Full Breakdown
Valkyries Stun Storm in 91–80 Season Opener
5/9/2026, 11:35:39 PM
Season Opener: Valkyries 91, Storm 80
On Friday, May 3, 2026, the Golden State Valkyries beat the Seattle Storm 91–80 at Climate Pledge Arena. Janelle Salaun led Golden State with 20 points and five threes; Dominique Malonga posted a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds. Seattle’s top scorers were Zia Cooke (15) and Jade Melbourne (13). Storm were without Ezi Magbegor (foot) and Katie Lou Samuelson (knee); Golden State lost Tiffany Hayes (pinky) and Cecilia Zandalasini (jaw) early.
Background & Context
The clubs finished 2025 at 23-21 and made the playoffs. Seattle debuted head coach Sonia Raman, a former Minnesota Lynx assistant. Golden State entered its second year with offseason signing Gabby Williams, who inked a three-year, $3.75 million deal. Seattle lost All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins and Brittney Sykes; rookie center Awa Fam (No. 3 overall) remains in Spain under a suspended contract.
Key Performers
Janelle Salaun’s 20 points and five threes fueled the Valkyries’ 15-of-37 three-point shooting. Dominique Malonga’s 21 points and eight rebounds anchored the attack. Gabby Williams added seven points, six rebounds and four assists. Seattle’s Zia Cooke (15) and Jade Melbourne (13) led the Storm; Melbourne played despite a broken front tooth.
Data & Statistics
Golden State shot 41.9 % and 40.5 % (15-of-37) from three; Seattle shot 41.3 % and 34.6 % from three. Seattle logged 14 turnovers, 16 assists and 27 free-throw attempts (70.4 %); Golden State had 22 attempts (81.8 %). Seven Valkyries players hit three-pointers.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Raman praised the squad’s resilience, saying they “did a good job of battling” despite a third-quarter slide and that defensive lapses must be a focal point. Malonga noted the Valkyries “were really ready”. Golden State confirmed Williams is healthy, while noting Hayes and Zandalasini injuries limited depth.
Criticism & Opposition
Seattle’s players flagged perimeter defense as a weakness; the Valkyries’ 40.5 % three-point shooting exposed the gap, prompting guard Jade Melbourne to say “When that happens, it’s a tough night to be completely honest.” The loss of Magbegor and Samuelson left the Storm short on interior firepower.
On-the-Ground Report
Seattle led 20-13 early, but Golden State took a 49-41 halftime lead. A 20-12 third-quarter surge gave the Valkyries an edge; Seattle shot just 3-of-16 (18.8 %) then. The Valkyries kept a double-digit margin to the end.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Athlon Sports listed four Seattle injuries (Magbegor, Samuelson, Tiana Mair, Awa Fam); Seattle-Times reported only three (Magbegor, Samuelson, Fam). Tiana Mair’s status remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was awesome,” Raman said. “It was really, really high-level execution.” — Sonia Raman, Seattle Storm head coach
- “When that happens, it’s a tough night to be completely honest,” — Jade Melbourne, Seattle Storm guard
- “That was ridiculous.” — Zia Cooke, Seattle Storm guard
- “We had a pretty good start,” said Malonga. “We were really ready.” — Dominique Malonga, Golden State Valkyries center
What’s Next
Golden State opens its home slate against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday; Seattle travels to Connecticut the same day. The Storm expect Awa Fam to join after her Spanish season ends, and both clubs aim to tighten defense.
