Chicago Sky vs Golden State Valkyries Match Player Stats (Aug 1, 2025)

The chicago sky vs golden state valkyries match player stats tell the story of an expansion team finding their identity at the perfect moment. Golden State notched their third consecutive win with a 73-66 victory over Chicago at Wintrust Arena, powered by Veronica Burton’s 18 points and Janelle Salaun’s 16-point effort.

Elizabeth Williams led the Sky with 15 points while Kamilla Cardoso posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but Chicago couldn’t overcome their depleted roster and a brutal fourth quarter collapse.

Golden State Valkyries Player Statistics

Player	MIN	PTS	FGM-FGA	FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%	FTM-FTA	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	+/-
Veronica Burton	31	18	4-9	44.4	1-4	25.0	9-9	100	2	7	1	0	1	+19
Janelle Salaun	33	16	6-13	46.2	3-7	42.9	1-1	100	9	2	1	0	1	+9
Iliana Rupert	22	14	4-9	44.4	4-7	57.1	2-2	100	3	1	0	1	2	+8
Carla Leite	27	11	4-12	33.3	1-5	20.0	2-2	100	2	2	1	1	1	+11
Temi Fagbenle	20	5	2-7	28.6	0-1	0.0	1-2	50.0	6	1	0	0	1	+3
Kate Martin	22	4	2-8	25.0	0-4	0.0	0-0	0.0	4	0	1	2	0	+1
Kaitlyn Chen	15	3	1-4	25.0	1-2	50.0	0-0	0.0	1	1	0	0	0	-2
Kaila Charles	16	2	1-2	50.0	0-0	0.0	0-0	0.0	3	1	0	0	2	+6
Rebecca Allen	14	0	0-1	0.0	0-0	0.0	0-0	0.0	2	0	0	2	0	0
TEAM TOTALS	200	73	24-65	36.9	10-30	33.3	15-16	93.8	32	15	4	6	9	+7

Chicago Sky Player Statistics

Player	MIN	PTS	FGM-FGA	FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%	FTM-FTA	FT%	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	+/-
Elizabeth Williams	35	15	7-12	58.3	0-0	0.0	1-2	50.0	8	3	1	3	0	-4
Kamilla Cardoso	33	14	6-11	54.5	0-0	0.0	2-2	100	11	1	0	1	1	-6
Rachel Banham	28	14	5-12	41.7	2-6	33.3	2-2	100	2	7	0	0	4	-1
Kia Nurse	33	10	4-13	30.8	2-8	25.0	0-0	0.0	1	3	1	0	2	-7
Kate Martin (CHI)	18	6	2-6	33.3	1-3	33.3	1-2	50.0	3	1	0	1	1	-5
Michaela Onyenwere	15	3	1-3	33.3	1-2	50.0	0-0	0.0	3	0	0	1	0	-8
Sevgi Uzun	12	2	1-4	25.0	0-2	0.0	0-0	0.0	0	2	1	0	1	-3
Maddy Westbeld	8	2	1-2	50.0	0-1	0.0	0-2	0.0	3	0	0	0	0	+1
Iliana Rupert (CHI)	18	0	0-1	0.0	0-0	0.0	0-0	0.0	5	1	0	0	1	-12
TEAM TOTALS	200	66	27-64	42.2	6-22	27.3	6-10	60.0	36	18	3	6	10	-7

Game played at Wintrust Arena, Chicago. Attendance: 7,714

Team Comparison Stats

Category	Golden State Valkyries	Chicago Sky
Field Goal %	36.9% (24-65)	42.2% (27-64)
Three Point %	33.3% (10-30)	27.3% (6-22)
Free Throw %	93.8% (15-16)	60.0% (6-10)
Total Rebounds	32	36
Offensive Rebounds	5	8
Assists	15	18
Steals	4	3
Blocks	6	6
Turnovers	9	10
Points Off Turnovers	14	10
Bench Points	19	13
Personal Fouls	16	16

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Golden State Valkyries	14	23	15	21	73
Chicago Sky	15	22	17	12	66

The Fourth Quarter Surge That Changed Everything

Coming out of the third quarter trailing 54-52, the Valkyries delivered when it mattered most. Golden State opened the final period with a devastating 12-2 run that flipped the script entirely, establishing a comfortable 64-56 cushion with just under seven minutes remaining.

