The Golden State Valkyries got here out of Sunday evening’s sport towards the Atlanta Dream battered, bruised and with out a win.
For 4 quarters, the Atlanta Dream outmuscled and outworked the Valkyries in what turned a 79-63 loss for the growth workforce. Golden State dropped to 18-16 with the defeat and had their four-game profitable streak snapped.
Veronica Burton led the Valkyries with 16 factors and 5 assists. Cecilia Zandalasini added 11 factors.
All-Star Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 14 factors. Fellow All-Star Allisha Grey and middle Brionna Jones every had 13 factors.
Sharpshooting middle Iliana Rupert left the sport within the third quarter and didn’t return after struggling what appeared like a face damage combating for a rebound. Burton and taking pictures guard Tiffany Hayes additionally suffered accidents, however returned to motion after getting remedy.
The Dream used their measurement and bodily fashion of play to their benefit within the third quarter. Jones and middle Brittney Griner punished the smaller Valkyries within the paint.
Jones’ dominance inside led to a number of open perimeter photographs for the Dream as they outscored the Valkyries 28-17 within the quarter to take an 11-point lead going into the ultimate 10 minutes. Golden State struggled to string collectively stops and scores, and Atlanta closed the quarter on a 10-2 run.
The Valkyries suffered a number of accidents within the quarter, together with Rupert, Burton and Hayes having to be tended to at completely different factors. Preventing for a rebound with Jones, Rupert appeared to have been hit with the ball and walked again to the locker room with a towel on her face.
Burton (stomach) and Hayes (face) have been each down momentarily, however got here again to play after getting remedy.
The Dream constructed on their momentum from the third quarter and continued to pour it on, constructing their result in as large as 22. With the sport slipping away, the gang at Chase Middle headed for the exits with beneath two minutes left.
Golden State struggled to discover a constant rhythm within the first half, regardless of having probabilities to develop its lead. The Valkyries went over 5 minutes with out a basket within the second quarter till Iliana Rupert hit a 3-pointer from the highest of the important thing with seconds remaining within the half to tie the sport at 25.
After getting off to scorching taking pictures begins during the last three video games, the Valkyries shot simply 31% within the first half towards Atlanta. Regardless of the gradual begin, the Valkyries held the Dream to 11-of-34 taking pictures and compelled 5 turnovers to maintain the street workforce’s dynamic offense in test.
The Valkyries shall be again at house on Tuesday after they host Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury. Golden State has misplaced each matchups to the Mercury this season.
With 10 video games remaining within the common season, the Valkyries have the hardest remaining schedule, per Elias Sports activities Bureau, with matchups towards the Minnesota Lynx, Indiana Fever and New York Liberty arising.
Nakase discovering other ways to develop
Earlier this week, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated the NBA has grow to be a “developmental league,” and that the shortage of reside practices has modified the way in which coaches have approached getting their gamers higher.
Dallas Wings normal supervisor and former Los Angeles Sparks coach Curt Miller echoed Kerr’s sentiments and stated it is usually an adjustment within the WNBA.
Up to now this season, the Valkyries have relied closely on their younger gamers to develop into their roles. Coach Natalie Nakase stated she’s been studying other ways to make time for follow and growth all through the season.
“It’s just been about being creative about how you can teach players without getting on the court sometimes,” Nakase stated. “It’s determining their studying types and being inventive from there. I wish to quiz them loads. I believe that’s enjoyable. However I believe all of it will depend on the age of your group as a result of generally as older teams, you need to relaxation them extra. Nevertheless it’s okay to follow too.
“It’s about being organized, it’s about being thoughtful, it’s about being prepared.”
Billings replace
Backup middle Monique Billings has missed the final eight video games with a left ankle sprain.
The 6-foot-4 UCLA product is ready to be reevaluated this Friday. Nakase stated Billings is in good spirits throughout her rehab.
“All I know is she’s doing really well in her workouts,” Nakase stated. “She’s feeling better every single day and she has a good attitude. So we’re kind of still waiting, but she’s been in great spirits.”
Initially Printed: August 17, 2025 at 12:12 PM PDT
