, we kind of struggled,' Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said. 'We learned on KT, we said 'Hey, just, can we hear your voice a little louder? ' And then boom, she responds, and you saw her out there commanding, but also supporting. Because when we're not playing our best, we need to hear some support. So that's what we lean on KT, we completely rely on KT.' Valkyries 83, Sky 78 Percentages: FG .371, FT .684. 3-Point Goals: 13-33, .394 (Nurse 5-11, Banham 3-6, Atkins 2-6, Reese 1-2, Van Lith 1-2, Allen 1-6). Team Rebounds: 10. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Allen 2, Atkins 2). Turnovers: 11 (Reese 3, Atkins 2, Allen, Banham, Nurse, Onyenwere, Van Lith, Williams). Steals: 7 (Onyenwere 3, Atkins 2, Reese, Williams). Technical Fouls: Nurse, 6:44 second. Percentages: FG .377, FT .690. 3-Point Goals: 11-30, .367 (Thornton 4-7, Martin 3-7, Bibby 2-4, Chen 1-1, Hayes 1-5, Billings 0-1, Burton 0-2, Talbot 0-3). Team Rebounds: 10. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Billings 2). Turnovers: 9 (Thornton 3, Hayes 2, Amihere, Billings, Burton, Chen). Steals: 4 (Billings, Burton, Hayes, Thornton). Technical Fouls: None. A_18,064 (18,064). 'This role might be a little different, but I try to look at it as, I come in and give the most energy I can for my teammates and I just allow the game to come at me,' Thornton said. 'I don't try to go search for shots or anything, but mostly it generates from my defense, and it kind of just flows like that. But I don't do anything out the ordinary of what I haven't been doing for previous teams in New York or Dallas.' Thornton's offensive game has blossomed with the Valkyries. She hasn't averaged double-digit points since 2019 with Dallas when she scored 10.4 per contest. Now at 32 years old, Thornton is scoring the most she ever has while shooting over seven times per game more than a season ago. 'She's a phenomenal basketball player, and you can learn a lot from KT and how she plays,' said second-year guard Kate Martin, who netted 11 points off the bench on Friday. 'I'm just really glad she's getting all the success that she's getting. She deserves it, and I'm thankful that I'm her teammate.' On Friday, the Valkyries struggled to score early, shooting under 35% in every quarter until a 50% final frame. Thornton tallied eight of those points in the fourth, including her fourth 3-pointer with two minutes to go that effectively sealed the contest. She contributed to a 12-0 run over 1:45 that put Golden State ahead for good. She picked up her fifth foul early in the fourth, but Nakase didn't hesitate to keep her in the game. 'I looked at her, and I asked, 'I can trust you, right?'' Nakase said. 'She was like, 'let's go.' She played real smart, real intentional, she wasn't doing too much physicality. I thought she was being more vocal, she was screaming and commanding.' Rookie Kaitlyn Chen scored 10 for the first time in her third WNBA contest. Two starters in Steph Talbot and Veronica Burton combined to go 0-for-11 while the Valkyries' scoring went cold, but 30 bench points and Thornton's monster game were enough for the Valkyries (8-7) to get past the lowly Sky. '(Thornton has) done nothing but grow her game,' said Chicago guard Ariel Atkins, who led the Sky with 20 points. 'She is literally foundational to what that organization is building.' Chicago (4-11) is not usually a 3-point threat, entering Friday with the third-worst shooting percentage from range at 30.4%. However, the Valkyries struggled to contain Chicago shooters early, even without having to account for the paint presence of Kamilla Cardoso, the Suns' inside threat who was absent due to FIBA Women's AmeriCup. The late Valkyries run was sparked by a Martin 3-pointer. Monique Billings stole the ball on the next possession and scored a breakaway layup, then Martin hit another trey. Thornton followed up with a layup and Billings hit a pull-up jumpshot at the free-throw line for a 73-64 lead. Tiffany Hayes knocked down two free throws with 22.1 seconds left to seal it after Angel Reese fouled her while down three points, but with just 14 seconds left on the shot clock for the Valkyries. Reese finished with 17 points and 18 rebounds. Chicago entered Friday with the second-worst defensive rating in the league at 110.3, but the Valkyries struggled throughout the night to establish an offensive rhythm. The Valkyries capitalized on Sky miscues with 16 points off turnovers. It was the kind of game the Valkyries don't win without Thornton. For all the talk of being a team without a star, the veteran forward sure is emerging as the Valkyries go-to scorer, defender and leader. That is, at the very least, team-MVP kind of stuff. 'After the loss against New York, it was kind of personal for me,' Thornton said Wednesday's 81-78 defeat to the defending champions on Wednesday. 'So I just came in and had more oomph. But my teammates, like I play for them, I play for the city, I play for these wonderful fans out there that give us energy. So shout out to them, because they get me going. My teammates get me going. My coaches get me going, and I have the confidence from that.'
