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yesterday

Valkyries Sink Franchise-Record 18 Threes in 95-77 Commissioner's Cup Win

Natalie Nakase’s small‑ball spacing turned turnovers into open 3s to boost Golden State’s early Commissioner's Cup push.

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The Valkyries’ Janelle Salaun launches a 3-point attempt against the Portland Fire on Tuesday at Chase Center. She hit three shots from behind the arc.
Kayla Thornton, who hit five 3-pointers, hits a shot from behind the arc in Tuesday’s game against the Portland Fire at Chase Center.
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Overview

  • The Golden State Valkyries beat the Portland Fire 95-77 on Tuesday after building a 56-36 halftime lead driven by long-range shooting.
  • Golden State made a franchise-record 18 three-pointers and shot 45.0% from deep for the game, including 12 made triples in the first half.
  • Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 19 points, five made 3s and eight rebounds, while Janelle Salaun added 18 points off the bench.
  • Coach Natalie Nakase used small‑ball lineups with Thornton and Salaun at the five and got floor spacing and playmaking from rookie Juste Jocyte as Golden State managed limited true-center depth with Iliana Rupert out for the season.
  • Portland was led by Megan Gustafson’s 13 points and eight rebounds, and the loss highlighted the Fire’s struggle to stop sustained perimeter barrages and to force turnovers against Golden State’s defense.