SEATTLE — In an exciting season opener, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Seattle Storm 91-80 on May 8, 2026, marking a strong start to the WNBA season for both teams.
Why it matters: The win sets a positive tone for the Valkyries as they aim for a successful season. Meanwhile, the Storm faces challenges with player injuries that could impact their performance moving forward.
Janelle Salaun led the Valkyries with 20 points, hitting a career-high five 3-pointers.
Veronica Burton contributed significantly with 16 points, helping solidify the team’s offensive strategy.
Kaitlyn Chen made a notable impact by scoring all 14 of her points in the second half.
Kayla Thornton added 13 points, contributing to the Valkyries' balanced scoring effort.
Driving the news: The Valkyries took control early, leading 49-41 at halftime and extending their advantage to 69-53 after the third quarter. Their shooting from beyond the arc was particularly impressive, finishing 15 of 37 from 3-point range.
Seven different players made 3-pointers for Golden State, highlighting their depth and versatility.
Gabby Williams, returning to Seattle where she previously played, recorded seven points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Seattle's Dominique Malonga led her team with 21 points, but the Storm struggled to keep pace with the Valkyries.
State of play: The game featured intense competition, with both teams displaying strong defensive and offensive strategies. Seattle's bench also provided valuable contributions, particularly from Zia Cooke, who scored 15 points.
Jade Melbourne added 13 points for Seattle, showing promise as a key player this season.
Flau’jae Johnson, the No. 8 pick in the WNBA Draft, scored 12 points but had a challenging shooting night, going 3-of-12 from the field.
Injury woes plagued Seattle, with starter Ezi Magbegor expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a right foot injury.
The big picture: The Valkyries' victory is a strong indicator of their potential this season, especially with a solid lineup that includes both seasoned players and promising newcomers.
Golden State's ability to spread the scoring among multiple players will be a key factor in their success as the season progresses.
Seattle, on the other hand, must navigate the early-season challenges posed by injuries, which could hinder their competitiveness in upcoming games.
The Storm's next matchup is against Connecticut, where they will look to bounce back from this loss.
What they're saying: After the game, Valkyries coach emphasized the importance of teamwork in their win. "We executed our game plan well and showed great resilience," he said. "It’s just the beginning, but I’m proud of how we fought tonight."
Seattle’s coach acknowledged the impact of injuries, stating, "We need to adapt quickly and find ways to fill the gaps left by our injured players." This sentiment reflects the urgency to maintain competitiveness.
Players from both teams expressed excitement about the season ahead, highlighting the competitive nature of the WNBA.
By the numbers: The Valkyries' shooting performance was a standout aspect of the game, with 15 successful 3-pointers compared to Seattle's efforts.
Golden State led the game in rebounds, securing 38 boards against Seattle's 29.
Free throw shooting was also a factor, with the Valkyries converting 70% of their attempts compared to Seattle's 60%.
Combined, both teams demonstrated the growing talent and competitiveness in the WNBA, setting the stage for an exciting season.
What's next: The Valkyries will open their home schedule against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 10, 2026, looking to build on their opening win.
Seattle will travel to face the Connecticut Sun on the same day, aiming to recover from their opening loss.
Injuries will remain a focal point for the Storm, as they strategize to overcome the absence of key players.
Fans can expect an intense matchup as both teams seek to establish their footing early in the season.