The Valkyries had an ideal alternative to clinch the No. 6 seed on Tuesday evening in opposition to the Seattle Storm.
All they wanted to do was win.
Golden State was in management for a lot of the recreation, however fell aside late because the growth workforce’s sizzling taking pictures cooled down within the fourth quarter in a 74-73 loss on the street.
“It’s just disappointment in myself. I don’t think I handled the game schematically. I thought I could do a better job,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase mentioned.
Janelle Salaün led Golden State 22 factors. Veronica Burton had 14 factors and 11 assists within the loss. Kaila Charles added 12 factors.
Former Stanford star Nneka Ogwumike led Seattle with 18 factors. The Storm clinched their spot within the playoffs with a win and eradicated the Los Angeles Sparks from competition.
Whereas they pressured 13 turnovers and held Seattle to 40.1% taking pictures, the trouble wasn’t ok for the Valkyries.
“We lost, so it’s not good enough if we want to go far in the playoffs, if we want to be a contending team,” Burton mentioned. “It’s a testament to our defense, but that’s who we are, like that’s expected from us. But then we should take it to the next level.”
Golden State appeared poised to interrupt away within the third quarter, taking a seven-point result in open the second half. Seattle responded with a 7-0 run of their very own, however a barrage of 3-pointers rebuilt the Valkyries’ benefit and pushed the visiting workforce’s result in eight getting into the fourth quarter.
However because the Valkyries began to tug away once more, the Storm had one other run in them, opening the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run.
After buying and selling baskets within the ultimate minutes, Golden State momentarily took a one-point lead after Iliana Rupert hit a left-wing 3-pointer with 37.4 seconds on the clock.
On the subsequent possession, Storm guard Erica Wheeler hit a pull-up jumper to place Seattle up one.
With one final probability to tie or take the lead, Salaün missed a very good take a look at the rim and a reload, stepback 3 because the Storm iced the sport on the ultimate possession.
The Valkyries led by three at halftime, buoyed by 12 first-half factors from Charles. Regardless of taking pictures beneath 40% from the sphere, Golden State pressured 9 Seattle turnovers that became eight factors.
The Valkyries will finish the common season on the street in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday. Golden State will play its Sport 1 of the primary spherical on Sunday.
Listed here are the highest takeaways from Tuesday’s loss:
Zandalasini returns
After lacking the final eight video games, sharpshooting ahead Cecilia Zandalasini made her return on Tuesday.
Nakase mentioned earlier than the sport that she wasn’t planning on taking part in Zandalasini heavy minutes. The main coach of the 12 months candidate caught to her phrase.
Zandalasini solely performed 5 minutes within the first half and went 0-for-2 from the sphere.
“With a physical game, it was probably a tough game for her to come back in,” Nakase mentioned. “I thought she was ready. I thought she did good. I just think, you know, we maybe just didn’t get her enough physical five-on-five prior to this.”
Charles offering scoring punch
Kaila Charles has been on a tear the previous few weeks.
Since getting inserted into the beginning lineup, the previous College of Maryland standout has thrived within the backcourt with level guard Veronica Burton. Whereas she believes she is a defense-first participant, Charles hasn’t been afraid of taking pictures.
On Tuesday, Charles hit 3-of-7 of her subject purpose makes an attempt and hit all 5 of her free throws whereas taking over the task of guarding Storm sharpshooter Gabby Williams.
Initially Printed: September 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM PDT
