Latest news with #JanelleSalaun
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Valkyries brace for tough decisions as EuroBasket players return
The post Valkyries brace for tough decisions as EuroBasket players return appeared first on ClutchPoints. SAN FRANCISCO – It's something the Golden State Valkyries knew they would have to face the moment their players departed for EuroBasket. But it doesn't make the decisions they'll have to make in the coming days any easier. With Janelle Salaün, Cecilia Zandalasini, Julie Vanloo, and Iliana Rupert returning from overseas, the Valkyries will likely have to part ways with the players they signed to cover in their absence. That means parting ways again with fan-favorites Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere, not to mention a quality off-the-bench shooter in Chloe Bibby. Golden State already waived guard Aerial Powers to open up a roster spot for Temi Fagbenle's return. Ahead of her first game back with the Valkyries, Fagbenle emphasized the unfortunate reality of the team's situation. 'They did a great job,' Fagbenle said regarding how the team managed without the international players. 'The integration was seamless, and I wish we could keep everyone.' But Chen, Amihere, and Bibby's play on the court over the last two weeks complicates things. As Fagbenle mentioned, all three have been meaningful contributors in each of the Valkyries' important wins while the international players were abroad. It's difficult emotionally to have to cut players but it makes it even more difficult when they've proved they are actual positive factors. After the dominant win versus the Seattle Storm, Natalie Nakase admitted these three players surpassed her expectations while also emphasizing once again that the league needs to add more roster spots. 'Yeah, we need more roster spots. I'm going to probably keep saying that over and over again,' Nakase said. 'Everyone that we have been able to pull in, all our players that are at Euro Basket, they have surpassed my expectations. Not only, you know, being a great teammate and a great person. But their skill set of just being ready.' Nakase went on to individually highlight what each mid-season addition has done for the team. Another example of how hard it will be for the Valkyries to part ways with these players for now. The Valkyries' game plan for the returning players With the EuroBasket players returning, Nakase is focused on one very specific thing: rest. 'We want health over everything,' Nakase said. 'If I flew from over to Italy? I flew from internationally, I think it would be a little tired. They played heavy minutes. And the emotions, like I saw videos of Ceci [Zandalasini] crying and obviously Julie [Vanloo] like these girls are going through an emotional roller coaster over there because they're playing for the country. So I expect and anticipate [them to be] exhausted, mental and physical.' With five days of rest before hitting the road, the Valkyries will have ample time to recharge their batteries. And it could not have come at a better time. Kayla Thornton exited midway through the win over Seattle, grabbing at her neck as she walked into the locker room. Not to mention, rookie Carla Leite is nursing a back injury and has missed the last three games. After the win versus Seattle, Veronica Burton talked about maintaining momentum as they approach a much-needed break. 'I think physically and mentally, it's always something that we are appreciative. When you have a couple days that you can just reset and get healthy. Just take a little bit of some recovery time to yourself,' Burton said. 'We want to build off of what we've been doing. And we're grateful to be getting our team back as well… I think it's a reset, but also we're just going to continue to build on it.' Related: Natalie Nakase's emotional confession about her Valkyries players: 'I'm grateful to be their head coach' Related: Valkyries' Kate Martin gets real on battling fatigue — 'Nobody feels sorry for us'
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Valkyries vs. Sun odds, tips and betting trends - 7/27/2025
The Connecticut Sun (3-20) will try to end a four-game losing streak when hosting the Golden State Valkyries (11-12) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The matchup airs on CBS Sports Network, NBCS-BOS, KPIX+, and KMAX 31. Golden State won at home over Dallas 86-76 last time out, and was led by Tiffany Hayes (17 PTS, 5 AST, 62.5 FG%, 2-4 from 3PT) and Janelle Salaun (16 PTS, 7 REB, 3 STL, 42.9 FG%, 3-8 from 3PT). Connecticut fell at home to Los Angeles, 101-86, in its most recent game. Its top performers were Tina Charles (24 PTS, 10 REB, 55.6 FG%) and Olivia Nelson-Ododa (17 PTS, 2 BLK, 58.3 FG%). Before watching this matchup, here is what you need to know about Sunday's action on the court. Watch this game on Paramount+! Golden State Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun odds and betting lines WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 2:05 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Valkyries moneyline insights Sun moneyline insights Valkyries vs. Sun: Game time and info Watch this game on Paramount+!
