SAN FRANCISCO —The Golden State Valkyries’ first recreation in franchise historical past will go down as a loss, however the growth workforce walked off the ground profitable over their followers.
In a valiant effort, the Valkyries second-half comeback fell brief as they misplaced their season opener to the Los Angeles Sparks 84-67. The packed crowd at Chase Heart cheered on the Valkyries all through Friday’s recreation regardless of the workforce going chilly within the fourth quarter.
After trailing by simply six heading into the fourth quarter, the Valkyries scored simply seven factors within the last 10 minutes of the sport.
Tiffany Hayes led the Valkyries with 19 factors and 9 rebounds. Julie Vanloo single-handedly introduced the Valkyries again within the third quarter as she scored 9 of her 14 factors within the interval to begin Golden State’s comeback run.
Los Angeles guard Kelsey Plum dominated from begin to end, scoring 37 factors on 57.9% capturing from the sphere in her first recreation with the Sparks. She knocked down all 11 of her free throws makes an attempt.
The Sparks appeared poised to run away with the sport early within the third quarter. Plum acquired to the paint at will as she helped Los Angeles construct a 15-point lead with simply over three minutes left within the interval.
However simply because it appeared like the sport was slipping away, Vanloo jolted life into the Valkyries. The 5-foot-8 level guard did her finest Stephen Curry impression, flattening three straight 3s to chop the Sparks’ result in six going into the fourth quarter.
However within the fourth quarter, the Sparks put the Valkyries in a number of pick-and-rolls with Plum attending to the road or discovering her teammates for open pictures. Golden State couldn’t regain its momentum from the third quarter and had been ultimately outpaced by a greater offense.
After taking a one-point lead after the primary quarter, Golden State trailed 42-39 at halftime. Los Angeles used a 9-0 run in the course of the second quarter to take an eight-point lead.
The Valkyries recovered behind 13 first half factors from Fagbenle. The 6-foot-4 heart had 13 factors, which included hitting two of her three 3-point makes an attempt, to guide Golden State within the first half. Previous to Friday’s recreation, Fagbenle had simply three made 3s in her WNBA profession.
With forwards Stephanie Talbot, Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaün unavailable as a result of accidents, the Sparks took benefit inside. Los Angeles scored 30 of its 40 paint factors within the first half.
The Valkyries will play their subsequent recreation on Wednesday at house towards the Washington Mystics.
