The Golden State Valkyries faced a tough defeat against the Seattle Storm, losing 67-58 in Seattle on Wednesday. This loss marks the Valkyries’ third consecutive defeat, a stark contrast from their previous matchup with the Storm on June 29, where they delivered an impressive performance and were enjoying a positive stretch with a 10-6 record.
In this latest game, the Valkyries struggled offensively, registering their lowest score and worst shooting display of the season. They are now two games under .500 and find themselves outside of the playoff picture, sitting in ninth place in the WNBA standings, just behind Las Vegas for the final playoff spot.
Nneka Ogwumike led the Storm with a game-high 22 points, making history by surpassing Candice Dupree to claim sixth place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with 6,896 career points. Despite Golden State’s strong defensive effort, holding Seattle to a low 32.8% shooting percentage, they were unable to capitalize on the offensive end, managing just 31.7% shooting overall.
The Valkyries came out strong, tied at halftime with a score of 31-31, but stumbled at the start of the second half, missing 10 of their first 11 shots. Despite some moments of resurgence, including back-to-back three-pointers from Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini that narrowed the gap to two points in the fourth quarter, they could not overcome their scoring inconsistencies.
Coach Natalie Nakase addressed the team’s struggles, acknowledging their performance while emphasizing the importance of resilience. “We just didn’t make shots… Sometimes you miss, sometimes you make. That’s just the way we play,” Nakase remarked.
The upcoming break for the All-Star Game, which will feature Kayla Thornton as the sole Valkyries representative, comes at a crucial time for the team. This pause will allow the Valkyries to regroup and recharge as they prepare to host Dallas on July 25. The team has faced a demanding schedule with six games in 11 days, contributing to their fatigue and performance dips.
Despite recent setbacks, there is a sense of hope as the Valkyries look to recalibrate and return to the competitive form they displayed earlier in the season. With the right adjustments and renewed energy, they have the potential to rally effectively in the upcoming games.