The Golden State Valkyries went head-to-head against the New York Liberty for the first time Tuesday night, a true test of the newbie team's ability to stand up against the defending champions. And though the Valkyries fought admirably throughout the 95-67 defeat, it was all too clear that the Valkyries have a major size problem — and that will be difficult to overcome before the teams meet again Thursday night.
The first half of the game saw the Valkyries making many of the same mistakes we've seen so far this season: taking and missing big shots, being slow to warm up, and not communicating as well as they could have (Kayla Thornton in particular was the victim of an elite screen set by Natasha Cloud, something that could have been avoided if a teammate had looked out for her).
Some of these problems will work themselves out — the team's shooting usually kicks in during the third quarter, and it did again last night, communication in any dynamic is often learned over time, and the Valkyries have demonstrated the ability to begin a game hot, they just have to maintain that energy.
But when it comes to playing the Liberty specifically, the size issue is definitely a big concern.
The Valkyries have to find a way to make up for the size difference
At the end of the day, the Liberty is playing with what is truly the team's best roster in years, if not of all time. Their shooting is elite, their defense is impossible, and their offense is relentless. The team is also physically tall and big; last night, Breanna Stewart was firing on all cylinders and made it clear that the Liberty's size will triumph over the Valkyries every time.
The Valkyries have four player over six feet tall: Thornton, Monique Billings (who was out last night), Temi Fagbenle, and Kyana Linskens. While they can't do anything to make up for the difference in size, Golden State can use last night's loss as a template for what to do better — and come up with schemes that play to their own strengths.
The Valkyries' loss to the Liberty was necessary
As much as Valkyries fans want the team to win as many games as possible this season, losses are part of the game — and losing to a team like the Liberty is a lesson in and of itself. This was a necessary loss that highlighted what Golden State needs to continue to improve, and showed the team where they can make changes to play a more successful rematch against the Liberty Thursday night.
The Valkyries have a lot to improve and work on: scoring, rhythm, and all of those turnovers, but last night the team showed they have something that you can't teach — the heart to keep fighting. Culture is eveything for Golden State, and it's clear that the system is working.