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Coach Natalie Nakase leaves Talbot on the bench
Head coach Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
Highlights
WNBA expansion franchise Golden State Valkyries have won their fourth game of the 2025 season
- WNBL star Laeticia Amihere has joined the Golden State Valkyries for the 2025 WNBA season
- Australian wing Steph Talbot was a DNP-coach's decision in the eight-point OT win against the Sparks
- How to watch every 2025 WNBA game in Australia
Australian Steph Talbot and new Perth Lynx signing Laeticia Amihere were DNP-coach's decisions as the Golden State Valkyries (4-5) defeated the Los Angeles Sparks (3-7) 89-81 in overtime at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Janelle Salaun's 21 points led a balanced Valkyries attack that secured their second road win of the season.
Key Details
- Result: Golden State Valkyries 89 def. Los Angeles Sparks 81 (OT)
- When: June 10, 2025
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Standings
By the Numbers
- Janelle Salaun (Golden State) starred with 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist in 39 minutes.
- Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles) scored 24 points, and had four rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 41 minutes.
What Happened
The Golden State Valkyries started strong, taking a 25-23 lead after the first quarter behind Kayla Thornton's efficient shooting. The Sparks responded in the second, outscoring the Valkyries 21-15 to take a 44-40 advantage into halftime. Los Angeles struggled to contain Temi Fagbenle's presence in the paint during the first half, as she established position for multiple high-percentage looks.
Golden State regained momentum in the third quarter, winning the period 25-21 behind Janelle Salaun's three-point shooting. The fourth quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with each side scoring just 13 points as regulation ended tied at 78. The Valkyries' defence tightened when it mattered most, holding the Sparks to just three points in overtime while scoring 11 to secure the victory.
With three minutes remaining in regulation, Plum hit a clutch three-pointer to give the Sparks a four-point lead, but the Valkyries responded with six straight points to briefly take the lead. The game's defining sequence came early in overtime when Salaun connected on a three-pointer to give Golden State an 84-81 lead they would not relinquish.
Temi Fagbenle delivered a standout two-way performance for Golden State with 14 points, 13 rebounds, four steals and four blocks. Her defensive presence altered numerous shots and created transition opportunities. Thornton added 18 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. For the Sparks, Plum's 24 points weren't enough to overcome the team's shooting struggles.
The Valkyries overcame poor three-point shooting (15.6 percent on 5-from-32) by dominating the glass, out-rebounding Los Angeles 49-34. Golden State's 17 offensive rebounds led to crucial second-chance points. Both teams struggled with ball control, recording 13 turnovers each, but the Valkyries capitalised better on their opportunities, scoring 15 points off Sparks mistakes.
