The Golden State Valkyries took to the court for the first time Tuesday night and fought valiantly against the Los Angeles Sparks, who bested the team 83-82. Though the Valkyries were cheered on by violet-clad fans who were clearly thrilled to have a WNBA team in the Bay Area at long last, that energy wasn't quite enough to push them over the edge to a win — but that doesn't mean they won't get there, and it's looking like they'll get there sooner than most people think.
The Valkyries started the game with Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, Temi Fagbenle, Monique Billings and Tiffany Hayes leading the team. Billings hit the first basket for the team but the Valkyries trailed for most of the first half of the game.
In a lot of ways, that wasn't a huge surprise; though the Sparks didn't have the strongest 2024 season, the Valkyries are brand new and many went into this game assuming Golden State wouldn't have the strongest showing — something that Coach Nakase was prepared for, and also happy to dispute as frequently as possible in the weeks leading up to tonight's match.
The second half of the game changed everything
Things picked up for Golden State in the second half, and the Valkyries headed into the fourth quarter with the score tied 57-57. The achievement was stunning — the Sparks had a 14-point lead that the Valkyries chipped away at, bit by bit. Kaitlyn Chen checked into the game about two minutes into the fourth to resounding cheers, something that likely thrilled the WNBA rookie. It took her a minute or two to adjust to the pace of play, she and Vanloo sent the crowd into a frenzy after the latter passed the ball over to Chen for a lay-up that brought the score up to 67-66 with the Sparks leading by one.
The Valkyries were unrelenting with a minute left in the fourth quarter, energy that was matched when Emma Cannon ratcheted the score up by two with a pair of free throws that were swiftly matched by the Valkyries to bring the score to 80-77 with 44 seconds left in the game. A double dribble was called on the Sparks, which prompted a Valkyries time-out with 35 seconds on the clock — enough time to tie the game, but only if the Valkyries locked in a solid plan.
Laeticia Amihere attempted a three-pointer and was blocked by Cannon with 17 seconds left in the game. Sparks rookie Liatu King was fouled with 13 seconds left on the clock and hit one free throw, bringing the score to 81-77. The Valkyries had to hit a three, and Mamignan Toure made and missed the attempt — but was fouled in the process and ultimately brought the Valkyries within two points of the Sparks.
With mere seconds on the clock, Amihere rallied and hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, bringing the score to 83-82. The Valkyries might not have won the game against the Sparks, but the team definitely quieted critics and doubters.
The Valkyries need to work on communication and hitting 3s
Though the team had a successful night, the game also offered a look into areas in which the Valkyries have room to grow. There has been an oft-stated emphasis on hitting 3s from the team's coaching staff throughout the offseason and preseason, but it took a full 14 attempts before Monique Billings finally hit the first three-pointer for the team.
The Golden State Valkyries also need to communicate more frequently and clearly to one another on the court. Some of that will simply come with time — the team is new and the athletes are learning one another and a new system — and communication is something the team can begin to improve as soon as their next practice.