Golden State Valkyries 92 - Toronto Tempo 82 (8/4/2026): Thornton's 20 Points Seal Win

The Golden State Valkyries came out on top against the Toronto Tempo with a decisive 92–82 victory at the Chase Center. This game added another win to Golden State's already impressive record in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Tempo found themselves struggling to gain traction in the Eastern Conference.

The game began with both teams showing off their offensive strengths, as the Valkyries edged out a narrow 25-24 lead in the first quarter. The second quarter saw a slight dip in scoring from both sides, with Golden State maintaining a slim advantage heading into halftime. Toronto fought hard, but trailed 41-42 at the break.

Second Half Surge

Coming out of the locker room, the Valkyries hit their stride, putting up an impressive 31 points in the third quarter. This offensive burst was pivotal, giving them a solid lead over the Tempo. Toronto answered with 26 points of their own but couldn't quite close the gap.

The final quarter saw the Valkyries maintain their momentum, extending their lead and securing the game. They added 20 more points to their total, while Toronto was limited to 14. This late-game effort sealed the victory for Golden State.

Team Performances

In terms of shooting, Golden State had a respectable 45.6% field goal percentage, while the Tempo shot slightly better at 47.5%. However, the Valkyries were able to capitalize on more opportunities from the free-throw line, making 18 of their 23 attempts. Toronto was efficient at the charity stripe, hitting 86.7% of their free throws, but had fewer chances overall.

Rebounding proved to be a decisive factor, with the Valkyries grabbing a total of 38 rebounds compared to the Tempo's 27. Offensive boards were particularly beneficial for Golden State, allowing them to create second-chance opportunities throughout the game. Toronto's defense, while active with 8 steals and 3 blocks, couldn't quite contain the Valkyries' attack.

Star Players

Kayla Thornton led the charge for Golden State with a standout performance, scoring 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Her contributions helped the Valkyries build and maintain their lead throughout the game. On the other hand, Nadia Fingall's presence, though not reflected in scoring, was felt defensively.

For Toronto, Nyara Sabally put up a strong fight, tallying 22 points and 6 rebounds. María Conde also made significant contributions with 17 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide in their favor. The Tempo's bench players were unable to provide the necessary spark to shift the game dynamics.

Looking ahead, Toronto Tempo will seek to bounce back as they head to Portland to face the Fire. On the other side, Golden State Valkyries will take their winning momentum into their next road game against the Dallas Wings. Both teams will be eager to make the most of their upcoming matchups as the season progresses.