Valkyries Make History Again With Back-to-Back Wins, Topple Sparks in LA
Los Angeles, CA — May 23, 2025
In just their third game as a WNBA franchise, the Golden State Valkyries are already turning heads. On Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, the Valkyries claimed their second straight victory with a commanding 69–54 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, continuing what is shaping up to be a historic inaugural season.
Just days after securing their first-ever franchise win against the Washington Mystics, the Valkyries wasted no time making another statement — this time on the road. With a smothering defense and sharp offensive execution, Golden State flipped the script on a Sparks team that had bested them in their season opener a week earlier.
The turning point came in the second quarter, when the Valkyries erupted with a stunning 21–0 scoring run. Down early, Golden State flipped a 28–21 deficit into a 42–28 halftime lead, silencing the Los Angeles crowd and seizing full momentum. The run was fueled by aggressive perimeter defense, quick ball movement, and opportunistic fast breaks.
Guard Carla Leite was the standout performer of the night, finishing with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Her poise and confidence were evident, especially during the team’s second-quarter surge. Leite’s efforts were complemented by strong contributions from Veronica Burton, who recorded five of the Valkyries’ 12 total steals, anchoring the defensive side of the ball.
“We’re just getting started,” Leite said postgame. “We believe in each other, and we’re playing with heart. It’s about building something special, and tonight was a big step.”
The Sparks, meanwhile, struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Despite a solid first quarter, they were overwhelmed by the Valkyries’ energy and discipline. No Sparks player reached 15 points, and the team shot just 36% from the field while committing 20 turnovers.
Golden State head coach Teresa Weatherspoon praised her team’s effort. “We knew this was a challenge, especially coming into a tough environment like LA,” she said. “But our players responded with incredible focus and toughness. Every game is a chance for us to grow, and they’re showing up.”
With the win, the Valkyries improved to 2–1 on the season, instantly establishing themselves as a team to watch. In a league where expansion teams often struggle to find footing, Golden State is defying expectations — and they’re doing it fast.
Next up, the Valkyries will return home, hoping to continue their momentum in front of a rapidly growing Bay Area fanbase. One thing is clear: this new franchise isn’t just here to participate — they’re here to compete.
