The Golden State Valkyries kicked off the team's very first regular season game against the Los Angeles Sparks Friday night at home at the Chase Center. The arena was decked out in the team's signature violet, fans were unabashedly wearing their best Valkyries gear, and the stage was set: it was time to play Valkyries basketball. Though the team began hot, they quickly proved they needed to fiugre out how to maintain that heat throughout the first half.
Within minutes it was clear the Valkyries had worked on a major problem from the team's two preseason games: starting the game cold and languishing for nearly a full half. The team was up by 4 points over the Sparks within two and a half minutes, and Temi Fagbenle swiftly brought the score up to 6-2. The Sparks managed to tie things up halfway through the first, and the teams proceeded to trade shots.
Fagbenle dominated the first half for the Valkyries and left the court with 13 points. That effort was much appreciated by her teammates and by fans, especally since the team cooled off significantly as the game moved into the second half — making it clear that when it comes to heat, the team still has work to do to improve.
The Valkyries have improved in key areas
Communicating to one another was a problem during the team's May 6 preseason game (also against the Sparks), but it seems clear Friday night that the Valkyries have improved a lot in this area. The team has a lot of growing pains to work through this season, and if they continue to do so at this overall pace, they'll likely be in a stronger position than many anticipate by the season's send.
Kate Martin, who logged 16 minutes during the first half and but has yet to hit a shot this game, has also proven to be a tough defender against her former teammate Kelsey Plum, forcing the league veteran to reroute and reorganize more than once.
The Valkyries' path to a championship
The Valkyries have been open about the team's goal of snagging a championship within the first five years, and that's a goal that is both admirable and daunting. Winning a championship at any point in a team's history is difficult, and the WNBA has quite possibly never been this talented, this watched, and this supported in league history — which means everyone is working toward a championship during the same time frame.
The Valkyries have already nurtured a strong fanbase — the Chase Center is packed full of fans during the team's first game and they are definitely making their presence known — and that's a crucial first step toward long-term greatness.