Valkyries Edge Sparks in Close WNBA Matchup
Sunday, August 9, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Golden State Valkyries 84, Los Angeles Sparks 78, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks?
Golden State Valkyries beat Los Angeles Sparks 84-78 at crypto.com Arena on August 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game at the crypto.com Arena, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Los Angeles Sparks with a final score of 84-78. This victory extends the Valkyries' lead in the season series to 3-0 against the Sparks, who have struggled against them in recent matchups. The Valkyries now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series for the 2026 season, having previously won 78-58 and 72-59 in earlier meetings this year.
The Sparks entered the game with a home record of 12-19, while the Valkyries boasted a much stronger away record of 23-9. Over their last ten games, the Sparks have recorded a 3-7 record, with an average of 91.9 points scored and 94.7 points allowed per game. In contrast, the Valkyries have been in excellent form, winning 8 of their last 10 games and averaging 83.9 points scored while allowing only 74.9 points.
The Sparks' recent performance has included a mix of wins and losses, with their last game resulting in a victory against the Minnesota Lynx, 89-82. However, they have struggled against tougher opponents, as evidenced by their losses to teams like the Chicago Sky and New York Liberty in previous outings. The Valkyries, on the other hand, have been on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Dallas Wings 94-76.
In terms of home and away performance, the Sparks have a home record of 1-2 in their last three games at the crypto.com Arena, while the Valkyries have excelled on the road, with a 5-1 record in their last six away games. This disparity in form was evident in the matchup, as the Valkyries maintained control throughout the game.
Injuries played a role in the matchup, with both teams missing key players. The Sparks were without Aaliyah Nye, while the Valkyries were missing Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all due to non-injury-related reasons. The absence of these players may have impacted the depth and performance of both teams.
The market had priced the Valkyries as 6.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 169.5 points. The odds reflected the Valkyries' strong season and recent form, while the Sparks were seen as underdogs in this matchup. The final score of 84-78 fell under the total points line, showcasing a competitive defensive effort from both sides.
The game featured several key moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the Valkyries managed to maintain their lead. Janelle Salaun's 25-foot three-point jumper, assisted by Veronica Burton, was a pivotal play that pushed the Valkyries ahead 79-73 late in the game. Kayla Thornton added crucial free throws to extend the lead, while the Sparks attempted to rally back with a two-point shot from Ariel Atkins.
As the game progressed, the Valkyries' defense proved to be a decisive factor, limiting the Sparks' scoring opportunities and maintaining their composure in the closing minutes. The Sparks' inability to capitalize on scoring chances ultimately sealed their fate, as they fell short in their comeback efforts.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams as the Valkyries continue to solidify their position in the league, while the Sparks seek to find consistency as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -6.5 | 169.5 o -115 / u -105 | Golden State Valkyries -270 · Los Angeles Sparks +220 |
Injury report
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
Leaders
- PointsNneka Ogwumike16Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler4Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike7Los Angeles Sparks
- PointsCecilia Zandalasini15Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton7Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsCecilia Zandalasini7Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 3-7Streak W191.9 scored · 94.7 allowed per game1-2 at home
- W89-82at Minnesota LynxAug 7
- L88-95at Chicago SkyAug 6
- W106-101at Portland FireAug 2
- L109-113vs New York LibertyJul 29
- L82-86vs Phoenix MercuryJul 22
- L82-90at Dallas WingsJul 19
- L82-96at Chicago SkyJul 17
- L87-96at Minnesota LynxJul 15
- L92-101at Atlanta DreamJul 13
- W102-87vs Chicago SkyJul 11
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 8-2Streak W383.9 scored · 74.9 allowed per game5-1 away
- W94-76at Dallas WingsAug 8
- W92-81vs Toronto TempoAug 5
- W96-79vs Toronto TempoAug 3
- L89-91at Phoenix MercuryJul 30
- L82-90vs Washington MysticsJul 21
- W74-69vs Washington MysticsJul 19
- W88-75at Indiana FeverJul 16
- W79-64at Connecticut SunJul 10
- W83-75at Toronto TempoJul 8
- W62-49at Washington MysticsJul 6
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Valkyries | Los Angeles Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-69 | 32-70 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 12-34 | 10-31 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 32 |
| Free throws | 8-9 | 4-9 |
| Free throw % | 89 | 44 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 17 |
| Assists | 22 | 18 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 38 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter47-34Veronica Burton makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter47-36Nneka Ogwumike makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter50-36Cecilia Zandalasini makes 26-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-38Nneka Ogwumike makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter52-38Gabby Williams makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter54-38Kayla Thornton makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter54-40Nneka Ogwumike makes 12-foot jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-40Kiah Stokes makes 1-foot layup (Cecilia Zandalasini assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-42Dearica Hamby makes driving layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-42Tiffany Hayes makes 28-foot three point jumper (Kiah Stokes assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-44Dearica Hamby makes driving layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-45Ariel Atkins makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter59-47Dearica Hamby makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter61-47Janelle Salaun makes 17-foot step back jumpshot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-47Kaila Charles makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter66-47Kaitlyn Chen makes 3-foot layup (Laeticia Amihere assists)
- 4th Quarter66-49Rae Burrell makes driving layup (Kiana Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter66-51Rae Burrell makes 16-foot step back jumpshot (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter68-51Kaitlyn Chen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter68-53Cameron Brink makes 10-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter68-56Cameron Brink makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter68-58Rae Burrell makes driving layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter68-60Erica Wheeler makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter70-60Veronica Burton makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter71-60Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter71-63Erica Wheeler makes 28-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter71-65Nneka Ogwumike makes driving layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter71-67Nneka Ogwumike makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter71-70Ariel Atkins makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter74-70Tiffany Hayes makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter74-73Erica Wheeler makes 27-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter76-73Gabby Williams makes 6-foot two point shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter79-73Janelle Salaun makes 25-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter80-73Kayla Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-73Kayla Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-75Ariel Atkins makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-75Gabby Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-78Rae Burrell makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter83-78Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-78Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Sparks, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance15739
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Agon Abazi, Gerda Gatling
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