Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün propelled the Golden State Valkyries to victory, while Carla Leite, Leïla Lacan and Nell Angloma endured defeats. Four games showcased French talent with wildly different outcomes.

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Key Takeaways

  • Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün led Golden State Valkyries to a 96‑79 win
  • Carla Leite posted 21 points and 8 assists, but Portland Fire fell short
  • Leïla Lacan and Nell Angloma’s Connecticut Sun lost 83‑63 to Dallas Wings

Four WNBA matchups last night produced opposite fortunes for the French‑born players on the court. The Golden State Valkyries beat the Toronto Tempo 96‑79, with Janelle Salaün scoring 24 points and hitting four three‑pointers. Gabby Williams added 15 points, shooting a perfect 3‑of‑3 from beyond the arc.

On the other side, Portland Fire’s French star Carla Leite delivered a stellar 21‑point, 8‑assist performance, yet the team fell 106‑101 to the Los Angeles Sparks, marking their 19th loss of the season.

Connecticut Sun’s Leïla Lacan and Nell Angloma endured a tougher night. Lacan managed only 7 points on 3‑of‑10 shooting, while Angloma recorded 5 points in just 10 minutes. The Sun were out‑scored 83‑63 by the Dallas Wings, extending their losing streak to five straight games.

Historical Background

France has steadily increased its WNBA footprint since the early 2010s, with over 15 French players logging minutes in the league. Trailblazers like Claire Lafè and Éléonore Bouché set scoring and defensive benchmarks, paving the way for the current crop—Salaün, Williams, and Leite—to further elevate French basketball on the world stage.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the rising performance of French players in the WNBA signals a broader growth of women's basketball talent pipelines in Europe, potentially reshaping scouting priorities for North American franchises.

"French athletes are no longer just participants; they’re becoming pivotal leaders on their teams," noted basketball analyst Marie Dupont.
Did You Know?: In 2024, French player Claire Lafè became the first to drop 30 points in a single WNBA game.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this the first win for French players? No, but it marks a crucial victory for the Valkyries with significant French contributions.
  • When and where are the next games? The Valkyries face the Toronto Tempo on Tuesday, and the Portland Fire meets the Toronto Tempo on Thursday.