WNBA Action: Satou Sabally Makes Debut as New York Liberty Clash with Golden State Valkyries

The WNBA continues to captivate fans with its blend of veteran brilliance and emerging talent. While the league celebrates the enduring impact of influential players like Tiffany Hayes, the spotlight recently shifted to the Barclays Center for a highly anticipated matchup between the New York Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries.

The Return of Satou Sabally

The New York Liberty fans had plenty to cheer about on Thursday, as Satou Sabally finally stepped onto the court for her first appearance with her new team. After missing the 2026 Unrivaled campaign to recover from a concussion sustained during the 2025 WNBA Finals, Sabally’s return marks a pivotal moment for the Liberty’s roster depth.

In her limited action, Sabally contributed:

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• 5 points
• 4 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 16 minutes of play

Despite the rusty start, Sabally showed flashes of the All-Star talent that saw her average 16.3 points per game during her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury.

Golden State Valkyries Take Control

Despite the excitement surrounding Sabally, the Golden State Valkyries proved too strong, securing an 87-70 victory. The Valkyries displayed clinical execution, particularly in the first quarter where they outscored the Liberty 25-15.

The victory was fueled by a stellar performance from Gabby Williams, who led the way with 16 points, hitting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. She was supported by Veronica Burton and Kaila Charles, who both contributed 13 points each, further solidifying Golden State’s dominant 3-1 start to the season.

Liberty’s Struggles and Key Performances

The Liberty were clearly missing the presence of Sabrina Ionescu, who remains sidelined while recovering from a preseason left foot injury. Without their star guard, the team struggled to maintain momentum, although several players fought hard until the end.

Breanna Stewart led New York with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jonquel Jones added a strong double-double with 16 points and 8 boards. The team now sits at a 3-2 record, searching for the right chemistry as they integrate new pieces into their system.

What’s Next for the Liberty and Valkyries?

As the WNBA season heats up, the competition remains fierce. For fans following the trajectory of the league’s elite—from the veteran leadership of players like Tiffany Hayes to the rising dominance of the Valkyries—the upcoming schedule is packed with action.

The Golden State Valkyries will head to face the Indiana Fever on Friday, while the New York Liberty prepare to host the Dallas Wings this Sunday in a nationally televised game on NBC.

For more real-time stats and updates, visit the official WNBA website.