Golden State Valkyries Torch Fever in Playoff Push, 66–47 Blowout
The Golden State Valkyries lit up their home crowd on Sunday night, cruising to a 66–47 victory over the Indiana Fever in a game with major playoff implications. The win not only boosted Golden State’s record to 20-18 but also handed them a crucial tiebreaker over Indiana, who dropped to 21-18 with the loss.
From the opening tip, the Valkyries dictated the pace. They erupted on a 20–5 first-quarter run, fueled by quick ball movement and relentless perimeter shooting. The Fever never fully recovered, struggling to find offensive rhythm against Golden State’s stifling defense.
Balanced Attack Powers Valkyries
The Valkyries were led by Veronica Burton, who showcased her all-around game with 8 assists, 2 steals, and steady playmaking. Iliana Rupert provided a perfect shooting night, hitting all four of her attempts, including three from beyond the arc, finishing with 11 points. Janelle Salaun added 10 points and 4 rebounds, giving Golden State a steady interior presence.
Golden State’s bench was equally impactful, contributing 36 total points. Kaila Charles chipped in 5 points and 4 rebounds, while Burton’s facilitation ensured the second unit kept the pressure on Indiana throughout.
Fever Struggles Continue
For Indiana, offense was scarce. Kelsey Mitchell paced the Fever with 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting, while Odyssey Sims battled through a cold night, finishing just 1-for-6 from the floor but adding 5 points and 2 assists. Veteran forward Natasha Howard was efficient in limited touches, going 2-for-2 for 4 points, though the Fever failed to capitalize on her production.
As a team, Indiana mustered only 7 assists, compared to Golden State’s 11, underscoring their offensive stagnation.
Playoff Race Impact
The Valkyries’ emphatic win not only evens the season series but secures a valuable edge in the playoff chase. With just a handful of games remaining, Golden State’s momentum could carry them into a higher seed, while Indiana faces mounting pressure to stabilize before the postseason begins.
In a season defined by parity, Sunday night’s result was a statement: the Valkyries are ready to rise when it matters most.
