The Golden State Valkyries started a long road on Friday by visiting the Chicago Sky, facing a team needing wins to keep their playoff hopes alive. After the tough loss at home, the Valkyries struggled early on offense, falling way behind. As has been the case in the past, the bench unit led a second half rally and they were trusted to see out the game, but Chicago was able to get a couple of key baskets late for the 63-60 win. The rest of the trip does not get easier as the Valkyries continue to try to fight for playoff seeding.
The Lineup
There was no late player news for the Valkyries and they opted to activate both developmental players, although it is not quite the point when they can suit up in every remaining game without hitting their limit. The rotation expanded back to ten players to counter Chicago’s size, but there were changes in the substitution patterns in the first half before a more traditional platoon lineup to start the second half. The Sky did have Aicha Coulibaly available and opted not to activate their developmental player.
First Quarter
The first possession of the game was rather choppy, but the Sky did score. After a couple of early misses for the Valkyries, Veronica Burton made their first basket as defense continued to reign early. Chicago took advantage on that end for a fast break layup and then next got to the free throw line to add two more points. Tiffany Hayes was able to come in and provide impact on a drive for a layup, but the Sky made their first three-pointer and then made another one on the next possession before the media timeout.
Chicago did not cool down from beyond the arc when play resumed and then added another basket from the paint. Laeticia Amihere entered the game after not playing on Wednesday and finally ended the team’s drought with a three-point play. Burton got some early rest in this game and came back in to get her own three-point play. Janelle Salaun made a jumpshot in transition as the defensive intensity increased, leading to a Sky timeout. Neither team scored after that, leaving the score at 17-12 in Chicago’s favor.
Second Quarter
Chicago made a three-pointer on their first possession and then added a point after a technical foul was called on the Valkyries. The Sky made another basket and then another make from distance resulted in a Golden State timeout. The offense did not find itself during the stoppage and Chicago scored next at the foul line. Their run continued from long-range, stopping at 14-0 when Cecilia Zandalasini made a midrange jumper.
The Sky still could not be stopped from beyond the arc, also adding a free throw before Zandalasini made another tough shot. Chicago scored in the post as Gabby Williams got her first points at the free throw line. Tiffany Hayes drove in for a layup before the final media timeout. Laeticia Amihere drew a foul on defense and then made a three-pointer from the corner. She also scored the next basket after finding space in the paint. Veronica Burton made a free throw, but Golden State could not get the stop on the final possession, giving up a free throw to trail 38-26.
Third Quarter
Veronica Burton made the first basket of the half, connecting from beyond the arc, but Chicago was able to answer right away. Cecilia Zandalasini went to work in the post again to make a short-range jumpshot and then Burton got the deficit back to single digits by making a pair of free throws. Chicago eventually got on the board and then got back to the free throw line before the media timeout, missing both. Tiffany Hayes was able to come up with a loose ball when play resumed and made one free throw, missing the other after a brief interruption.
The Sky found success again from long-range as Laeticia Amihere continued to make an impact in the paint with another basket. Kaila Charles made her first basket after being left open deep on the wing, leading to a Chicago timeout. Amihere crashed the boards to get the putback, missing the free throw that would have made it a three-point play. Hayes got a steal and was fouled immediately, making one of the free throws before the Sky ended the run. Janelle Salaun made her first basket with a three-pointer from the wing to make it a one-possession game and then get fouled on the next trip down the floor, sinking both free throws to make it even closer. She led the break after making defensive play and Charles gave Golden State a lead with the layup. It was another layup for Salaun as time ran down with the Valkyries leading 51-49 after Chicago made a free throw.
Fourth Quarter
Laeticia Amihere was able to get space to drive, scoring the first basket of the quarter on a layup. Chicago answered with a three-pointer, which Kaitlyn Chen responded to with her first basket on a driving layup. The Sky tied the score with a three-point play as the Valkyries took an early timeout. Tiffany Hayes attacked the basket when action resumed, getting fouled and making both free throws. Chicago tied it before Janelle Salaun got fouled making a long two-pointer only to miss the free throw. That allowed the Sky to take the lead back with a pair of three-pointers with Hayes missing both free throws after getting fouled going across the lane. Amihere got the points back with a steal and layup, but Chicago responded again.
Golden State took a timeout while they still trailed, taking the opportunity to get Veronica Burton back in the game. Salaun got fouled securing a rebound and made the free throws and then there was a stoppage for Chicago to challenge an offensive foul call. It was successful, leading to a jumpball that Amihere still won and Hayes tied the score by getting to the basket again. The Valkyries had the chance to take the lead and took a timeout to set up a play with the shot clock expiring, getting it to Chen for a three-pointer. Chicago ended the run by getting a pair of free throws, but Chen got another layup. The Sky were able to get an open three-pointer and then got the stop to get the chance at the last possession. They made the three-pointer, leaving enough time for a final Valkyries shot, but Salaun’s attempt fell short and it was a 73-70 loss.
Player of the Game
Laeticia Amihere gets the award for this game after not getting any playing time in the last game, but getting the bulk of the center minutes in this game and delivering the most points for the Valkyries. Matchups and how other players are doing have tended to affect her minutes and the struggles at the start of the game and Chicago’s height meant that she got her chance. She ended up perfect from the field, including some difficult finishes, and held her own on the other end of the court. While there are times where she will play less, her ability to contribute on both ends of the court will be valuable in a number of games down the stretch.
The Verdict
It was always going to be difficult for the Valkyries to start well in this game coming off of a hard loss in a week where multiple starters played heavy minutes. The offense was not in rhythm early again, but the bench playing well was good to see as they have been key to wins over the course of the season. Ultimately the big rally could not get the team over the line and the game feels like a missed opportunity. As important as wins over teams certain to make the playoffs are, finding a way to get those wins over teams lower in the standings also keeps the margin for error higher. This is a tough start to the road trip with four more games to play.
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