Game Recap: Preseason Game 1 vs Los Angeles Sparks

On Tuesday, the Golden State Valkyries had their first ever game as they hosted the Los Angeles Sparks for the preseason opener for both teams. An enthusiastic crowd, though one that was short of the announced attendance of 17,428, roared on the team to the end as the team fell short 83-82. All healthy players got to take the court and show some flashes of why Golden State brought them on board as everyone got on the scoreboard. The Valkyires now have one more preseason game before facing the Sparks again in the season opener a week from Friday.

The Lineup

Cecilia Zandalasini missing the game due to injury was anticipated for several days, but Stephanie Talbot ended up being a late scratch too. Both players could compete for starting spots this season, but the Valkyries opened with Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Monique Billings, and Temi Fagbenle, the lineup with the most possible WNBA experience.

First Half

Both teams played the first half as if it was a regular season game in terms of rotations. As the first preseason game, it was no surprise that players were still building chemistry and shooting rhythm with turnovers and missed shots hurting both teams, but the Sparks took the lead with some help from added opportunities thanks to offensive rebounds. While the Sparks settled down a bit in the second quarter, the Valkyries still had issues with turnovers and missed shots and fell behind by 14 at the break. Laeticia Amihere was the only true post player to come off the bench with small lineups preferred and Kate Martin, Carla Leite, and Julie all made appearances.

Second Half

The second half proved to be a fresh start for the Valkyries offense as they scored on six consecutive possessions and that was the point when this clearly became a preseason game as the starters were pulled in the middle of the rally. Kyara Linskens made her first appearance as the bench unit fell behind again, but rallied back and Laeticia Amihere tied the game before the end of the quarter. Both teams went with bench players in the fourth quarter and Amihere continued to make key buckets on the way to a 20 point effort. Trailing by 3, they could not score a tying basket in the final minute, and a buzzer-beater trimmed the final deficit to 83-82.

Frontcourt

The only roless in the frontcourt that were clear to open training camp were Monique Billings and Temi Fagbenle starting. Kayla Thornton or even Kate Martin sliding over to back up the 4 spot seem to be an option with the number of guards and wings likely to make the final roster, but Laeticia Amihere certainly made her case to be the third post. Kyara Linskens got the next shot at center and she offers a different look to all of their other options, but will have trouble with more athletic matchups.

Coach Natalie Nakase has made it clear that even post players are supposed to shoot and Monique Billings being the first player to score from beyond the arc certainly underscored the point. The spacing did open up driving lanes, including Elissa Cunane scoring her field goal after a nifty drive while starting in the corner, not traditionally being considered part of her game. Chloe Bibby’s shooting ability would seem to be a natural fit for the system, but she did not get her chance until later in the game. The roster could also change significantly in this area once Janelle Salaun is available and if Iliana Rupert signs later in the season as seems to be the plan, she would provide more size.

Backcourt

The intended backcourt rotation is certainly up in the air with Cecilia Zandalasini and Stephanie Talbot missing the game. Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes at the 1 and 2 is a good mix of defense for the starting lineup though. Carla Leite got into the game before the more experienced Julie Vanloo and showed both her talent and her youth, but both figure to have roles moving forward, though not necessarily on the court at the same time. Kaitlyn Chen certainly drew loud cheers on her introduction and after an impressive basket and also showed some flashes of being able to fit into a role. Migna Toure was not necessarily expected to play, but she made her entrance late in the game and had a couple of good moments too, but she probably has the longest shot at making the final roster at this point.

The Verdict

As can be expected in a preseason game, there were good and not so good moments from the team. Many of the turnovers were the result of team chemistry still being built and inbounding the ball and being on the same page when it comes to cutting or spotting up should be taken care of over the next week. Offensively, the team seems to be settling into multiple players being given creative responsibilities and all players being encouraged to push the ball up the floor. The team competed defensively, but there are still question about how they will be able to best defend both in the post and against dribble penetration. With one more preseason contest, the hope will certainly be full health for the game against the Phoenix Mercury to see where rotations might stand. The crowded battle for the last few remaining roster spots could get more clarity based on which of the bench players earn more time earlier in the game.

Player of the Game

The first player to receive this honor was not a difficult choice as Laeticia Amihere led the team in scoring in an impressive offensive display. Being able to claim a talented young player off waivers separate from the expansion draft process could prove to be important for frontcourt depth this season and she could not only find a place this season, but also secure a spot for next season too. In this system, Amihere got the chance to show some of the skills that she demonstrated in terms of initiating the offense in the halfcourt in college with responsibilities that she has not been given in her pro career so far.