Salaun's scoring leads Valkyries; injuries affect opposing teams
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Seattle — Janelle Salaun scored 20 points and tied a career high with five 3-pointers as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Seattle Storm 91-80 on Friday night in the WNBA season opener in Seattle, with Veronica Burton adding 16 points and Golden State connecting on 15 of 37 three-point attempts.
Seattle — Janelle Salaun scored 20 points and tied a career high with five 3-pointers as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Seattle Storm 91-80 on Friday night in the WNBA season opener in Seattle, with Veronica Burton adding 16 points and Golden State connecting on 15 of 37 three-point attempts.
This week the teams reported several injury developments: Seattle announced starter Ezi Magbegor is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a right foot injury, Golden State had Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini exit the Seattle game with injuries, and on Sunday Salaun scored 21 off the bench in Golden State’s 95-79 home victory over the Phoenix Mercury, where Gabby Williams added 19 points.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Prior season: Valkyries became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their debut season.
- 2. Friday: Golden State defeated Seattle Storm 91-80 in the season opener; Janelle Salaun scored 20.
- 3. During that game Golden State had two players leave with injuries and neither returned.
- 4. Seattle announced Ezi Magbegor is expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks with a right foot injury.
- 5. Sunday: Golden State won their home opener 95-79 over Phoenix; Salaun scored 21 off the bench and Gabby Williams had 19.
Why it matters
The Valkyries' strong start to the season is a win for Golden State fans. But injuries can change the game. Keep an eye on how the team adjusts without Hayes and Zandalasini. If you're a Seattle supporter, Magbegor's absence could impact the Storm's performance.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