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Golden State Valkyries rally in second half to defeat Dallas Wings 86-76
Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tiffany Hayes scored 17 points, Janelle Salaun added 16, and Golden State scored 56 points in the second half to rally past Dallas 86-76 on Friday night. After being held to 30 points in the first half and falling behind by 12 early in the second half, the Valkyries scored 33 points in the third quarter to take a 63-60 lead heading to the fourth. The Wings stayed within five points early in the fourth quarter and tied it at 71 on a short floater from Paige Bueckers. Golden State led 75-72 with under three minutes remaining when Temi Fagbenle grabbed an offensive rebound to keep a possession alive. Her layup and subsequent three-point play gave the Valkyries a 78-72 lead. Hayes made 5 of 6 free throws and Veronica Burton added 3 of 4 down the stretch wrap up the victory. Bueckers scored 17 points, Arike Ogunbowale 16, Aziaha James 13 and Haley Jones 10 for Dallas (7-18). Fagbenle scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Golden State (11-12). Carla Leite added 14 points and Cecilia Zandalasini scored 10. Dallas led 21-10 after one quarter, then the Valkyries closed to within 21-19 before Ogunbowale hit a 3-pointer for Dallas. The Wings maintained the lead and had a 36-30 lead at halftime. The Valkyries announced on Friday that All-Star forward Kayla Thornton underwent successful knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. She injured her right knee in practice earlier in the week. Up next Golden State: at Connecticut on Sunday. Dallas: vs. Las Vegas on Sunday. ___ AP WNBA:
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Golden State Valkyries rally in second half to defeat Dallas Wings 86-76
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tiffany Hayes scored 17 points, Janelle Salaun added 16, and Golden State scored 56 points in the second half to rally past Dallas 86-76 on Friday night. After being held to 30 points in the first half and falling behind by 12 early in the second half, the Valkyries scored 33 points in the third quarter to take a 63-60 lead heading to the fourth. The Wings stayed within five points early in the fourth quarter and tied it at 71 on a short floater from Paige Bueckers. Golden State led 75-72 with under three minutes remaining when Temi Fagbenle grabbed an offensive rebound to keep a possession alive. Her layup and subsequent three-point play gave the Valkyries a 78-72 lead. Hayes made 5 of 6 free throws and Veronica Burton added 3 of 4 down the stretch wrap up the victory. Bueckers scored 17 points, Arike Ogunbowale 16, Aziaha James 13 and Haley Jones 10 for Dallas (7-18). Fagbenle scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Golden State (11-12). Carla Leite added 14 points and Cecilia Zandalasini scored 10. Dallas led 21-10 after one quarter, then the Valkyries closed to within 21-19 before Ogunbowale hit a 3-pointer for Dallas. The Wings maintained the lead and had a 36-30 lead at halftime. The Valkyries announced on Friday that All-Star forward Kayla Thornton underwent successful knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. She injured her right knee in practice earlier in the week. Up next Golden State: at Connecticut on Sunday. Dallas: vs. Las Vegas on Sunday. ___ AP WNBA:
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Valkyries vs. Wings odds, tips and betting trends - 7/25/2025
The Golden State Valkyries (10-12) will attempt to turn around a three-game losing skid when hosting the Dallas Wings (7-17) on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Chase Center. This matchup is at 10 p.m. ET on ION. Golden State fell on the road to Seattle 67-58 last time out, and was led by Cecilia Zandalasini (12 PTS, 30.0 FG%, 2-8 from 3PT) and Janelle Salaun (10 PTS, 33.3 FG%). Dallas beat Seattle 87-63 on the road last time out, and were led by Arike Ogunbowale (20 PTS, 58.3 FG%, 4-6 from 3PT) and Paige Bueckers (14 PTS, 6 AST, 45.5 FG%). Before this matchup, here is what you need to prepare for Friday's WNBA action. Watch the WNBA on Fubo! Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings odds and betting lines WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 6:05 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Valkyries moneyline insights Wings moneyline insights Valkyries vs. Wings: Game time and info Watch the WNBA on Fubo!