Burton’s clutch three-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in the third quarter served as the catalyst, cutting Chicago’s lead to just two points and setting the stage for the fourth quarter explosion. The expansion team’s defensive intensity ratcheted up several notches, forcing the Sky into uncomfortable possessions and contested shots.

“I don’t even look at the six points, I look at the score,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said about the tight margin heading into the fourth. “Both teams couldn’t move that scoreboard at all, and so I was like, ‘Hey, look, we’re still up.'”

Chicago managed to claw back within one point at 67-66 with 2:23 remaining, but that’s where their offense completely stalled out. The Sky failed to score another point over the final 2:23 of game time, a brutal drought that sealed their seventh consecutive defeat.

Burton’s Homecoming Performance

Former Northwestern star Veronica Burton put on a show in Chicago, leading all Valkyries with 18 points on efficient 4-of-9 shooting. But the real story was her perfect 9-for-9 performance from the charity stripe and her game-high seven assists that orchestrated Golden State’s offense.

Burton’s plus-19 rating was the highest on the court, demonstrating her overall impact beyond the box score. Playing in front of a crowd that remembered her college days just miles from Wintrust Arena, Burton delivered clutch moments throughout, including that momentum-shifting three at the end of the third.

The guard’s ability to break down Chicago’s zone defense and find open shooters proved critical. Her court vision allowed Golden State to generate quality looks even when their overall shooting percentage struggled.

Salaun’s Breakout Showing

Rookie forward Janelle Salaun continues to make her case as one of the most impactful first-year players in the league. Her 16-point, nine-rebound performance showcased her versatility on both ends of the floor.

Salaun knocked down 3-of-7 from deep, spacing the floor and punishing Chicago when they collapsed on drives. Her nine rebounds tied for the team lead and her physicality on the defensive glass helped limit the Sky’s second-chance opportunities.

Playing 33 minutes, Salaun demonstrated the stamina and consistency that Nakase’s system demands. Her plus-9 rating reflected her two-way contributions in what was a grinding, physical contest.

Rupert’s Bench Spark

Coming off the bench, Iliana Rupert provided the offensive punch Golden State needed during key stretches. Her 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting included a scorching 4-of-7 from three-point range that kept Chicago’s defense honest.

Rupert’s perimeter shooting opened up driving lanes for Burton and the Valkyries’ guards. When she buried her fourth three of the night, it forced the Sky to extend their defense, creating the space Golden State needed to attack the paint.

The French forward’s ability to stretch the floor as a big has become a weapon for the Valkyries. Her 57.1% shooting from deep in this contest was a season-high mark that couldn’t have come at a better time.

Williams and Cardoso Lead Sky Effort

Despite the loss, Elizabeth Williams turned in a quality performance with 15 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting. Her eight rebounds and three blocks anchored Chicago’s interior defense, though it wasn’t enough to contain Golden State’s fourth quarter surge.

Williams’ mid-range game remained sharp, as she converted several tough looks over Golden State’s length. Her 58.3% field goal percentage was the highest among Sky starters, and her veteran presence kept Chicago competitive for three quarters.

Kamilla Cardoso battled for her double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, giving the Sky a physical presence in the paint. The rookie center grabbed four offensive boards and showed flashes of dominance around the rim.

However, Cardoso and the Sky couldn’t solve Golden State’s defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter. The Valkyries’ switching schemes and increased ball pressure disrupted Chicago’s rhythm when it mattered most.

Banham’s Balanced Attack

Rachel Banham matched Cardoso with 14 points while dishing out a team-high seven assists for the Sky. Her ability to create for others kept Chicago’s offense functional, but four turnovers in 28 minutes proved costly in the tight fourth quarter.

