The Golden State Valkyries opened the 2025 WNBA season with their first-ever home game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday. The Valkyries lost to the Sparks 84-67 in front of a sellout crowd — 18,064 — at the Chase Center. Golden State fell to 0-1 to open its inaugural season, while Los Angeles improved to 1-0.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks Recap
Every fan at Friday’s game received a commemorative First of a Lifetime tee shirt, presented by Chase Freedom. The Golden State Valkyries’ starting lineup featured Kayla Thornton, Kate Martin, Temi Fagbenle, Veronica Burton, and Tiffany Hayes.
The Los Angeles Sparks’ starting lineup featured Odyssey Sims, Kelsey Plum, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, and Azura Stephens. Plum, 30, was traded to the Sparks in a three-team trade on February 1, 2025, after a 7-year tenure with the San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces from 2017-2024.
The Golden State Valkyries opened the first quarter with a 6-0 run. The Sparks did a great job converting defense into offense, but fell short. The Valkyries led 20-19 after the first quarter. Both teams started to open the second quarter, but then exchanged leads and ties. The Sparks took a 42-39 lead into halftime.
Both teams suffered a slow start to open the third quarter, but picked up the pace. Julia Vanloo and the Valkyries cut the Sparks’ lead to 62-53 with 2:35 left in the third quarter. The Sparks led 66-60 after three quarters. The Valkyries carried the momentum into the fourth quarter. The Sparks won 84-67 in regulation.
Valkyries vs. Sparks Injuries
The Golden State Valkyries ruled out Janelle Salaun with rest, Cecilia Zandalashi with a foot injury, and Stephanie Talbot with a torn ACL. The Los Angeles Sparks ruled out Julie Allemand with surgery for a meniscus injury and Cameron Brink with a torn left ACL.
Final Thoughts
The Valkyries will remain in San Francisco to host the Washington Mystics on Wednesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. Pacific. Despite playing in San Francisco, Golden State’s headquarters are in Oakland. The facility was previously occupied by the Golden State Warriors and was renovated by the Valkyries’ shared ownership group.
The Sparks will return to Los Angeles to welcome the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific. The Sparks’ 2025 WNBA season remains a work in progress, but so far, so good for the team’s new hire in Lynne Roberts, along with Kelsey Plum’s readiness for a larger role as a member of the team.
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