SAN FRANCISCO — As Monique Billings walked from the scores desk to the ground on Tuesday night time, she was welcomed by a roar that shook Chase Heart.
It was the sort often reserved for buzzer beaters or playoff wins, solely this time, it was for a participant the Valkyries’ devoted couldn’t wait to see step again onto the courtroom.
Billings missed the final 14 video games with a proper ankle sprain and made her debut within the Valkyries’ 66-58 win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday. The 29-year-old heart regarded rusty in her return, hitting one in all her seven shot makes an attempt in 20 minutes of motion.
However her presence on the courtroom couldn’t be measured by what was on the stat sheet.
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) takes a shot towards the New York Liberty within the third quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
“Mo has just been working her butt off to get back to being able to be out there on the court with us, and I know it’s been killing her not being able to help us out,” guard Kate Martin stated. “So the fact that the crowd could give her some extra love, I know she probably really loved that. That probably made her feel good, feel extra confident going into the game. And so she definitely deserved that.”
Billings comes again into the rotation at a vital second for the Valkyries.
For the final three weeks, Golden State has been compelled to play with simply two facilities in its rotation with defensive stalwart Temi Fágbénlé and stretch huge Iliana Rupert splitting time.
Now, Billings is one other physique that provides extra depth to a crew that has been stretched skinny within the entrance courtroom.
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) talks to teammates throughout their recreation towards the New York Liberty within the third quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
“Her energy, you can feel it,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase stated. “Simply her vocal management. You possibly can hear her calling out the coverages. So it’s simply good to have the communication from behind.
“Mo brings so much to us. We’re really glad to have her back, and she looks great. You don’t want to rush players back. You want to make sure they’re confident and they’re ready. So just credit to everyone who helped get back to where she is.”
Billings scored her first bucket in over three weeks early within the second quarter.
The previous UCLA standout executed a well timed roll to the basket after Liberty defenders Natasha Cloud and Emma Meesseman blitzed level guard Veronica Burton on the left wing.
Burton threw a rainbow move to Billings, who caught the ball in prime scoring place and completed a tricky layup whereas getting fouled to ignite the soldout crowd of 18,064.
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) takes a shot towards the New York Liberty within the third quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
Whereas she couldn’t discover a rhythm scoring after getting her fist bucket, Billings did somewhat little bit of every part else to assist the Valkyries win.
She was essential in serving to cease the Liberty’s three-headed entrance courtroom assault of Meesseman, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. The trio mixed to shoot 10-for 27 from the sector and had 9 turnovers.
Billings completed the night time with 5 factors and three offensive rebounds. She noticed just a few of her 3-point makes an attempt rattle out and in late within the recreation, however didn’t hesitate to proceed taking pictures the ball.
“When she did come in, you can see how amazing she was,” beginning heart Temi Fágbénlé stated. “I was like ‘Damn I gotta step my game up.’ She was doing everything and it was great. This is what we missed.”
Billings’ function on the crew extends far past the courtroom. Earlier than Tuesday’s recreation, Nakase referred to as Billings the “mother of this team,” and praised the bouncy heart for her constant vitality.
With the Valkyries so near clinching a playoff spot, her management and regular presence might show simply as worthwhile as her minutes on the ground.
“The best thing about Mo is that she’s a great listener,” Nakase stated. “Anytime you’re around 12 to 13 women a day, you need a great listener around. She’s really special.”
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) celebrates a 3-point basket by a teammate towards the New York Liberty within the fourth quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