Eater
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Say Hello to San Francisco's First Women's Sports Bar
San Francisco's first women's sports bar opens Wednesday, June 11, on Market Street. Rikki's throws open its doors to a city ready for lots of women's basketball; the Golden State Valkyries' inaugural season is underway to huge fanfare. Co-founders Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich told the San Francisco Chronicle the name honors Rikki Streicher, a gay San Francisco athlete who opened two now-closed queer women's bars in San Francisco, Maud's and Amelia's. This opening makes the bar the first in the Bay Area dedicated exclusively to women's sports. Fifteen TVs stretch across the space; pop-up Rikki's parties around the city have brought in some 150 fans per event. There's a full liquor license available, and local beers, including the aptly named Local Brewing Co. on tap, with food available for hungry sports fans, as well. Rikki's is open Tuesday through Sunday from 3:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sacramento sells tacos to fight fascism NorCal Resist coordinated a demonstration on Sunday, June 8, in defiance of the federal government's invasion of Los Angeles's immigrant communities. To keep the momentum going, the group will work with Radio Xicanismo for a Tacos & Corridos event on Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m. Guests will get three tacos with rice and beans for $30 at the Latino Center of Art and Culture. Tickets are on sale now. Another Divisadero Street restaurant suffers from a fire In an unlucky streak for the vibrant business corridor, Banh Mi Viet closed due to a fire. It broke out around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, and no one was injured. This makes another shutdown on Divisadero Street in recent years; Ethiopian restaurant Oasis Cafe and adjoining Kava Lounge have been closed since a major fire in 2022, as did Phuket on the other end of the strip. Mainstay Berkeley restaurant closes for good The team behind the beloved El Patio in Berkeley let fans know via Instagram of the restaurant's impending finale: The last day of service will be Friday, July 4. There was no reason given for the closure. More than that, the post says the catering and events arm of the business is still operational. Sign up for our newsletter.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kate Martin shines again in Valkyries blowout win
After scoring just seven points during her 14 minutes of action in the Golden State Valkyries' (3-5) loss to the Phoenix Mercury (6-4) on Thursday, former Iowa women's basketball star guard Kate Martin once again put on an impressive performance in the team's Sunday night 95-68 blowout win against the Las Vegas Aces (4-3) from Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. The former Hawkeye played a season-high 26 minutes of action off the bench for Golden State, where she recorded 12 points on 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-7 from 3-point territory, while picking up seven rebounds and one assist. Jun 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) shoots against Las Vegas Aces guard Aaliyah Nye (left) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images While her shooting performance proved effective for the Valkyries' offense, the highlight of Martin's night came with 1.2 seconds remaining in the second quarter when she drained a 29-foot 3-pointer to extend Golden State's lead to 21 points. Through efficient shooting and superior defensive efforts against the Aces, Martin was able to close out her night with the team's second-best +/- rating with +30. Martin's next opportunity to showcase her offensive skillset will be on Monday, June 9, when the team travels to Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., for a 9 p.m. CT matchup vs. the Los Angeles Sparks (3-6). The game will be a part of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup slate and be available on WNBA League Pass (free preview). Advertisement We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Kate Martin shines again in Valkyries blowout win
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kate Martin shines again in Valkyries blowout win
Kate Martin shines again in Valkyries blowout win After scoring just seven points during her 14 minutes of action in the Golden State Valkyries' (3-5) loss to the Phoenix Mercury (6-4) on Thursday, former Iowa women's basketball star guard Kate Martin once again put on an impressive performance in the team's Sunday night 95-68 blowout win against the Las Vegas Aces (4-3) from Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. The former Hawkeye played a season-high 26 minutes of action off the bench for Golden State, where she recorded 12 points on 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-7 from 3-point territory, while picking up seven rebounds and one assist. While her shooting performance proved effective for the Valkyries' offense, the highlight of Martin's night came with 1.2 seconds remaining in the second quarter when she drained a 29-foot 3-pointer to extend Golden State's lead to 21 points. Through efficient shooting and superior defensive efforts against the Aces, Martin was able to close out her night with the team's second-best +/- rating with +30. Martin's next opportunity to showcase her offensive skillset will be on Monday, June 9, when the team travels to Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., for a 9 p.m. CT matchup vs. the Los Angeles Sparks (3-6). The game will be a part of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup slate and be available on WNBA League Pass (free preview). We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
