The Golden State Valkyries continued their homestand on Wednesday by hosting the New York Liberty after losing to the defending champions twice on the road last month. The game started with an offensive explosion as both teams were missing starters and then settled into a tight battle. Golden State trailed for most of the fourth quarter, but took the lead late only to give it up again for an 81-78 loss.
The Lineup
Carla Leite missed a second straight game due to injury while Temi Fagbenle had to be activated by rule, but was rested in her return from Europe so she was not available either. The Valkyries started the same lineup for the second straight game, but continued to try out a variety of groupings, including a number of smallball lineups. Sabrina Ionescu was healthy enough to play for the Liberty and make her homecoming visit.
First Quarter
After misses by both teams, Breanna Stewart scored the first basket of the game for New York. Golden State scored the next seven points, starting with a pair of baskets from Stephanie Talbot. The Valkyries led by six points after back-to-back made three-pointers and then the Liberty went on an 11-2 run to take the lead. Both teams were finding success on offense as the game went back and forth for more than three and a half minutes without a stoppage before a very late media timeout and the first substitutions for the Valkyries. Chloe Bibby came off the bench to knock down a three-pointer to tie the score and then Tiffany Hayes scored the next four points to complete a fantastic individual quarter for a 32-29 lead.
Second Quarter
Neither team would be able to repeat that first quarter offensive firepower, but the Liberty had the advantage early in the frame, extending their run to 12-2 to take back the lead. After a fantastic shooting display early, the Valkyries went cold in this quarter and no player was able to score more than once. Golden State’s defense kept the team in the game though and they trailed 46-43 at the break with Breanna Stewart leading New York yet again after torching the Valkyries in their last two meetings.
Third Quarter
Kate Martin started the second half in place of Tiffany Hayes and scored the first basket for Golden State. New York answered, but the Valkyries took the lead back with seven straight points. Martin’s three-point play pushed the lead to five points, but Marine Johannes connected on three straight shots from beyond the arc to take a 64-61 lead at the end of the quarter even though the Valkyries hit three straight shots themselves.
Fourth Quarter
Sabrina Ionescu, who had been struggling all night long, made her only field goal of the game to extend New York’s lead at the start of the quarter. Kayla Thornton’s three-pointer trimmed the deficit down to a single point, but Kennedy Burke, who ended up being a critical contributor for the Liberty, restored their lead. Kate Martin ended up playing the entire second half, tied the game with consecutive three-pointers and then hit another one to give the Valkyries the lead with two minutes remaining. Ionescu hit seven free throws in a row to give the visitors the lead again while Martin did make another shot from beyond the arc, but Golden State missed two chances to tie the game at the end and fell 81-78. Unlike some recent losses, they were able to hit some tough shots late in the game, but they were unable to attack the basket effectively in the final quarter and after taking care of the ball for most of the game, got hurt by turnovers at critical times.
The Verdict
Neither team was at full strength for this game, but both got some unexpected contributions in a game that was close throughout. The Valkyries played well again against a championship contender, but did come up short in the end. Golden State will have two more games at home this week and then they will have to make tough roster decisions when players return from national team duty as they have gotten good games from midseason signings.
Player of the Game
There were several standout performances in this game, but this award will go to Kate Martin for this game after her leading scorer performance off the bench. She had a few dazzling displays so far this season, but she has also had some games where she has struggled with shooting. Her versatility on both ends of the court have allowed her to continue to contribute though and her familiarity with Natalie Nakase’s systems has been instrumental in getting them installed quickly so it is great seeing everything come together for her on the court.
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