{"id":807446,"date":"2026-08-09T02:04:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T02:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/807446\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T02:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T02:04:10","slug":"sparks-look-to-build-momentum-against-surging-valkyries-field-level-media-professional-sports-content-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/807446\/","title":{"rendered":"Sparks look to build momentum against surging Valkyries – Field Level Media – Professional sports content solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Defense and ball distribution continue to lead the way for the Golden State Valkyries, who will take their current surge into a road matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.<\/p>\n

The Valkyries (22-9) won for the ninth time in their past 11 games when they set a franchise record for assists in a 94-76 road victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday.<\/p>\n

Veronica Burton had seven of Golden State\u2019s 27 assists and added a team-best 22 points. Gabby Williams had 19 points, while Kayla Thornton added 11 points and 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur spacing is really good, and it\u2019s one of our strengths, so when we can get out and run and maintain our space, I think it gives me easy looks and my teammates are finding me,\u201d Burton said.<\/p>\n

Not only did seven Valkyries players contribute multiple assists, but the defense held the Wings to a season-low 33.9% shooting from the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the day, we play really good team defense, and we never want anybody to feel like they are out on an island,\u201d Burton said. \u201c\u2026 But there is always room for improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Valkyries enter Sunday\u2019s game in second place in the overall standings.<\/p>\n

The Sparks enter off an impressive 89-82 road victory over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (26-7) on Thursday. After a six-game losing streak, Los Angeles is now 2-1 since star guard Kelsey Plum was moved to the Phoenix Mercury at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

Rae Burrell scored 17 points for the Sparks, while Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby each added 16. Los Angeles trailed 48-40 at halftime before holding Minnesota to 34 points in the second half.<\/p>\n

The Sparks (12-18) had a 23-11 advantage in the fourth quarter, when they held the Lynx to 27.8% shooting. Cameron Brink was the anchor of the defense, going the entire way in the fourth, with two blocked shots and four rebounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to play to our potential,\u201d Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts said. \u201cI thought Cam was a phenomenal difference maker. Cam\u2019s length was a factor down the stretch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brink helped hold Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier to two fourth-quarter points after she scored 19 over the first three quarters.<\/p>\n

In ninth place in the overall standings, the Sparks are well within reach of a top-eight spot and a playoff berth after missing the postseason for the past five seasons.<\/p>\n

\u2013Field Level Media<\/p>\n

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