The Chicago Sky defeated the Golden State Valkyries for the first time in franchise history, 69-63, inside Chase Center on Wednesday, May 13. The Sky are out to a 2-0 start for the first time in three years, the last time they made the playoffs.

In a packed Chase Center with over 18,000 fans in attendance, the Sky secured a hard-fought victory. The Valkyries held the Sky to only 10 points in the first quarter, but Chicago quickly answered back with a strong defensive second quarter, holding the Valkyries to only nine points. In total, the Sky held the Valkyries to the third-lowest field goal percentage by a Chicago opponent in franchise history.

Rickea Jackson led the Sky in scoring in her second game for the team, notching 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. Her clutch three-pointer late helped seal the victory for the Sky. Skylar Diggins delivered another stat-sheet-stuffing performance, going for 15 points, five rebounds and leading the Sky with seven assists. Diggins is playing at an All-Defensive level early, notching four blocks and two steals in her first two games.

Gabriela Jaquez and Jacy Sheldon once again showed out on the defensive end of the floor for the Sky, helping make the difference in tonight’s game. Sheldon recorded four stocks for the second straight game, adding three steals and a block. She’s averaging 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks while joining Diggins in playing at an All-Defensive level through two games. 

Jaquez made her second start for the Sky, finishing the night with seven points, five rebounds and two assists. She’s averaging 8.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals.

Natasha Cloud made her Sky debut in tonight’s matchup, adding seven points and four rebounds off the bench.

As a unit, Chicago's defense is playing at an elite level, ranking second in the league in points allowed per game (73.0). Teams are shooting 34.9% from the field against the Sky, which is the best such figure in the league.

Entering Wednesday night's game, Thornton averaged 16.0 points and shot 42.9% from three on 7.0 attempts and Janelle Salaun averaged 20.0 points. Thornton, a 2025 All-Star, was held to an 0 for 11 shooting performance. Rickea Jackson was the closest defender for five of those attempts. Salaun was held to just seven points in the Valks' loss.

Showing the 22 for 75 figure the Sky limited Golden State to doesn't do the Sky's defensive performance enough justice. Forcing 53 misses is among the best defensive performances of any team in recent seasons, and Chicago's smothering defense is missing four players even still.