Hayes, Valkyries Soar Past Sun 74-57 as New Mascot "Violet" Makes Flipping Debut

SAN FRANCISCO — This game felt far from a typical regular-season matchup. Instead, it was a celebration of fresh beginnings and exciting possibilities ahead.

On Monday night, the Golden State Valkyries avenged their worst loss of the season from two weeks ago, routing the Connecticut Sun 74-57 at Chase Center.

During the game, the Valkyries continued their trend of team growth in dominant fashion. Between timeouts, a different kind of debut stole the spotlight with the introduction of Violet, the team’s new mascot, a high-energy raven gymnast who dazzled fans at halftime with flips and groovy dance moves. Just as Violet signaled the arrival of a fresh era of entertainment for the Valkyries faithful, the team’s performance signaled renewed momentum in their playoff push.

To start, the game carried the tension of something waiting to be born. Both teams struggled to find rhythm early, with neither shooting above 35% in the first half. The Sun, hampered by their road struggles all season, laid an egg offensively.

Connecticut managed just 26 first-half points, their execution undone by the Valkyries’ disciplined defense and a palpable energy inside a sold-out Ballhalla. It was the franchise’s 15th consecutive home sellout, 18,064 fans packing the arena and waiting for the breakthrough that eventually came in the second half.

The breakthrough belonged in part to Tiffany Hayes, whose 17 points came alongside a milestone moment. With 2:24 remaining in the first quarter, Hayes passed WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes for 31st place on the league’s all-time scoring list.

“Sheryl Swoopes is an icon,” said head coach Natalie Nakase, reflecting on the achievement. Nakase credited Hayes’ longevity, commitment to her body, and decision to come out of retirement to join Golden State, adding, “Just really glad Tip is on our team, and she continues to shoot the ball.” Hayes finished the night shooting 46.2% from the field with five rebounds, four assists, and a game-high +26 plus-minus.

The other half of Golden State’s scoring tandem was Cecilia Zandalasini, who also poured in 17 points, including three triples. Zandalasini, who has shot 50% from three over her last two games, praised the team’s improved ball security and ability to adjust against Connecticut’s trademark physicality.

Janelle Salaün added 16 points of her own, tying her career high with four three-pointers and punctuating several key runs. The most pivotal stretch came midway through the third quarter when Salaün scored on three straight possessions, followed by a Zandalasini three-pointer to give Golden State its first double-digit lead at 45-33.

Another run of back to back threes from Hayes and Zandalasini stretched the margin to 53-36.

The Sun’s offensive woes only deepened from there, driven by the Valkyries’ relentless defensive effort. This was perhaps best exemplified in their containment of Marina Mabrey, one of Connecticut’s most consistent scoring threats.

Entering the game averaging 15 points per contest, Mabrey was held to just three points on a frigid 1-for-7 shooting night. Golden State’s guards hounded her on every possession, cutting off driving lanes and contesting perimeter looks, while their help defense rotated seamlessly to deny her clean opportunities. The result was a rare night of frustration for Mabrey.

Even Aneesah Morrow’s double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds couldn’t ignite Connecticut’s attack. Missing veteran Tina Charles due to rest, the Sun were outscored by the Valkyries’ starters alone, who combined for 59 points.

Golden State’s bench contributed timely production as well, with Iliana Rupert scoring 10 points and Temi Fágbénlé grabbing nine rebounds.

If Hayes, Zandalasini, and Salaün were the finishers, point guard Veronica Burton was the architect. She orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, dishing out 10 assists against just one turnover, the fourth time she has reached double-digit assists this season.

Nakase called Burton “pretty impactful” and went as far as to say she deserves the WNBA's Most Improved Player consideration, highlighting her ability to control games without relying on scoring.

Hayes echoed that sentiment, praising Burton’s vision: “She apparently has eyes in the back of her head, finding that open man, she can get past anybody.”

The Valkyries’ style on this night was all about sharing the ball and trusting the process. They assisted on 23 of their 29 made field goals, and 60 of their 74 points were the result of assisted baskets.

Their fourth-quarter push, a 14-2 run capped by Kate Martin’s corner three, was emblematic of their philosophy, constant ball movement, spacing, and confident shooting. Golden State finished 13-of-33 from beyond the arc, including 5-of-10 in the fourth quarter, while limiting the Sun to just 5-of-25 from deep.

Defensively, the Valkyries turned in their second straight smothering performance, holding back-to-back opponents under 60 points after limiting Los Angeles to 59 two nights earlier. They tied a season low with just seven turnovers.

The win not only pushed Golden State above .500 at 16-15 but also vaulted them into seventh place in the standings with 13 games remaining. With back-to-back road contests looming, Zandalasini stressed the need to carry their confidence away from home, noting that communication will be critical without the energy of their fans.

But on this night, those fans had plenty to celebrate. The birth of Violet as the team’s new mascot added a sense of festivity that matched the Valkyries’ on-court dominance. Her glasses and gravity-defying flips seemed to embody the team’s blend of intellect and flair, and her arrival was met with as much excitement as any big shot.

In a season full of firsts, this night felt like the start of something even bigger. Golden State didn’t just earn another win, they delivered a performance that showed their identity taking shape, disciplined defense, unselfish offense, and the resilience to push through slow starts. Much like Violet’s inaugural flips, the Valkyries’ season continues to soar.

UP NEXT

• Golden State will head to Washington to face the Mystics on Wednesday, August 13 at 4:30 p.m. PT on KPIX, KMAX, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.