The Golden State Valkyries experienced their fourth consecutive loss in the WNBA, falling 86-77 to the Phoenix Mercury, leading head coach Natalie Nakase to question her team’s defensive energy. As a new expansion franchise, establishing a strong identity has been crucial for the Valkyries, with defense serving as their cornerstone. However, in this latest game, their renowned aggressive defense appeared lacking.
Nakase expressed her disappointment in the post-game press conference, stating, “I asked them, ‘Where’s our energy?’ It was the first time I’ve seen it. We didn’t throw any punches; we were reacting and waiting.” She acknowledged the need to find ways to motivate her players to start strong defensively.
Veronica Burton, who was the leading scorer for Golden State with 16 points, echoed Nakase’s concerns about their passive defense. “We need to be the aggressors on defense… it’s really just us,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of communication and awareness on the court, especially when defending against sharpshooters.
Although the Valkyries managed to force the Mercury into 19 turnovers, they struggled to execute in crucial moments. With just over five minutes left in the game, they surrendered an 8-point lead, unable to stop the Mercury’s potent offensive duo of Satou Sabally and Lexi Held, who combined for 14 of Phoenix’s last 20 points. Held made a pivotal 27-foot three-pointer during a 20-3 run for Phoenix that sealed the Valkyries’ fate.
In discussing their performance, Nakase pointed to a loss of composure during key moments. Center Temi Fagbenle shared the sentiment, highlighting the need for consistency to build on the positive aspects of their game.
Despite the frustrations of the recent losses, there is an opportunity for the Valkyries to learn and grow from these experiences. With a focus on improving their defense and maintaining composure in tense situations, the team can utilize these challenges as stepping stones toward success in the long run. The hope remains that the Valkyries will refine their game and emerge stronger as the season progresses.