The Golden State Valkyries’ first-ever home opener was pretty much everything it had promised to be. Chase Center was filled with fans, the atmosphere was amazing, and the Valkyries came out and competed as well as they could.
There was plenty to be excited about for fans in the Bay Area despite the 84-67 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. However, the game also shed light on a major issue the Valkyries must sort out immediately. They struggled greatly with turnovers.
The Valkyries can’t afford to turn the ball over as much as they did in the season opener
The Valkyries finished the game with 22 total turnovers—ten more than the Sparks. The Sparks scored 25 points off those turnovers. Golden State lost the game by 17. Limiting their turnovers and the points conceded off them could have changed the flow of the game in the Valkyries’ favor.
The turnovers were a team-wide problem. Every Valkyries player turned the ball over at least once. Julie Vanloo, who handled the ball a lot, led the way with six turnovers, and Tiffany Hayes turned the ball over four times.
There are plenty of explanations for the many turnovers and miscues. The Valkyries have little experience playing with each other and are still getting used to each other. Many of the players on the roster, like guard Carla Leite, who turned the ball over three times, are still young and new to the WNBA. Last but not least, nerves probably had something to do with it as well. It was, after all, the franchise’s first-ever regular-season game, and there were plenty of eyes on the game.
Whatever the reason was, the Valkyries need to sort this out as fast as possible. If they truly want to be competitive this season, they cannot afford to turn the ball over as much as they did in the season opener. Losing that many possessions and giving up a bunch of easy points in return will make the difference between a win and a loss on most days.
At least some of the turnover issues should sort themselves out as the players get more time on the court with each other and get more familiar.
There were still plenty of bright spots in the game
Despite the loss and the many turnovers, there was plenty to be excited about for Golden State fans. The Valkyries competed defensively, laying the foundation for the team’s identity on that side of the floor. Tiffany Hayes emerged as the Valkyries’ big-time scorer, Julie Vanloo was on fire during the third quarter, and Temi Fagbenle played well, too.
If the Valkyries can get more out of youngsters Kate Martin, Carla Leite, and Veronica Burton, the team should get its first win soon.