June 10, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
In a nail-biting overtime showdown, Kayla Thornton delivered a game-defining moment as she drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 37.9 seconds left in the extra period, leading the Valkyries to a thrilling 89-81 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
The game was a tense back-and-forth battle, with both teams refusing to back down. The Sparks, backed by a strong home crowd, rallied late in the fourth quarter to force overtime after trailing by six with under three minutes to play. But it was Thornton’s calm under pressure that ultimately silenced the arena.
With the score tied at 81-81, the Valkyries worked the clock and swung the ball around the perimeter. Thornton found space at the top of the arc and confidently launched a shot that hit nothing but net, putting the Valkyries ahead 84-81.
“That was the moment,” said Valkyries head coach Lisa Bryant. “Kayla has ice in her veins. She’s been a leader all season and tonight she showed why we trust her with the ball in crunch time.”
The Sparks had a chance to respond, but Valkyries forward Brianna Mitchell came up with a crucial steal on the next possession, leading to free throws that helped extend the lead. The Valkyries closed out the game on an 8-0 run, holding the Sparks scoreless in the final 90 seconds.
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Thornton finished the night with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Mitchell led all scorers with 24 points and 9 boards. The Valkyries also got key contributions from rookie guard Asia Greene, who added 14 points off the bench, hitting several key shots in the third quarter to keep the momentum alive.
For the Sparks, veteran guard Jordin Canada had 19 points and 7 assists, while Nneka Ogwumike added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.
With the win, the Valkyries improve to 6-3 on the season and continue to assert themselves as a rising force in the league. The Sparks fall to 4-5, dropping their second straight home game.
The Valkyries will next face the Phoenix Mercury, while the Sparks look to bounce back against the Chicago Sky.
Game Highlights:
- Kayla Thornton: 17 PTS, 6 REB, game-winning 3PT
- Brianna Mitchell: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL
- Asia Greene: 14 PTS (3-6 3PT), 4 AST
- Jordin Canada: 19 PTS, 7 AST (Sparks)
- Final Score: Valkyries 89, Sparks 81 (OT)
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