NFL
By Ashmere Prasad
San Francisco – Carla Leite returned to Ballhalla for the first time since she was selected by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft in April. The Fire chipped away at a 20-point lead in the third quarter but fell short in their 95–77 loss.
Going into the night, Golden State led the league in three-point shooting at 39%. They shot 52.2% from three in the first half; seven of those threes were in the second quarter. The Valkyries also set a new franchise record with 18 three-pointers made in a single game.
Kayla Thornton led the team with 19 points and eight rebounds and was 50% from the arc. Janelle Salaun came off the bench and had 18 points and added three triples.
“I think our defense creates transition,” Natalie Nakase said. “Then we can kind of flow into these open threes because it’s hard to match up to us when we’re maintaining space. I also think our offense rebounds generate open threes. It’s similar to transition defense when you’re matching up.”
The entire Valkyries system runs on their defense, which Nakase has repeatedly shared with the media over the last few games. Tonight, their defense was fluid and stepped up – they forced the Fire to commit 15 turnovers, which Golden State turned into 19 points.
“We were really disciplined tonight. And it’s our defense. We have to maintain our defense to create transitional threes…and our effort to rebound on both ends; that’s key in order to generate more shots.”
Leite’s Return to Ballhalla
Leite spoke with the media and said she was excited to see her old friends on the floor. She seemed more confident and comfortable talking with the media. During her first season in the WNBA and with the Valkyries, she was a tad shy and took a while to process her responses, which is understandable since she was still practicing her English.
Her former teammates embraced her afterward, and all expressed how proud they are of her growth with her new team.
“It’s really cool to see her flourish in her new role.” Nakase said pregame.
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Next up the Valkyries head to Minnesota to face the #1 Lynx on Thursday night.