Banham connected on 2-of-6 from three-point range and showed her scoring touch from mid-range. Her 41.7% field goal percentage was solid, though she couldn’t generate enough easy looks down the stretch when Chicago needed buckets most.

“We really are just trying this on the fly,” Banham said about Chicago’s defensive adjustments. “Teams are doing a good job getting in the middle, finding those gaps. It’s a work in progress.”

The Injury Impact on Both Rosters

This game featured two severely shorthanded rosters battling through adversity. Chicago entered without three key rotation players: Angel Reese (back), Ariel Atkins (leg), and Hailey Van Lith (ankle). The absence of Reese, who had posted 22 points and 13 rebounds in the previous game, was particularly damaging to the Sky’s frontcourt depth.

Golden State suited up just nine players for the contest, playing the second game of a back-to-back after arriving in Chicago at 2:30 a.m. following Thursday’s win in Washington. The Valkyries were without Cecilia Zandalasini (left foot), Tiffany Hayes (left leg), and Monique Billings (left ankle sprain).

Despite the exhaustion and depleted roster, Golden State found a way to manufacture enough offense and lock down defensively when the game hung in the balance. The gritty performance exemplified the identity Nakase has instilled in her expansion squad.

Shooting Efficiency Battle

The shooting numbers tell an interesting story about how this game unfolded. Chicago actually shot better from the field overall at 42.2% compared to Golden State’s 36.9%, yet still came up short.

The difference came down to volume and free throws. Golden State hoisted 30 three-point attempts compared to Chicago’s 22, converting 10 of them. That three extra made three-pointers accounted for nine points, nearly the exact margin of victory.

More crucially, the Valkyries shot a blistering 93.8% from the free-throw line (15-of-16) while Chicago managed just 60% (6-of-10). Those nine extra points from the charity stripe proved decisive in a seven-point game. Burton’s perfect 9-for-9 showing exemplified Golden State’s clutch foul shooting.

Defensive Adjustments Down the Stretch

Both teams struggled offensively throughout, but Golden State’s defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter made the difference. The Valkyries switched more aggressively on ball screens, denying Chicago’s guards easy access to the paint.

Kate Martin and Rebecca Allen, though scoring just four points combined, contributed crucial defensive plays. Martin recorded two blocks while Allen added two of her own, contesting shots at the rim and forcing difficult finishes.

The Valkyries’ defensive rebounding improved significantly after halftime. They limited Chicago to just eight offensive rebounds after allowing the Sky to crash the glass early. That discipline prevented second-chance points that could have extended the game.

Road Warriors Finding Their Identity

This victory marked Golden State’s third straight win and continued their impressive road form. Playing the fourth game in six days, the expansion franchise showed the resilience and mental toughness that has defined their inaugural campaign.

The Valkyries improved to 14-13 overall and 6-9 on the road with the win. For an expansion team to post a winning record at the season’s midpoint represents a remarkable achievement, defying historical expectations.

“This is a completely different team that I haven’t coached yet,” Nakase said after the game. “I think we had 14 different starting lineups. So really, I’m just trying to look at our familiar faces, but the same time, enjoy the players that we’ve picked up.”

Nakase’s ability to adapt to constant roster changes has become one of her greatest strengths as a first-year head coach. The team signed Kaila Charles on a seven-day hardship contract, and she contributed 16 quality minutes off the bench with two points, three rebounds, and an assist.

Sky’s Struggles Continue

The loss extended Chicago’s losing streak to seven games, dropping them to 7-20 on the season and 4-9 at home. The Sky have struggled to find consistency without key pieces of their rotation, and the injuries continue to mount.

Chicago’s 12-point fourth quarter represented their lowest-scoring period of the game. The offensive execution completely broke down against Golden State’s pressure, resulting in contested shots and poor spacing.

Coach Tyler Marsh’s squad has shown fight throughout the losing streak, but the lack of depth and offensive firepower has been glaring. Without Reese’s rebounding and Atkins’ scoring punch, the Sky simply don’t have enough weapons to compete with playoff-caliber opponents.

