Golden State Valkyries Win First Game Against Seattle Storm

May 9, 2026, 06:00

Introduction

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Seattle Storm 91-80 in their first game of the season. Meanwhile, the Storm are now preparing for their next match against the Connecticut Sun.

Main Body

The Valkyries won the game mainly because of their excellent long-range shooting, making 15 of their 37 three-point attempts. Janelle Salaun led the team with 20 points, while Veronica Burton and Kaitlyn Chen added 16 and 14 points. The team held a steady lead throughout the match, leading 49-41 at halftime and 69-53 by the end of the third quarter. Furthermore, Gabby Williams, who played for Seattle from 2022 to 2025, contributed seven points, six rebounds, and four assists. On the other hand, the Seattle Storm's offense was led by Dominique Malonga, who scored 21 points. Other key players included Zia Cooke with 15 points, Jade Melbourne with 13, and Flau’jae Johnson with 12. However, the Storm's performance was affected by the absence of Ezi Magbegor, who is expected to be out for six to eight weeks due to a foot injury. Golden State also faced some challenges as Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini had to leave the game in the first half because of injuries. Looking ahead, the Storm will face the Connecticut Sun, a team that struggled last season with an 11-33 record. Consequently, Seattle enters this next game with a limited roster, as Awa Fam and Katie Lou Samuelson are also unavailable.

Conclusion

Golden State will play Phoenix at home this Sunday, while Seattle will travel to Connecticut for their next game.

Learning

🚀 Leveling Up: From 'And' to 'Logical Bridges'

At the A2 level, you probably connect ideas using simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need Transition Markers. These are words that tell the reader how two ideas relate to each other before the sentence even starts.

🛠 The 'Bridge' Words found in this text:

1. Adding More Information

A2 style: "They scored a lot of points and Gabby Williams played well."
B2 style: "...Furthermore, Gabby Williams contributed seven points..."
Why it works: "Furthermore" signals that you are adding a new, important point to your argument.

2. Showing Contrast (The Switch)

A2 style: "Golden State won but Seattle had a good player."
B2 style: "On the other hand, the Seattle Storm's offense was led by..."
Why it works: This phrase prepares the listener for a complete change in perspective or subject.

3. Explaining the Result

A2 style: "They have many injuries so they have a small team."
B2 style: "Consequently, Seattle enters this next game with a limited roster..."
Why it works: "Consequently" is a sophisticated way to say "as a result of this." It creates a professional, academic tone.

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Stop starting every sentence with the Subject (The team..., The player...). Start your sentences with these Logical Bridges to make your English sound smoother and more connected.

Try this mental map:

Want to add a point? $\rightarrow$ Furthermore / In addition
Want to show a difference? $\rightarrow$ On the other hand / However
Want to show a result? $\rightarrow$ Consequently / Therefore

Vocabulary Learning

long-range (adj.)

Describing something that covers a great distance

Example:Her long-range shots were the key to the team's victory.

attempts (n.)

Number of tries made at a goal or target

Example:He had 15 attempts from three-point range.

steady (adj.)

Consistently stable or reliable

Example:They maintained a steady lead throughout the game.

halftime (n.)

The break in the middle of a game

Example:At halftime, the score was 49-41.

quarter (n.)

One of the four parts into which a game is divided

Example:By the end of the third quarter, the score was 69-53.

contributed (v.)

To give or add something that helps achieve a result

Example:He contributed seven points, six rebounds, and four assists.

rebounds (n.)

The act of gaining possession after a missed shot

Example:She grabbed six rebounds during the match.

assists (n.)

Passes that directly lead to a score

Example:He had four assists in the game.

offense (n.)

The part of a team that tries to score points

Example:The Storm's offense was led by Dominique Malonga.

key (adj.)

Important or essential

Example:Other key players included Zia Cooke.

performance (n.)

How well someone or a team does

Example:The Storm's performance was affected by injuries.

affected (v.)

To have an influence on something

Example:Their performance was affected by the absence of a player.

absence (n.)

The state of not being present

Example:The absence of Ezi Magbegor hurt the team.

expected (adj.)

Likely to happen or be true

Example:He is expected to be out for six to eight weeks.

injury (n.)

Physical harm or damage to the body

Example:She suffered a foot injury.

challenges (n.)

Difficult tasks or problems

Example:Golden State faced some challenges due to injuries.

injuries (n.)

Physical harms that keep players from playing

Example:They had injuries that forced players to leave.

ahead (adv.)

In front of or before something in time

Example:Looking ahead, the Storm will face Connecticut.

struggled (v.)

Had difficulty doing something

Example:The team struggled last season.

record (n.)

A list of results or achievements

Example:They had an 11-33 record last season.

consequently (adv.)

As a result of something

Example:Consequently, Seattle enters the next game with a limited roster.

limited (adj.)

Restricted or not abundant

Example:They had a limited roster for the upcoming game.

roster (n.)

List of players on a team

Example:The team's roster was cut due to injuries.

unavailable (adj.)

Not present or not able to be used

Example:Several players were unavailable for the game.

travel (v.)

To go from one place to another

Example:Seattle will travel to Connecticut for the next match.

home (adj.)

At one's own place or venue

Example:Golden State will play at home against Phoenix.

season (n.)

Period of time when games are played

Example:This is the team's first game of the season.

match (n.)

A contest or game between teams

Example:The match ended with a 91-80 score.

game (n.)

An event where players compete for points

Example:They played a thrilling game.

team (n.)

Group of players working together

Example:The team had a steady lead.

players (n.)

Individuals who take part in a game

Example:The key players were highlighted.

points (n.)

Units of score in a game

Example:She scored 20 points.

scored (v.)

To earn points in a game

Example:She scored 21 points.

led (v.)

To be in front or first in a group

Example:He led the team with 20 points.