NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
San Francisco – The Valkyries spoiled the Sparks’ three-game win streak and led by as many as 24 points in their 78-58 win. Golden State’s defense smothered the Sparks and held them to a season-low 58 points.
Natalie Nakase was not pleased with the defensive effort against the Storm a few nights ago. Cecilia Zandalasini, Kaila Charles, and Gabby Williams all commented on the disappointment they felt hearing that from their coach. The team made the proper adjustments, increased their efforts, and held one of the most lethal offenses in the league.
Charles was a major difference maker in this matchup: she was 2-for-3 from the 3PT line, led the team in rebounds with eight, and finished with 13 points.
“Kai [Kaila Charles] brings a different level of energy. I feel like every time I watch her play, it’s a new level of energy. Today she brought it on both sides of the floor, and it was really nice to see our composure on the other end,” Nakase said.
Kayla Thornton led the team with four of their 13 steals, Gabby Williams led the team with 13 points, and the bench finished with 30 points.
With a little over four minutes remaining, Veronica Burton pulled two defenders to the top of the key and kicked out the ball to Gabby Williams. She hit a wide-open triple to extend their lead to 69-53. Williams stole the ball on the Sparks’ next play and forced Kelsey Plum to foul her on the fast break.
Plum fouled out and walked to the sidelines after a frustrating performance. Plum was held to a season-low nine points after scoring a career-high 43 points in their victory against the Aces. She is averaging 26.6 points this season.
“[I’m] very happy. This is kind of the team that I envisioned with that type of defensive tenacity. Picking up 94 feet, having that energy. But maximizing their energy, there was nothing left in the tank, and that’s what I saw today…But our players really played with max effort, and that’s what I like to see.”
Kate Martin returned to Ballhalla for the first time since the team released her earlier this season. “It was good to see familiar faces, see my former teammates.”
When asked about a message for fans she responded, “Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for the last year, and for what they’re doing for women’s basketball in general. It’s a lot bigger than supporting the Valkyries. It’s impressive to see what they’re doing to uplift women’s basketball, and women’s sports in general in this area.”
Fans of course, gave Martin a loud, warm, Ballhalla welcome.
The Valkyries advance to 3-2 in the Commissioner Cup Standings behind the Dallas Wings, who they face on Wednesday. The Wings dominated in Las Vegas on Monday night and held the Aces to 66 points.
