SAN FRANCISCO — While there is still plenty of season left, the Golden State Valkyries’ approached Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks as one of the biggest of the year.

The two California teams came into Saturday with identical records and the Valkyries holding a 2-1 series lead over the Sparks. Golden State, clinging onto the eighth and final playoff spot with 15 games remaining in the regular season, played the game with a higher sense of urgency.

“This is a must win game tonight,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said prior to Saturday’s contest. “We stay focused on the present, but we do look at the games ahead in the next couple days. So we’re very mindful. … We understand the importance of what our schedule looks like in the next couple days.”

With all that was on the li

See Full Page