The Golden State Valkyries started on a road trip on Saturday against the Atlanta Dream, trying to finish a regular season sweep. They had a lead early, but the hosts fought their way back. It was a similar story in the middle of the game as the Valkyries built an advantage before halftime only to give it up again. Golden State kept it close in the second half and then pounced late, making some critical plays to get the lead back and hold on to it for the 88-83 win, starting the trip on the right foot and continuing their winning streak.
The Lineup
There were no changes to the lineup for the Valkyries after their formula has worked well in recent games. Atlanta made a move that might have been more of an attempt to match Golden State, going smaller with Isobel Borlase alongside Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese and then replacing her in that group with Sika Kone to start the second half. Neither team activated any of their developmental players.
First Quarter
Cecilia Zandalasini opened the scoring with a three-pointer on the first Valkyries possession and Gabby Williams made one from the opposite wing on the next trip down the floor. Atlanta took advantage of the defense being slow down the floor for their first basket, but the halfcourt defense was strong and Veronica Burton converted a three-point play, which Zandalasini matched on the next possession after she intercepted a pass. Atlanta got back on the board with the same kind of scoring play and finally found some rhythm from distance, continuing their run by taking the lead before the media timeout.
Janelle Salaun had come in earlier with the first substitution and made a three-pointer before Atlanta got a point from a free throw and then took the lead back. A timely Tiffany Hayes steal got the ball back to Laeticia Amihere, but she failed to convert a three-point play, which meant that the Dream took the lead with their next basket. Hayes made a layup after a tough drive as the lead continued to go back and forth. Kaitlyn Chen got fouled after getting open with a nice cut to the basket, missing both free throws leaving the Valkyries trailing 22-19 after Atlanta scored the last basket.
Second Quarter
Atlanta opened the scoring in this quarter, but Gabby Williams answered with a layup followed by Veronica Burton. Kiah Stokes gave the Valkyries the lead on a three-pointer after the Dream missed one free throw. Atlanta made a three-pointer next though to lead to an early Golden State timeout. Burton tied the score at the foul line and then gave the Valkyries the lead beyond the arc. There was another stoppage as the Valkyries successfully won a challenge of a foul call. They raced down the floor after winning the jumpball and Janelle Salaun made a layup that the Dream answered with a three-pointer.
Cecilia Zandalasini found space as the Valkyries cleared the lane to score next. After delivering the assist, Laeticia Amihere drew an offensive foul, which was also reviewed, but was not upgraded. Atlanta scored the next basket and then there was another review when Zandalasini committed a flagrant foul, but she did make a free throw after the response led to a technical foul. The Dream made one of their free throws when they had the chance to tie the score, allowing the Valkyries to close the half strong. Salaun banked in a three-pointer and then converted a three-point play after Atlanta missed free throws for the 42-35 lead at the break.
Third Quarter
Atlanta scored the first two baskets of the half before an early timeout as the Valkyries looked to get back in rhythm. The Dream tied the score instead and then got the ball back after successfully challenging a foul call. Gabby Williams finally got Golden State their first basket with a three-pointer from the corner, which Atlanta answered immediately and then they scored again to take the lead. Veronica Burton tied the score back with a pair of free throws and Kayla Thornton scored for the first time after running the floor on a rebound. The Dream tied the score on free throws and made a three-pointer, but Williams replied this time and then made another one on the next possession.
Atlanta took a timeout and then tied the score on a three-point play before taking the lead on a fast break layup and extending it with two more free throws. Kaila Charles got her first basket on the fast break as the defense got back to work. There was one more replay review after the Dream challenged an unusual foul call unsuccessfully, but still led 59-57.
Fourth Quarter
The Dream got a three-point play to start the quarter, but Kaitlyn Chen made a layup on an inbounds play when the Valkyries got their first chance. Good defense got them the ball back and Tiffany Hayes tied the scored with a three-pointer. Chen got the ball back after cutting to the basket and made another layup to lead to an early Atlanta timeout. Golden State missed a good chance to extend the lead, surrendering a three-point play at the other end instead. Chen picked up a technical foul after getting whistled for a foul on a rebound, but the Valkyries escaped without giving up a point. Kiah Stokes tied the score after tipping in a missed shot only to commit a foul as the Dream were able to get into the bonus.
Golden State took a timeout and Janelle Salaun made a three-pointer to restore the lead only to see it erased at the foul line. Veronica Burton was next beyond the arc before more Dream free throws. Burton responded with a layup, but did not finish the three-point play, which Atlanta was able to do next. Gabby Williams did complete a three-point play to tie the score and then Burton found an open path to the basket for a layup and the lead. The Dream missed their shot after a timeout and Kaila Charles made a big three-pointer from the corner. The Valkyries used their last challenge to try to overturn a foul call, but lost and gave up another three-point play. Williams somehow muscled in a shot and then Burton forced a jumpball and got the tip to her teammate. She was fouled to extend the game, making both free throws. Atlanta made a three-pointer and forced a turnover, but Charles grabbed a key rebound and made the free throws for the final 88-83 margin.
Player of the Game
There were standout games and some clutch moments from players and one of them who had both was Veronica Burton, earning her the award for this game. She continues to balance her scoring with her playmaking and this was a game where she had to be relied on for more of that scoring. She was a consistent factor in each quarter and had some big plays late when the team took the lead back and ultimately got the win.
The Verdict
It was another big win for the Valkyries in their latest matchup with Atlanta. These three games between the teams have played out differently, but Golden State has found a way to win all three of them, including making the late plays in two games that were close throughout. It was a good start to the road trip as there will be little rest between games with the travel involved. After games with lots of familiarity with opponents already, they get ready to face two teams that they have not played at all this season yet.
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