Context:

Golden State held a sizable early advantage and carried a 66-47 lead into the fourth, but Los Angeles surged back, trimming the gap to a point before the Valkyries regrouped to seal an 84-78 win. The victory extends Golden State’s four-game streak and reinforces their status with the best WNBA record since late June. Cecilia Zandalasini starred with perfect 3-point shooting in the opening frame and 15 points overall, while the Sparks staged a late push led by Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler. The result keeps the Valkyries on course for playoff momentum as they prepare to face Chicago next.

Dive Deeper:

• Cecilia Zandalasini poured 15 points on 5-of-5 beyond the arc, including a 3-for-3 performance from deep in the first quarter, contributing to Golden State’s season-high scoring start and a 29-15 lead after one period.

• Golden State built a 66-47 advantage early in the fourth before Los Angeles mounted a rally, with the Sparks burning through 26 of 34 points to close the gap and force a late-game scramble.

• Key late-game sequence included a straightaway bank shot by Gabby Williams, a Janelle Salaun 3-pointer, and two free throws by Kayla Thornton with 21 seconds remaining to seal the Valkyries’ 81-73 edge before the final stretch.

• Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks with 16 points and Erica Wheeler added 15, while Dearica Hamby contributed 12 and Kiana Williams 10, all of Hamby’s points coming in the opening quarter.

• Kiah Stokes exited with a neck contusion after an inadvertent elbow from Cameron Brink, and Monique Akoa Makani did not play due to injury/illness, impacting Golden State’s rotation late.

• Golden State improved to 23-9 with their fourth straight win, while Los Angeles dropped to 12-19, highlighting a matchup that featured high efficiency in the opening quarter (66.7% FG for the Valkyries).

• Up next, the Valkyries host Chicago on Wednesday, and the Sparks visit Phoenix in Los Angeles on Tuesday for continued postseason positioning.