The Golden State Valkyries closed out the team's preseason with an 84-79 win over the Phoenix Mercury, a major feat for the brand-new expansion team in only their second-ever experience on the court. And though preseason games don't determine everything, the Valkyries' performance will go a long way in showing detractors that the team means business.
The Valkyries pulled off the win in large part due to the efforts of guard Migna Touré, who signed a training camp contract with the team in February.
Golden State struggled through the first half
Much like the team's first preseason match against the Los Angeles Sparks, the Valkyries had a slow first half and were trailing the Mercury well into the third quarter before the team hit a spark and came roaring back. Golden State decimated the Mercury's 15-point lead, hitting 10 of 23 shots from beyond the arc in the game's final 20 minutes after going 3 for 20 in the first half.
Touré was a huge part of that comeback, hitting 16 of her 19 points after coming off the bench. In a post-game interview, she was characteristically a team player. “We put some work together as a team and that has made us grow every day,” Touré said. “I think today is an example of who we are, improving to the end and continuing to push.”
Head coach Natalie Nakase also commented on the team's efforts in the game, and noted she has "to figure out how to get them a little bit more warm in the beginning, but I want them to continue to let it fly."
Migna Touré proved she deserves a roster spot
Touré didn't play many minutes during the team's first preseason game against the Sparks, and a result many American fans of the Valkyries weren't familiar with her game ahead of the Mercury battle. Touré, who is 30-years-old, is a seasoned professional at this stage in her career; she signed to the pro club Léon Trégor Basket 29 in 2014, where she averaged 14.1 points and 4.3 rebounds her first season. Since then she has played throughout Europe on teams in France and Spain.
Touré also has an impressive resume as an Olympian and a world champion. In 2013 she helped the U19 French women win the silver medal at the World Championship, and the following year she and the women's U20 team won the gold against Spain. Touré was selected as part of the French 3x3 team ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games (the team ultimately finished fourth when the Games were held in Tokyo in 2021).
The shooting guard showed off her impressive 3-point shot Sunday night, something that could help her land one of the team's final 12 spots. The Valkyries are currently supporting 17 players on the team's roster, but will need to cut 5 before Friday, May 15.