On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings 91-80, thanks in large part to a breakout performance from guard Kaitlyn Chen. The former Princeton and Connecticut standout came off the bench to score 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 25 minutes, providing the energy and cohesion the team desperately needed.
After a slow start in which the Valkyries looked outmatched, Chen ignited a 19-0 run in the second quarter with her offensive brilliance. The 5-foot-9 ball handler repeatedly drove to the rim, finishing with crafty hook shots, and even swished a bank-shot 3-pointer over 6-foot-6 Wings center Awak Kuier.
Teammate Gabby Williams praised Chen's joyful approach, noting she celebrates teammates and herself, and is vocal on the bench during timeouts. Chen admitted she felt encouraged by the coaching staff.
The game held extra motivation for Chen, as the Wings roster included her former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Williams joked that Chen had pictures of them with X's on their faces in the locker room.
Bueckers complimented Chen's layup package and work ethic. Coach Natalie Nakase lauded Chen's conditioning and said the performance reflected her behind-the-scenes effort.
Chen's emergence gives the Valkyries another reliable scorer off the bench, allowing flexibility to develop rookie Justė Jočytė at point guard. For a team with championship aspirations, such depth is crucial in June and July.