Jackson’s late triple lifts Chicago Sky over Valkyries 69–63 in defensive grind at Chase Center.

SAN FRANCISCO — Rickea Jackson delivered the decisive blow late in the fourth quarter, knocking down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining as the Chicago Sky held off a struggling offensive night from the Golden State Valkyries for a 69–63 win on Wednesday.

Jackson finished with 18 points to lead Chicago, while Skylar Diggins added 15 points along with seven assists and five rebounds, helping the Sky steady themselves through a tightly contested road performance. Golden State, led by Gabby Williams’s 18 points and five rebounds, came out strong and built an early 12-point cushion. But the Valkyries could not sustain their efficiency, shooting just 22-of-75 from the field (29.3%) and 7-of-26 from three-point range in a game defined by defensive pressure on both ends. The contest stayed tight throughout, with neither team able to consistently generate clean looks. Kayla Thornton endured a rare off night for Golden State, missing all 11 of her attempts after a 19-point outing in the team’s previous game. Momentum swung late in the fourth after Veronica Burton tied the game at 54 with a three-pointer at the 6:03 mark. Chicago immediately responded as Jacy Sheldon buried a three on the next possession, later adding a key layup with 23 seconds remaining to help seal the outcome. Sheldon finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Golden State, coached by Natalie Nakase, and Chicago, led by Tyler Marsh, also featured a sideline reunion between two former assistants under Becky Hammon’s staff in Las Vegas, now facing off as head coaches. The Valkyries surged early, leading 19–7 despite both teams starting slowly from the field. Chicago struggled out of the gate, missing its first 10 attempts from beyond the arc and trailing 28–24 at halftime.

The loss marks Golden State’s first defeat of the season after opening 2–0, while Chicago continues its early road stretch with a win to build on its opening victory.

Next up, Chicago travels to Phoenix on Friday night, while Golden State will have an extended break before visiting New York later in the week.