The defensive issues that plagued Chicago all season reared their head again in the fourth. The Sky allowed 21 points in the final period after holding Golden State to just 15 in the third, a momentum swing that proved fatal.

Key Matchup: Burton vs Banham

The point guard duel between Burton and Banham provided compelling theater throughout the night. Both players served as their team’s primary facilitators, each dishing out seven assists while trying to generate offense for their respective squads.

Burton got the better of the individual matchup, scoring 18 points to Banham’s 14 while committing just one turnover compared to Banham’s four. Burton’s perfect free-throw shooting also outshined Banham’s 2-of-2 showing, as she got to the line far more frequently.

Defensively, Burton’s length and activity bothered Banham throughout the fourth quarter. The Northwestern product forced Banham into difficult looks and contested passing lanes, disrupting Chicago’s offensive rhythm when they needed it most.

Bench Production Comparison

Golden State’s bench outscored Chicago’s 19-13, providing another edge in the closely contested matchup. Rupert’s 14 points led all reserves and gave the Valkyries a scoring punch that Chicago couldn’t match.

The Sky’s bench rotation struggled to generate consistent offense. Michaela Onyenwere chipped in three points in 15 minutes, while Sevgi Uzun added two points in her 12 minutes of action. The lack of depth scoring put more pressure on Chicago’s starters to carry the load.

Kaila Charles’ contributions off the bench for Golden State, despite modest counting stats, exemplified the team-first mentality that Nakase has cultivated. Her willingness to step into an unfamiliar role on short notice embodied the Valkyries’ identity.

Looking Ahead

For Golden State, this win continued their momentum as they chase a playoff spot in their inaugural season. The Valkyries have proven they can win ugly, grinding out victories through defense and timely shooting even when their offense struggles.

The expansion team’s three-game winning streak has them trending in the right direction at the perfect time. With every victory, they add another chapter to what’s becoming one of the most surprising stories in WNBA history.

Chicago faces a different reality. The Sky need to get healthy and find answers quickly if they hope to salvage anything from this season. The losing streak has them firmly in the bottom tier of the standings, and time is running out to turn things around.

The Sky’s young core of Cardoso and other developing pieces shows promise, but this season has become about building for the future rather than competing for playoffs. The injuries to key veterans have exposed depth issues that need addressing in the offseason.

Statistical Standouts

Beyond the raw numbers, several statistical categories deserve highlighting:

Turnover Battle: Golden State’s nine turnovers compared to Chicago’s 10 represented the kind of tight ball security needed in close games. The Valkyries converted those turnovers into 14 points compared to Chicago’s 10.

Fast Break Points: While not reflected in the official stats, Golden State’s transition game in the fourth quarter generated several easy baskets that broke Chicago’s back. Leite’s two fast-break layups in the final period came directly off Sky turnovers.

Paint Points: Both teams struggled to score efficiently in the paint, with the physicality and rim protection limiting easy looks. The 6-6 blocks split demonstrated the defensive intensity around the basket.

Three-Point Volume: Golden State’s willingness to launch 30 three-point attempts compared to Chicago’s 22 reflected their offensive philosophy. The Valkyries lived with the variance, knowing their three-point shooting could swing games.

Final Thoughts

The chicago sky vs golden state valkyries match player stats from August 1, 2025, showcase an expansion franchise coming of age. Burton’s 18-point, seven-assist performance, combined with Salaun’s 16 points and Rupert’s bench scoring, powered Golden State to a gritty road victory that extended their winning streak to three games.

Chicago’s effort, led by Williams’ 15 points and Cardoso’s double-double, couldn’t overcome their fourth-quarter collapse and injury-depleted roster. The Sky’s seven-game losing streak continued as they managed just 12 points in the final period.

For more comprehensive player statistics and match analysis, stay tuned as both teams continue their 2025 WNBA campaigns with contrasting trajectories.