The WNBA courts were buzzing last night with a flurry of action, and once again, French talent stole the spotlight. Leading the charge was Janelle Salaün, whose explosive 24-point performance not only powered the Golden State Valkyries to a decisive victory but also intensified her compelling case for the coveted Sixth Player of the Year award.
While Salaün and the Valkyries celebrated a triumphant return to winning ways, other French players experienced a night of contrasting fortunes, underscoring the high-stakes drama unfolding in the league.
Janelle Salaün's Explosive Performance Fuels Valkyries' WNBA Resurgence
Coming off the bench, Janelle Salaün proved once again why she's one of the league's most impactful reserves. Her 24 points, delivered with remarkable efficiency (9-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc), were the catalyst for the Golden State Valkyries' 96-79 win over the Toronto Tempo. This isn't a flash in the pan for Salaün; it's a consistent display of offensive firepower. Just last month, she set a career-high with 26 points against the very same Tempo squad.
Why does this matter? Salaün's sustained brilliance is critical for the Valkyries. Her ability to light up the scoreboard in limited minutes provides a crucial offensive punch that many contenders envy. As a recent participant in the All-Star Weekend's 3-point contest and a player who recently shattered a long-standing WNBA record from 2007, her long-range threat is undeniable. With stats like 24 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, a +17 +/- in just 30 minutes, she's not just scoring; she's elevating her entire team's performance.
Golden State Valkyries Consolidate Playoff Position with Dominant Win
The Valkyries desperately needed this bounce-back win at home after consecutive losses to Washington and Phoenix. They seized the opportunity against a Toronto Tempo side hampered by injuries to star scorer Marina Mabrey and the recent departure of Tima Pouye, as well as the absence of new recruit Aneesah Morrow. The result was a game controlled from start to finish.
Further bolstering the Valkyries' efforts was the return of Gabby Williams to the starting lineup. The French All-Star delivered a characteristically efficient performance with 15 points, going perfect from beyond the arc (3-for-3). As the first French player to start in the WNBA All-Star Game, Williams' leadership and two-way play are essential to Golden State's collective dynamic.
This victory is more than just a notch in the win column; it underscores the Valkyries' impressive trajectory. With 10 wins in their last 12 games, they now boast a 20-9 record, matching the second-place Aces and solidifying their position on the WNBA podium. They'll face the Toronto Tempo again soon at Chase Center, a chance to further assert their dominance.
Mixed Fortunes for Other French Talents in WNBA Action
While Salaün shone brightly, it was a night of varied outcomes for other French stars across the league.
Carla Leite's Offensive Clinic Not Enough for Portland Fire
For the Portland Fire, Carla Leite continued to impress with her offensive game, but her efforts couldn't prevent another tough loss. Despite tallying an impressive 21 points and 8 assists, Leite couldn't carry her team to victory against Monique Akoa Makani's new team, the Los Angeles Sparks. The Fire, mired in a four-game losing streak before this contest, fell 106-101 in a tight money-time finish sealed at the free-throw line. This marks Portland's 19th loss of the season, a stark contrast to their individual star's consistent output. Leite's next challenge comes at home against the Toronto Tempo.
Connecticut Sun's Struggles Continue for Leila Lacan and Nell Angloma
It was a far more challenging night for the Connecticut Sun, wrapping up a grueling six-game road trip. French talents Leila Lacan and Nell Angloma experienced a collective slump as their team suffered its fifth consecutive defeat, falling 83-63 to the Dallas Wings.
The Sun, coached by Rachid Meziane, found themselves down by 11 at halftime before completely collapsing in the third quarter, losing it 24-8. This fatal turning point sealed their fate. Lacan struggled with her shooting, managing just 7 points on 3-of-10 from the field, while Angloma was limited to 10 minutes and contributed only 5 points. This 23rd loss plunges the Sun further into the depths of the standings, ahead only of the Dominique Malonga's Storm. Lacan and Angloma will have five days to regroup before facing Valériane Ayayi and Noémie Brochant's Phoenix Mercury, who recently acquired five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum in a trade involving Monique Akoa Makani.
The WNBA season continues to deliver exhilarating highs and challenging lows for its international stars, showcasing the raw talent and fierce competition that defines the league.