San Francisco Chronicle
09-05-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Valkyries point guard Julie Vanloo has become key as a translator for teammates
Julie Vanloo leaned to her right while Carla Leite spoke in her ear. It was the first time that Leite, the Golden State Valkyries' 21-year-old rookie point guard, was talking to the media and she was still learning English. Vanloo sat between Leite and Italian forward Cecilia Zandalasini and listened as Leite explained how she wanted to answer a question in French. 'She's young, she showed that she controlled her maturity and she knew she had to step up, and she already had a lot of responsibility,' Vanloo said for Leite about her performance in Tuesday's preseason game. 'And then in stressful situations, you know, she had to stay calm, this was a new situation to her.' She paused, then added, 'I also think she did that very well.' The 32-year-old Belgian point guard has become the Valkyries' impromptu team translator throughout training camp. With players from six countries — the U.S., France, Australia, Canada, Italy and Belgium — Vanloo's ability to speak four languages has helped bridge the gap between players and even some coaches. The second-year WNBA player can speak Flemish, the version of Dutch spoken in Belgium, along with English, French and Italian. The Valkyries' international flair was on display Tuesday when they fell 83-82 to the Los Angeles Sparks in the preseason opener. Along with minutes from Vanloo and Leite, Belgian center Kyara Linskens led the team with eight rebounds and French guard Migna Toure also made a brief appearance. Vanloo is one of the Valkyries' most important facilitators on the court. She averaged 7.4 assists per game last season while starting 34 contests for the Washington Mystics. Her 30.8 assist percentage was seventh in the WNBA last season. Off the court, she facilitates in a different way. 'For basketball, I was very, very motivated to learn languages,' Vanloo said. 'So definitely it helps to communicate with my teammates. To quickly switch, switch up in my head to speak a different language, because, let's be honest, it's not easy for the other team, if you talk French, they don't understand. So it can help.' The Valkyries' 32-point third-quarter unit Tuesday included two Belgians in Linskens and Vanloo; Leite, who is French, and Americans Kate Martin and Laeticia Amihere. 'I think it is dope,' Amihere said of having multiple languages spoken in the locker room. Outside of Leite, the team's other international players have varying degrees of comfort with English, something that can be especially challenging when working on plays on the court, where Vanloo can translate quickly. The team does not employ a translator. Nakase doesn't speak French, Flemish or Italian. Some assistant coaches dabble in French, but Nakase said they are mostly relying on Vanloo. Vanloo said that growing up, she didn't love school but enjoyed studying different languages because she knew it could one day benefit her as a basketball player, especially if she played internationally. Belgian children start learning songs in English and French at age 6, Vanloo said. When they're 12, students are drilled in both languages, she said. 'It was like six to nine hours per week,' Vanloo said. 'All our (TV) series and even our cartoons are in English. We use subtitles on French, so that's how we actually learn the accent and everything. So that's for all the kids out there, language is important. It's an advantage. I think you are rich when you know multiple languages, because it's just easy to communicate and to create a bond with people.' She knew she wanted to play in the WNBA, where there would be players from different countries, and focused on perfecting both languages and added Italian into the mix. That's come in handy for a Valkyries team that has the second most international players in the league, behind the New York Liberty. 'It's been really key, just the way we can connect that way,' Nakase said. 'Imagine going to another country and you're just, you have no idea (the language). When I played in Germany, I really wasn't understanding. … So it's been nice to have Julie, because she's listening, she's doing extra for a teammate.' Vanloo is expected to be the Valkyries' starting point guard when the regular season begins. Her contributions will be more than just points and assists. 'Julie does such a great job with bringing us all together,' said rookie shooting guard Kaitlyn Chen. 'She always has so much energy, too, and she sort of just uplifts the building.'
