The Golden State Valkyries looked to continue their winning streak on Tuesday when they headed out on the road to face the Dallas Wings. The hosts had struggled all season, sitting in last place, but still had plenty of star power even though they were missing a number of players, starting well. The Valkyries fought back, taking a few leads and tying the game again midway through the fourth quarter, but had offensive struggles down the stretch against the team that had given up the most points this season, losing 80-71.
The Lineup
As expected, Monique Billings took Temi Fagbenle’s spot in the starting lineup. Tiffany Hayes was able to return with a mask on, but she came off the bench for this game, leaving Veronica Burton, Carla Leite, Stephanie Talbot, and Kayla Thornton as the other four starters again. It did give the Golden State Valkyries the ability to play all of the players on the roster though even if not all of them would be options in a close game
As mentioned in our preview, the Dallas Wings were down enough players to be able to sign two players due to the hardship exemption. They managed to make both signings before the game and the timing allowed them to fill one spot with Kaila Charles even though they had just waived her on Sunday. Their other choice was Northern California native Haley Jones, who was available after playing on a similar contract against the Valkyries for Phoenix recently. Dallas put NaLyssa Smith back in the starting lineup to fill their vacancy, but also made a lineup change and replaced DiJonai Carrington with Aziaha James.
First Quarter
Both teams scored on their first two trips down the floor, but the Dallas Wings got the next six points. Kayla Thornton hit a three-pointer and then got fouled on her next attempt, sinking all three free throws to tie the score again. Tiffany Hayes made her return at that point while Laeticia Amihere entered the game as an additional post player instead of in place of Monique Billings. All three players scored to tie the score at 16, but Dallas closed the quarter on a 7-0 spurt in the last 1:18 as Paige Bueckers returned to score the last two baskets. The Valkyries were able to find ways to score, but were hampered by turnovers.
Second Quarter
DiJonai Carrington hit two free throws on the first possession of the quarter to extend the Dallas run and the Valkyries struggled early after a pair of quick baskets. They were forced into a timeout after the deficit climbed to double-figures with under seven minutes to play. Monique Billings scored the next two baskets on her way to leading the team in scoring in the quarter, setting the stage for Kayla Thornton to score twice and give the Valkyries their first lead with two minutes remaining. The Wings hit two three-pointers before a nifty Carla Leite finish left Golden State trailing 39-36 at the break.
Third Quarter
Carla Leite scored the first basket in this half and then Veronica Burton hit a three-pointer to take the lead back for Golden State, but the teams spent the quarter trading baskets as neither team led by more than three points. Kayla Thornton’s free throws got the Valkyries to that point, but Dallas bounced back and headed into the final period with a 58-57 advantage.
Fourth Quarter
It was Dallas’s turn to have a lead of three points after they scored first, but the teams continued to trade scores, including six points in a short stretch for Laeticia Amihere. The score was tied at 70 again right after the midpoint of the quarter after the Wings left Monique Billings completely wide open in the corner on an inbounds play. Golden State had the chance to take the lead on their next trip down the floor, but missed and both Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale scored to give Dallas the lead again. The Valkyries took a timeout to try to recover in the final three minutes, but struggled in every conceivable way on offense, missing shots and turning the ball over. They ended up not hitting another field goal after that Billings three-pointer, only hitting one free throw during that time. Their defense did prevent the margin from being worse, but they ended up losing 80-71.
The Verdict
There was some expectation that the Valkyries would roll in this game with so much momentum and facing a struggling opponent, but there were definitely reasons to be concerned that their opponents would be tough. Golden State did some of what they would need to do to leave with a win, but late-game offensive execution continued to be a concern and ultimately prevented them from finding a way to get another win. The team now travels back for a big game on Thursday against Indiana that will have another large crowd at home. The team can also make one more signing to have a full twelve player roster for the game.
Player of the Game
The starting frontcourt had some success in this game, but the award will go to Laeticia Amihere this time for her contribution off the bench. Once Temi Fagbenle departed for EuroBasket, Amihere knew that she would be leaned on as the backup at center despite not being on the team until she returned a week ago. She not only filled that role, but also earned playing time in a double post player lineup that the Valkyries had not been deploying. She showed the ability to finish difficult baskets and contribute with rebounding as she was trusted down the stretch. The opposition in the next few games could also push Golden State to play two centers at the same time again as she tries to audition for a permanent role in the league.
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