# Valkyries instant analysis: Chen provides spark as Golden State downs Wings at home

> Source: <https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/17/valkyries-instant-analysis-chen-provides-spark-as-golden-state-downs-wings-at-home/>
> Published: 2026-06-18 04:05:04+00:00

**Getting your**

[Trinity Audio](//trinityaudio.ai)player ready...SAN FRANCISCO —Even as a rotation regular, Kaitlyn Chen hadn’t played big minutes all season.

But on Wednesday night, the Valkyries needed every bit of Chen’s big performance to get past the star-studded Dallas Wings.

Chen finished with 15 points off the bench to help spark a 91-80 win over the Wings at home.

Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 25 points and Veronica Burton had 11 to go along with eight assists to give Golden State its fourth straight win.

The Valkyries held Wings’ star Paige Bueckers to 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

Golden State hit 12 of its 25 3-point attempts while shooting 46% from the field in a solid offensive performance.

After a shaky first quarter that gave way to a nine-point advantage for the Wings, the Valkyries woke up thanks to a huge spark off the bench from Kaitlyn Chen.

Chen scored seven of her nine first-half points in the second quarter as she super charged a 19-0 run for Golden State.

At halftime, the Valkyries led by 11 after outscoring the Wings 27-7 in the second period.

Dallas made things interesting in the second half.

Led by timely baskets from Azzi Fudd and Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings got within two points of the Valkyries’ lead in the fourth quarter.

But the Valkyries responded as Chen and defensive stopper Kaila Charles hit big shots down the stretch to seal the win.
