The Golden State Valkyries suffered a disappointing 84-67 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks at home in San Francisco Friday night, but that doesn't mean the team didn't show signs of improvement — and that they won't continue to grow their game from here. And perhaps more importantly, the team showed that they're more than capable of meeting Coach Nakase's call for a "killer" mentality (and fans loved to see it).
Early in the game 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 before warming up after halftime. The Valkyries also appeared to communicate significantly more than they did in either preseason game against the Sparks and the Mercury.
But more than anything, tonight's game proved the team has already begun crafting an identity in the Bay Area. Throughout the offseason, free agency, and the preseason, Coach Nakase made one thing clear above the rest: she wanted the Valkyries to be killers. She wants a tough, unrelenting team that's heavy on defense and able to hit big shots, and if tonight's game against the Sparks proved anything, it's that Nakase is well on her way to getting her wish.
Nakase also echoed what she told reporters back in December when asked what she's looking for in her team. "It’s not just a skillset we are looking for. I’m looking for ultra-competitive. I’m looking for that player that is diving on the floor and getting the rebound," she explained.
Defense is everything for the Valkyries
Several Valkyries stepped up defensively for the team Friday night. For parts of the game, Kate Martin held former teammate Kelsey Plum, though that ultimately did little to stop Plum from netting 37 points in 40 minutes of play. Still, that determination alluded to a fiery streak Martin hinted at back in December.
"My ceiling is very high," she explained. "Coach Nakase hangs her hat on defense. I want to be able to be somebody who can lock down the number one or two option on other teams."
"The Belgian Steph Curry" was on fire
Julie Vanloo, aka the Belgian Steph Curry, offered an electric performance during the third quarter, when she led an attempt to take over the game. Though it wasn't quite enough to get the win, many fans immediately took to social media to call for Vanloo to start for the Valkyries (and soon).
The Valkyries might not have managed a win during the team's first official game Friday, but fans didn't seem to mind: as the clock rocketed through the final seconds, the crowd rose to its feet and offered a standing ovation — a promising sign that the fans will be around for many weeks, months, and years to come.