Toronto Tempo at Golden State Valkyries

Janelle Salaun comes off bench to score 24 points as Valkyries use big second half, beat Tempo 96-79

Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes scored 15 points apiece in the first of back-to-back matchups between the teams at Chase Center, where a raucous sellout crowd cheered Golden State ending a two-game skid that followed a nine-game winning streak.

Salaun shot 9 for 15 with four 3-pointers, putting Golden State ahead 66-59 on a 3 with 1:30 left in the third. She just missed her career-high of 26 set July 8 at Toronto.

Burton converted a three-point play with 6:55 remaining in the game then a steal with 6:14 remaining that led to Salaun's three-point play moments later that put the Valkyries ahead 80-68.

Nyara Sabally had 19 points and eight rebounds for the expansion Tempo, who began a five-game road trip by losing their sixth straight game and 10th in their last 11. Toronto was missing leading scorer Marina Mabrey because of a neck injury.

The Valkyries needed a big second half after squandering a double-digit lead late in the second quarter. They led 44-31 after Cecilia Zandalasini's 3-pointer with 2:34 left in the half but Toronto responded with a 12-0 run to pull within 44-43 at the break.

Kiah Stokes got Golden State going in a hurry with a blocked shot on Toronto's initial possession, two quick rebounds and a layup. She finished with 11 rebounds, eight points and four blocks.

The Valkyries shot 50% in the opening quarter, making 5 of 8 3-pointers, to build a 25-20 lead.

Up next The teams play again Tuesday night at Chase Center.

Regular Season Series

GS wins series 3-0