Shorthanded Valkyries with impressive 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky

It was the first time in franchise history the Valkyries had to play in back-to-back games. The result with an injury depleted roster was the best case scenario: two straight wins following Golden State's triumph at Washington Mystics.

The Valkyries top players were missing: All-Star Kayla Thornton out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery, center Monique Billings with a sprained left ankle, Tiffany Hayes with a leg injury, and Cecilia Zandalasini nursing a left foot injury.

In their absences, Veronica Burton scored a game high 18 points with four rebounds and seven assists while Janelle Salaün added 16 points and had nine rebounds. Iliana Rupert had a career high 14 points in 23 minutes off the bench including 4-of-5 shots from distance as the Valkyries (14-13) defeated the Chicago Sky, 73-66.

"It says a lot," Burton said. "The trust in each other and the ability to step up when people go down. At the end of the day we really rely on each other. We trust in each other and we fight. To do this on the road down the stretch on a back-to-back is definitely impressive and now it's onto the next."

Kaila Charles was signed to a seven day hardship contract to fill in for Billings who is out for a minimum of three weeks. In her Valkyries debut, Charles tallied five points and five rebounds in 16 minutes.

"We've had 14 different starting lineups," coach Natalie Nakase said. "I'm trying to look at our familiar faces but at the same time, enjoy players that we picked up like Kaila. She did a hell of a job. Again, give credit to our team identity which I've said 'killers' but god d--n we have big hearts. Because when you can accept a player the day of the game and teach her things on the fly but embrace the way our team does and give her confidence, I think that says a lot about who we are as Golden State Valkyries."

Chicago's roster was also shorthanded minus Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese. In the loss, the Sky (7-20) were led by Elizabeth Williams' 15 points. Kamilla Cardoso and Rachel Banham each had 14 points.

Tied at 37-37 at the half and 56-all into the fourth quarter, the Valkyries outscored the Sky 17-10 inside the final seven minutes.

With 3:13 remaining, Rupert's 3-pointer put Golden State ahead 67-62. Williams answered with a putback layup. On the ensuing possession, a pass from Burton intended for Salaün was intercepted by Rachel Banham to Kamilla Cardoso for the fastbreak layup making it 67-66.

But the Sky never scored again as Salaün powered her way into the paint for a driving layup. Burton put the icing on the cake with four free throws to seal the victory. In fact, Burton was 9-of-9 on free throws, marking the 12th time this season she was perfect from the charity stripe.

"It's a good vibe, winning is always good," Salaün said. "The way we're winning tells a lot."

Of all the hard fought victories this inaugural season, this game has to rank up there with the most satisfying of all, especially considering how Golden State closed out the game on the road after traveling from Washington D.C. to the Windy City, arriving on Friday morning at 2:30 AM.

"You feel it in the first quarter honestly," said Burton with a chuckle when asked how it felt physically to play on consecutive nights. "You feel it coming off the plane but that's being a professional athlete and that's the reality of our season right now. Every team goes through this stretch of really difficult games and a back-to-back is never easy but at the end of the day I really do think it comes down to mental toughness too and who can push through."

Certainly the team will savor this win. On the road trip they're 3-1 having won three in a row as they fly to Sin City for the fifth and final game before heading back to Ballhalla.

UP NEXT

• Golden State plays at the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, August 3 at 3:00 p.m. PT on KPIX+, KMAX, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.