Game Recap: Regular Season Game 6 vs Minnesota Lynx

The Golden State Valkyries started the Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday by hosting the Minnesota Lynx, part of a stretch of six regular season games against Western Conference foes that determine which team will play in the championship game. Facing an undefeated team for the third game in a row, the Valkyries kept pace with the visitors in an exciting first half that saw both teams scoring consistently. They were unable to maintain their offensive rhythm in the second half though and lost 86-75.

The Lineup

Both teams started the game fully healthy, which meant that Tiffany Hayes was able to return to the starting lineup alongside Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Janelle Salaun, and Temi Fagbenle for Golden State. The Valkyries are clearly still trying to figure out the best balance for their rotations, playing eleven players in the first half.

First Quarter

Both teams had their offenses clicking early as they got to play their preferred lineups. Golden State tied the score and then took the lead several times by making four consecutive three-point shots over the course of six possessions. Kayla Thornton hit a pair of free throws to extend the Valkyries lead to a high of 5, but the Lynx finished the quarter on a 11-2 run to take the lead back. Napheesa Collier’s return was critical for them as she had 10 points.

Second Quarter

Minnesota scored the first three points of the quarter, but the Valkyries hit three free throws to get on the board. There was 7:12 left in the quarter when one of the biggest scoring outbursts that we will likely see this season got under way. Kate Martin, who started the quarter, scored 14 of the team’s 16 points during a 2:39 stretch in the middle of the frame. A three-point play on a transition basket was followed by another layup and then she hit two consecutive three-pointers. The second make saw a reckless closeout result in a flagrant foul after a review and she hit a free throw before the team got possession back and she got fouled again for two more points at the line. While the Golden State had a 5 point lead at that point, the Lynx stayed steady and the teams traded baskets, allowing the visitors to cut the deficit to a single point after Kayla McBride had 7 of her 10 points in the period in three minutes.

Third Quarter

After both teams had put up a big half for a 51-50 scoreline at the break, but neither team could keep that up in the second half. Minnesota was able to grab the lead with seven minutes remaining and were able to build on it with some better consistency even though they turned the ball over several times against dogged defense from the Valkyries. Golden State’s long-range shooting was completely cold with no makes and nine misses beyond the arc, and they were not able to break double digits for the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

The Golden State offense did not find itself to start this quarter either as the Lynx were able to extend their run to 16-1. Tiffany Hayes, who exited in the first minute of the third quarter in her return from injury, reentered the game, but hurt her nose one more time on a jump ball less than a minute after checking back in and needed treatment for the rest of the game. After Minnesota had a game-high lead of 22 points, the Valkyries did close the game on their own 14-3 run with Veronica Burton providing a scoring lift to make the final margin more respectable.

The Verdict

It was another tough test against a championship contender, but the Valkyries certainly showed up again in the first half to battle the Lynx. The offense is somewhere between the explosiveness of the first half and the struggles of the second half, when their total did not surpass the totals from either of the first two quarters. The schedule does not get easier as the next two opponents are also clear top half teams with a visit to Phoenix followed by a quick turnaround to host Las Vegas. National team absences are also going to start affecting the team, although they will be able to simultaneously sign players to fill those spots.

Player of the Game

There were several standout performances in this game, but this award will definitely go to Veronica Burton for this game after her consistent contributions throughout the contest. In addition to the steadiness that she has provided in playmaking and scoring, the team’s defensive intensity starts with her defending the opposing point guard. With injuries affecting players who were expected to carry more of the scoring load, her contributions on that end have been critical so far and will continue to be big help early in the season.