Valkyries Defeat Liberty 87-70 in WNBA Clash
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Barclays Center
Golden State Valkyries 87, New York Liberty 70, 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 New York Liberty?
Golden State Valkyries beat New York Liberty 87-70 at Barclays Center on May 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
The Golden State Valkyries secured a decisive 87-70 victory over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center, marking the Valkyries' dominance in this matchup as they completed a 3-0 series sweep. The result underscores the Valkyries' strong performance this season, improving their record to 4-1, while the Liberty fell to 3-3. The game showcased the Valkyries' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half, where they outscored the Liberty significantly.
The Liberty entered the game with a home record of 3-2 and had shown a recent uptick in form, winning their last game against the Portland Fire 100-82. They had averaged 87.0 points scored per game over their last ten, while allowing 84.4 points. However, they faced challenges due to the absence of key player Satou Sabally, who was out with a concussion. This injury likely impacted their offensive strategy and execution.
On the other hand, the Valkyries came into the game with a 3-1 away record and had been averaging 75.5 points scored per game, while allowing 78.4. Their recent form had seen them lose their last match against the Chicago Sky 63-69, but they had previously secured a win against the Phoenix Mercury 95-79. Despite their recent struggles, the Valkyries managed to rally and put forth a strong performance against the Liberty.
Historically, the Valkyries have had the upper hand in their meetings with the Liberty, winning all three previous encounters this season. In their last matchup, which took place on September 3, 2025, the Valkyries won 66-58, further establishing their dominance in the series. This trend continued as they outplayed the Liberty once again, demonstrating their tactical superiority and ability to execute under pressure.
In terms of market expectations, DraftKings had set the odds with the Liberty favored at -5.5 points, indicating that they were expected to perform better at home. The total points line was set at 169.5, with the over at -105.0 and the under at -115.0. The Liberty were given a moneyline of -238.0, while the Valkyries were at 195.0, reflecting the perceived likelihood of the Liberty winning the game.
The conditions at Barclays Center were conducive to a competitive game, but the Liberty's inability to adapt without Sabally proved detrimental. The Valkyries capitalized on this, with significant contributions from their roster, while the Liberty struggled to find their rhythm. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter highlighted the Valkyries' control of the game, as they maintained their lead and executed effectively down the stretch.
As the game progressed, viewers could observe the Valkyries' resilience and strategic execution, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they maintained composure and extended their lead. The Liberty's attempts to rally fell short, as they could not overcome the Valkyries' defensive pressure and offensive efficiency.
Overall, this game served as a testament to the Valkyries' strength in the league and their ability to perform under pressure, while the Liberty will need to regroup and address their challenges moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -5.5 | 169.5 o -105 / u -115 | Golden State Valkyries +195 · New York Liberty -238 |
Injury report
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
- 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
- PointsBreanna Stewart18New York Liberty
- AssistsJulie Vanloo8New York Liberty
- ReboundsBreanna Stewart9New York Liberty
- PointsGabby Williams16Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton7Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsLaeticia Amihere8Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
New York Liberty
Last 10: 6-4Streak W187 scored · 84.4 allowed per game1-2 at home
- W100-82at Portland FireMay 15
- L96-98at Portland FireMay 13
- W98-93at Washington MysticsMay 10
- W106-75vs Connecticut SunMay 8
- W79-67at Connecticut SunMay 3
- L91-109vs Indiana FeverApr 25
- L73-79at Phoenix MercurySep 20
- L60-86vs Phoenix MercurySep 18
- W76-69at Phoenix MercurySep 14
- W91-86at Chicago SkySep 12
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 4-6Streak L175.5 scored · 78.4 allowed per game1-3 away
- L63-69vs Chicago SkyMay 14
- W95-79vs Phoenix MercuryMay 11
- W91-80at Seattle StormMay 9
- W78-76vs Seattle StormApr 26
- L74-75vs Minnesota LynxSep 18
- L72-101at Minnesota LynxSep 14
- L53-72at Minnesota LynxSep 12
- L73-74at Seattle StormSep 10
- L72-78vs Minnesota LynxSep 7
- W84-80vs Dallas WingsSep 5
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 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Valkyries | New York Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-71 | 26-62 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 13-35 | 6-24 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 25 |
| Free throws | 18-25 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 31 |
| Assists | 18 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 36 |
| Fouls | 17 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 24 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 96 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter53-43Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter54-43Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter55-43Janelle Salaun makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter55-45Breanna Stewart makes 4-foot fade away jump shot
- 3rd Quarter55-46Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter57-46Laeticia Amihere makes driving layup (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-46Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-46Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-46Laeticia Amihere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-46Kayla Thornton makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter63-46Kayla Thornton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter63-48Breanna Stewart makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-48Tiffany Hayes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kayla Thornton assists)
- 4th Quarter66-50Jonquel Jones makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter66-51Jonquel Jones makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter69-51Janelle Salaun makes 23-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter71-51Veronica Burton makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter72-51Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-51Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-52Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-53Breanna Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-53Veronica Burton makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter76-53Kaila Charles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-55Han Xu makes 3-foot layup (Julie Vanloo assists)
- 4th Quarter76-57Rebekah Gardner makes running layup (Julie Vanloo assists)
- 4th Quarter79-57Gabby Williams makes 27-foot three point jumper (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter80-57Gabby Williams makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter81-57Gabby Williams makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter81-60Han Xu makes 27-foot three point jumper (Julie Vanloo assists)
- 4th Quarter81-63Rebecca Allen makes 26-foot three point jumper (Julie Vanloo assists)
- 4th Quarter84-63Janelle Salaun makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 4th Quarter84-64Rebekah Gardner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-64Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-65Rebecca Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-66Rebecca Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-68Rebekah Gardner makes running layup (Julie Vanloo assists)
- 4th Quarter86-68Kaitlyn Chen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-68Kaitlyn Chen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-69Rebekah Gardner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-70Rebekah Gardner makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Liberty, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Barclays CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance15862
- OfficialsCharles Watson, Tiara Cruse, Teresa Stuck
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