The Golden State Valkyries continued their road trip on Thursday with a visit to the Washington Mystics, trying to climb above the team just ahead of them in the standings with both squads looking to get into the playoffs. The offense was humming early with a massive first quarter and that lead continued into halftime, but Washington got back into the game in the second half. A very nervy fourth quarter was played with both defenses containing the scoring and the Valkyries got the basket that they needed to regain the lead before holding on in a tense final minute to leave with a 68-67 win.
The Lineup
There was no good health news for the Valkyries before this game as Cecilia Zandalasini joined Monique Billings and Kayla Thornton in missing this game. Iliana Rupert stepped into the remaining spot in the starting lineup to help Golden State match Washington’s two-post starting lineup, joining Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, Janelle Salaun, and Temi Fagbenle to open the game. With only nine available players for both teams, everyone saw game time.
First Quarter
There was a spectacular offensive explosion for the Valkyries to start the game with points coming on eight consecutive trips down the floor. Janelle Salaun hit two free throws to start before she and Temi Fagbenle scored the next four baskets between them and Iliana Rupert and Veronica Burton hit three-pointers. The Mystics were largely able to keep pace until late in the quarter when the Valkyries ended a short scoring drought with a display from distance, getting a pair of makes from Iliana Rupert, one make from Laeticia Amihere, and three free throws after Kate Martin was fouled on her attempt for a 30-20 lead at the end of the quarter.
Second Quarter
Golden State extended their run to 15-2 with more scoring early in this quarter as Carla Leite hit a free throw, Veronica Burton hit a layup, and Kate Martin hit a three-pointer to force an early Washington timeout. The Mystics finally scored after three and a half minutes, leading to a Valkyries timeout and then they cut deficit down to eleven points. Golden State kept a solid margin with more three pointers from Burton and Martin and a Temi Fagbenle basket. Washington threatened to send the game back to single digits, but Iliana Rupert sunk a pair of free throws for a 46-34 lead at the break.
Third Quarter
Washington had the better start in the second half with three baskets to only trail by five points after three minutes. Janelle Salaun and Carla Leite continued the strong shooting with consecutive three-pointers and Laeticia Amihere hit five free throws over an 88 second span to push the lead back out. The Mystics finished the quarter strong though with a 11-2 run where the Valkyries only got a score from Kaitlyn Chen on her first possession in the game. A Sonia Citron three-point play cut the deficit to four points, but Kate Martin hit a key three-pointer at the end of the quarter for a 62-55 win to slow Washington’s momentum.
Fourth Quarter
The reprieve was temporary for Golden State as Washington also started this quarter well, scoring ten points in the first three minutes to tie the game and take the lead as the Valkyries only got a score from Kate Martin. Both teams struggled to find their way on offense before Temi Fagbenle restored the Valkyries lead. The struggles continued as neither team scored for over five minutes before Shakira Austin made a putback to give Washington the lead. Janelle Salaun answered immediately as Veronica Burton reached double-figures in assists ahead of tense final minutes. The Valkyries made a couple of mistakes, but were able to secure rebounds at the key times to hang on for a 68-67 win.
The Verdict
This truly was a game of two halves after a fantastic first half on offense left hopes that the Valkyries would be able to put away the game early and get ready for a tough back-to-back tomorrow. The second half was difficult as the lead evaporated and the offense could not find their rhythm again, but the defense only surrendered two points in the final seven minutes and Golden State found a way to get a win. This could be a key win for the playoffs as they secured the season series against a team close to them in the standings and now the Valkyries will have to get ready for another game quickly.
Player of the Game
There were a number of solid performances to secure this win, but this award will go to Kate Martin for this game. She has not always seen heavy minutes in recent games, but she continues to be ready to play any role that the team needs from her. Her play throughout this game was strong enough for her to be kept in the lineup for the closing fourteen minutes. Her fearless approach on offense had her hit key baskets at the end of the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter. With two more games to go on this road trip, she will needed on both ends of the floor.
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