The Golden State Valkyries delivered a commanding defensive performance on Thursday night, defeating the Indiana Fever 88-77 in front of a sold-out crowd at Chase Center.
The expansion team held rookie sensation Caitlin Clark to just 11 points and forced her into six turnovers, effectively disrupting the Fever’s offensive rhythm.
Clark, known for her long-range shooting and playmaking, had a rough night from the field, scoring just two points on 1-of-8 shooting in the first half. Her first basket didn’t come until late in the second quarter, but she did contribute in other areas with six assists and four rebounds.
Golden State came out strong with a quick 7-2 run that electrified the home crowd, forcing Indiana into an early timeout. But momentum shifted quickly as the Valkyries missed their next 13 shots, allowing Indiana to take control.
The Fever built a 12-point lead in the second quarter, with Aliyah Boston playing a key role, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Boston sent the Fever into halftime with a 44-38 lead.
One of the standout performances for Golden State came from Chloe Bibby, who made her season debut off the bench. She scored 12 points, including two key three-pointers that helped keep the Valkyries within reach in the first half. Kayla Thornton led the team with 16 points and six rebounds, while Tiffany Hayes added 14 points and Veronica Burton chipped in 11.
Valkyries take over late
Indiana appeared to take control with a 10-0 run in the third quarter, reducing Golden State’s lead and setting up a tense final frame. But the Valkyries responded with intensity. Their defense locked in during the fourth quarter, forcing Indiana into tough shots and dominating the paint.
Golden State exploded offensively in the final 10 minutes, outscoring the Fever 33-18. Without relying on a single superstar, the Valkyries showed balance, energy, and poise.
They spread the floor, moved the ball efficiently, and capitalized on Indiana’s mistakes.
Despite Clark’s attempts to rally the Fever, Golden State’s disciplined defense held strong. The victory marked their sixth straight home sellout and reinforced their identity as a gritty, team-oriented squad.
Next up, the Valkyries stay at home for four straight games, starting with the Connecticut Sun on Sunday at Chase Center.
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