The Golden State Valkyries lost to the LA Sparks in their first-ever game, but Tiffany Hayes emerged as their star. The 5’10 guard had 19 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes of action. She led the Valkyries in scoring, rebounding, and field goal attempts. Hayes tied for the team lead in free throws and blocks in a solid all-around performance.
She was not the only standout. Temi Fagbenle showed off her versatile game and the team’s defense shined in the opener. Golden State fell flat in the fourth quarter with just seven points, but the festivities and massive crowd created perhaps a bit too much energy for game one.
It should be no surprise that Hayes emerged as the Valkyries' star. She was an All-Star in 2017 and made second-team All-Defense the following year. The 35-year-old has reached these heights before and is the reigning Sixth Women of the Year. Still, there are no questions after the season opener.
Tiffany Hayes is the Valkyries' star
Golden State is still working things out. They only had a few weeks of training camp and none of the players have significant experience sharing the floor. It was clear Hayes was the go-to scorer and the player the Valkyries wanted to take the shots.
She has to clean things up after shooting just 43.8 percent from the field and committing four turnovers to one assist in the first game. Golden State is not expected to contend in year one, but they still want to be competitive. Hayes is the driving force behind that. She must make tough shots, get teammates involved more, and net 18 per game.
The Valkyries are still figuring things out. Julie Vanloo’s impressive debut may quickly vault her into the starting five. They need more from Kate Martin and Veronica Burton. Kayla Thorton cannot miss all six of her 3-point attempts, but those things will come with reps and familiarity playing together. This was only the first game, and there were several positive signs.
Golden State needs Hayes to a be leader too. The veteran has 33 games of playoff experience and is in her 13th WNBA season. For a young and inexperienced team, the guard may make her greatest impact teaching how to standout in this league. She will be doing a little bit of everything for Golden State this season, and the franchise is happy to have her.
The Golden State Valkyries return to action on Wednesday night as they host the Washington Mystics in the Bay Area. Expect Tiffany Hayes to play a key role in front of another massive crowd. It could be the Valkyries' first win, so do not miss it. Hayes will put on a show either way, which will make it worth your while.