Valkyries hold – Kaila Charles matched a season high with 13 points off the bench as Golden State beat the New York Liberty 76-67 on Sunday night, holding New York to its lowest-scoring first half of the season.
In the stretch of a game that felt like it was slipping away, the New York Liberty never managed to build momentum. Golden State seized it early, and by the time the fourth quarter arrived, it was largely about maintaining control. The Valkyries finished the job with a 76-67 victory on Sunday night.
Kaila Charles tied a season high with 13 points off the bench, helping Golden State keep New York to its lowest-scoring first half of the season. The Valkyries led 41-29 at halftime and widened the gap to 64-48 after three quarters.
Golden State’s scoring depth made the difference in the end. Kayla Thornton added 11 points, while Janelle Salaun and Cecilia Zandalasini each scored 10 for Golden State (13-7). The reserves outscored New York’s 39-11.
For the Liberty (12-8), Jonquel Jones led with 21 points and seven rebounds. Breanna Stewart scored 15, and Sabrina Ionescu added nine. But New York’s late surge never fully came—Golden State held the Valkyries to 12 points in the fourth, sealing the win.
Ionescu’s night had a stark turn early: she was scoreless in the first half, marking her fourth zero-point half of the season. She finished 3 for 10 from the field and 2 for 6 from 3-point range.
The win keeps Golden State’s home success going. The Valkyries have won three games in a row at home.
Next, the Liberty will host the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, while Golden State will visit the Atlanta Dream on Saturday.
WNBA Golden State Valkyries New York Liberty Kaila Charles Jonquel Jones Breanna Stewart Sabrina Ionescu 76-67
76-67 sounds close but Golden State still won, so who cares.
Ionescu being scoreless in the first half is wild… like how does that happen against them? Also 39-11 reserves outscored them? That’s gotta sting.
Wait, didn’t Liberty win last time? Feels like they always get out to a lead then forget how to score. Jones had 21 but still couldn’t save it, so it must’ve been defense? Or maybe it’s that bench stat people were yelling about.
Kaila Charles off the bench with 13 is cool but I’m not convinced it’s “scoring depth” if the article says New York had zeros half the time?? Like Ionescu going 3 for 10?? That’s not momentum, that’s just bad luck or bad coaching. Anyway, Liberty vs Aces Tuesday should be interesting if they can wake up.