The Golden State Valkyries hit the midpoint of their last regular season homestand on Tuesday when they hosted the New York Liberty. Their opponents were directly above them in the standings and in position to clinch a playoff spot with a win. The Liberty looked ready to do that early, but the Valkyries were dominant in the second quarter, building a big lead before the game got closer. Golden State did hold on to a 66-58 win though and New York got their playoff place despite the loss after the right result in the other game being played at the same time.
The Lineup
The health situation was clear for the Valkyries before this game with Monique Billings returning, but Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini missing out again. Billings came off the bench late in the first quarter to loud cheers from the home crowd and the starting lineup remained the same for another game. Injury news was also important on the Liberty side with both Sabrina Ionescu and Nyara Sabally still unavailable. That meant that Stephanie Talbot was the only healthy New York player to not see any time, leaving her as another former Valkyries player who did not get an introduction in her return to her previous home.
First Quarter
Kaila Charles opened the scoring, but Natasha Cloud made a trio of three-pointers to give New York the early lead. Temi Fagbenle scored three straight baskets to keep the Valkyries close and then Janelle Salaun gave them the lead before the media timeout. Carla Leite came off the bench early to score next, but Emma Meesseman gave the Liberty the lead on a three-pointer in response to an Iliana Rupert shot. Breanna Stewart scored the last basket as both teams struggled on offense late with the Liberty leading 18-14 at the end of the quarter.
Second Quarter
Monique Billings helped Golden State take the lead early in this quarter with a three-point play and a pair of free throws. Marine Johannes made a three-pointer to restore the lead to New York, but Janelle Salaun tied it with a pair of free throws. Veronica Burton had her first basket and Kate Martin completed a four-point play with a free throw from Burton extending the run to 9-0. Jonquel Jones scored for the Liberty, but Temi Fagbenle started a 7-0 run with a three-point play and Kate Martin scored the other points, including another three-pointer. Kaila Charles scored before another Martin long-range make to give the Valkyries a 40-26 lead at the break after an incredible defensive effort for the entire quarter.
Third Quarter
Kaila Charles opened the scoring with a layup and a three-pointer and then the Valkyries were able to build their biggest lead of the game with two three-pointers from Janelle Salaun and a basket from Temi Fagbenle. The Liberty had a better offensive quarter though as Breanna Stewart scored more than half their points and they only trailed 56-44 at the end. Golden State struggled after that early burst, not making a field goal after that big lead at the halfway mark, only scoring on a free throw by Carla Leite after she was fouled before the ball was inbounded and a pair of free throws by Veronica Burton.
Fourth Quarter
Natasha Cloud continued the Liberty run with a pair of early free throws as the Valkyries hit seven minutes without a field goal before Carla Leite scored. New York head coach Sandy Brondello picked up a technical foul and Veronica Burton made the free throw. Carla Leite continued to attack and made another free throw before Temi Fagbenle made a big three-pointer. The Liberty had gone scoreless for three minutes, but Breanna Stewart helped them make a final push. Kaila Charles did make one free throw, but Natasha Cloud had her own free throws to cut their deficit to single digits. Fagbenle put the game away with a layup after a key Burton offensive rebound, ending a three-minute field goal drought for both sides. Leonie Fiebich did make a late three-pointer for a final margin of a 66-58 Golden State win.
The Verdict
This was another big win for the Valkyries as they continued their playoff chase with a home win. It was another game where they had good moments on both offense and defense to build a lead, although continuing to let the game get close late certainly does not help in getting the team rest during this busy part of the season. The victory and other results now mean that they can clinch their playoff spot officially with another home win on Thursday, which should be an extra exciting opportunity for the home fans.
Player of the Game
There were a number of players who made incredibly important contributions in stretches to secure the win, but this award will go to Temi Fagbenle this time for her work on both ends of the court. While the Valkyries were down a post player, Fagbenle at times struggled to stay on the court for the minutes that the team would like to have played as she battled foul trouble. In this game, she played more minutes than any other player and led the team in scoring, which is not always something that she is expected to do. Against dynamic power forwards, Natalie Nakase has often opted to have whoever is playing center be their primary defender and Fagbenle continued to an excellent job in that role for this game.
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