Golden State Valkyries 70 - Seattle Storm 57 (9/19/2026): Charles Powers Win with Double-Double

The Golden State Valkyries asserted their dominance at the Chase Center, defeating the Seattle Storm 70-57 on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This victory adds to their impressive record, now standing at 31-11, maintaining their top position in the Western Conference. On the flip side, the Storm continues their struggles, holding an 8-34 record, which reflects their challenges this season.

Both teams were keen to establish an early advantage, leading to a competitive first quarter. The Valkyries managed to edge out the Storm with a 21-19 lead, setting the pace for what would be a strong second quarter. Seattle's shooting struggles became apparent in the second quarter, as they only managed to score 6 points.

Valkyries' Commanding Second Quarter

Golden State capitalized on Seattle's offensive woes with an explosive second quarter, scoring 28 points. The Valkyries' lead ballooned to a comfortable margin heading into halftime, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Seattle's shooting was notably inefficient, converting only 33.3% of their field goal attempts.

Kaila Charles played a significant role for the Valkyries, recording a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Her performance was complemented by an impressive defensive effort, as Golden State notched 12 steals over the course of the game. The Valkyries' ability to pressure the ball was a critical element in limiting Seattle's offensive rhythm.

Despite a third-quarter resurgence from the Storm, scoring 21 points, Golden State's defense remained resilient. The Valkyries managed to hold their ground, allowing only 11 points from Seattle in the final quarter. Kayla Thornton contributed defensively with 6 rebounds, helping to secure the Valkyries' grip on the game.

Golden State's Defensive Strength

Seattle's Awa Fam and Dominique Malonga tried to anchor the Storm, each contributing 8 points and combining for 15 rebounds. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the Valkyries' defensive prowess, as Seattle committed 17 turnovers in the game. The Valkyries' ability to force turnovers created scoring opportunities and disrupted Seattle's flow.

Golden State's efficiency from beyond the arc was also a factor, as they converted 34.6% of their three-point attempts. This shooting accuracy helped spread the floor and opened up more scoring chances inside the paint. In contrast, the Storm struggled from the perimeter, making just 30.8% of their three-point shots.

The Valkyries also showcased their depth, with contributions from multiple players off the bench. Their balanced scoring and cohesive team play were evident, as they dished out 22 assists compared to Seattle's 16. This ball movement was crucial in breaking down Seattle's defense throughout the game.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the Valkyries will aim to continue their momentum with upcoming games against the Portland Fire and Los Angeles Sparks. Maintaining their current form could solidify their standing as one of the top teams in the league. On the other hand, the Storm faces a challenging road ahead, with a quick turnaround against the Las Vegas Aces next.

Seattle's road performance remains a concern, as they hold a disappointing 2-19 away record. Addressing their offensive inconsistencies and turnover issues will be key factors if they hope to finish the season on a positive note. Their upcoming game against the Dallas Wings will be crucial for assessing any potential adjustments.

Both teams will be looking to make strategic improvements as the season draws to a close. For the Valkyries, sustaining their defensive intensity and offensive balance will be critical in their pursuit of postseason success. Meanwhile, the Storm will aim to regroup and find their rhythm to build for the future.