The Golden State Valkyries returned home on Wednesday after a long road trip, starting a homestand with an immediate rematch with the Las Vegas Aces. After a decisive loss on Sunday, the Valkyries did not fall behind by that same overwhelming margin early in this game. They trailed for most of the game, but fought back multiple times only to fall short late and lose 78-72, increasing the importance of the next two games in San Francisco.
The Lineup
Golden State did get good news ahead of the game with both Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini recovering after missing recent games. They both went back into the starting lineup alongside Veronica Burton, Janelle Salaun, and Temi Fagbenle. Even with two options on the wing returning, Kaila Charles still got substantial playing time off the bench in the last game of her current contract.
First Quarter
The Aces scored the first two baskets of the game before Cecilia Zandalasini marked her return with a three-pointer to open the scoring for the Valkyries. Las Vegas continued to find success with A’ja Wilson and NaLyssa Smith inside, but Golden State answered with their counterparts Janelle Salaun and Temi Fagbenle getting baskets. Wilson scored again to give the Aces a seven point advantage, but the Valkyries closed the half strong with a three-pointer from Veronica Burton and a nice layup from Temi Fagbenle to only trail 16-14.
Second Quarter
The run from the first quarter continued for the Valkyries in this period, stretching out to 14-0. Tiffany Hayes tied the score with a pair of free throws and then Carla Leite got fouled behind the arc and knocked down all three free throws to give them the lead. Cecilia Zandalasini and Temi Fagbenle finished the run with baskets, but Jackie Young started the scoring for Las Vegas. Leite and Kaila Charles helped keep the Golden State lead, but Wilson helped the Aces tie the score again and then the teams went back and forth. Las Vegas had struggled from distance to start the game, but Kierstan Bell broke that streak and gave them a two-possession lead, part of scores on their final six possessions. Charles hit her own three-pointer before a Leite basket and then Janelle Salaun scored before the buzzer sounded to leave the deficit at a manageable 43-38.
Third Quarter
Tiffany Hayes started the scoring in the second half with a pair of free throws, but A’ja Wilson scored five points early for the Aces. Golden State did tie the score again though after a Veronica Burton three-pointer and three Janelle Salaun free throws. Both teams could not score during the middle two minutes of the quarter, but Jackie Young broke the tie with her own three-pointer. Salaun scored again, the only Valkyries player to score two different times in the frame, but Las Vegas scored the next two baskets. The next play was a big turning point as Veronica Burton was whistled for a foul on a eurostep attempt, wiping out her chance to score before it was upgraded to a flagrant foul that gave the Aces immediate free throws. Las Vegas scored six points in a minute late for a 64-54 lead.
Fourth Quarter
The Valkyries scored the first six points of the final quarter with Kaila Charles and Carla Leite making an impact from off the bench again, but the Aces found ways to score and maintain their lead. Tiffany Hayes took on a leading role for Golden State and converted a three-point play to make it a one-possession game, but Las Vegas kept their lead by getting to the free throw line. That ended up being the only way for the Valkyries to score too as they went nearly five minutes without a field goal before Hayes scored again. They could not get the defensive stop that they needed at that point though and A’ja Wilson hit four free throws to seal the 78-72 win.
The Verdict
Golden State definitely put in a better effort than they did on Sunday, but came up short again in their final meeting with Las Vegas. Even with stretches of the game where they did not play well, the Valkyries still found ways to fight back and keep it close, but could not contain A’ja Wilson. This loss makes the next game on Saturday a major playoff showdown with the Los Angeles Sparks as the final spot could very well come down to a battle between the two teams.
Player of the Game
This is a tough award to hand out for this game as there were several strong efforts, but also not necessarily a consistent star throughout. For her fourth quarter contributions, we will go with Tiffany Hayes for this game as her return was important to the team. Having late options has been a struggle for this team and having her miss games due to injuries has not helped since she would be the first choice in that regard. With the team also running small lineups for this entire game, she also was key in rebounding as well, tying for the game high.
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