Valkyries defeat Tempo 83-75 behind Salaun’s 26

Golden State Valkyries defeated Toronto Tempo 83-75 in the Women’s National Basketball Association on Wednesday, with Janelle Salaun leading the way on 26 points as a decisive second quarter and a composed closing stretch carried the visitors to the result at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

There were no goal scorers to track in the traditional sense in this fixture, but there was a clear turning point. Toronto edged the opening quarter 17-11 and looked settled early, only for Golden State to seize control in the second period with a 30-point burst that changed the rhythm of the night. That swing turned a six-point Tempo lead after one into a 41-31 Valkyries advantage by halftime.

Toronto responded well after the interval. The Tempo put together their best attacking spell in the third quarter, pouring in 28 points with Isabelle Harrison at the heart of it. Harrison finished with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Julie Allemand added seven assists as the home side tried to quicken the tempo and pull Golden State into a more open contest. By the end of the third, Toronto had cut the gap and given the crowd belief.

But the Valkyries managed the fourth quarter impressively. They posted 26 points in the final period, stretched the floor effectively, and continued to find production from beyond the arc. Golden State finished with 11 made three-pointers at 36.7 percent, compared to Toronto’s six at 27.3 percent, and that difference in perimeter efficiency proved central to the outcome. The visitors also won the rebounding battle 31-23, giving themselves the extra platform needed to protect their lead.

Salaun was the standout figure for Golden State, finishing with 26 points and six rebounds, while Veronica Burton supplied six assists to keep the offense flowing. Kayla Thornton’s nine rebounds added balance, and the Valkyries’ ability to pair outside shooting with control on the glass made them the more complete side over the full 40 minutes.

For Toronto, Harrison’s interior presence kept the contest alive deep into the second half, and the Tempo were excellent at the foul line, converting 17 of 18 free throws for 94.4 percent. Yet the broader margins told against them: Golden State attempted eight more free throws, hit five more three-pointers, and found enough stops after Toronto’s third-quarter push to keep the home side at arm’s length.

Key performers

Golden State Valkyries: Janelle Salaun 26 points, 6 rebounds; Veronica Burton 6 assists; Kayla Thornton 9 rebounds.

Toronto Tempo: Isabelle Harrison 24 points, 8 rebounds; Julie Allemand 7 assists.

NerdSports Stat: Golden State lost the first quarter by 6, then outscored Toronto 72-58 across the final three periods while making 11 threes to Toronto’s 6 and winning the rebound count by 8.

The result moves Golden State to 16-7, strengthening an already impressive record and underlining their credentials near the top of the WNBA standings. Toronto drop to 9-12 and will feel this was a missed chance at home, particularly after their strong third-quarter rally. The Valkyries now take momentum into their next fixture, while the Tempo will look for a sharper 40-minute display next time out.

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