Golden State Valkyries Stage Comeback to Defeat Phoenix Mercury in Preseason Finale
PHOENIX – The Golden state valkyries erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit to secure an 84-79 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in their preseason finale Sunday at PHX Arena. The Valkyries, who struggled early from beyond the arc, found their rhythm in the second half, hitting 10 of 23 three-point attempts after a slow start.
Valkyries Overcome Slow Start, Showcase Resilience
Golden State faced a familiar challenge, mirroring their previous preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks with a sluggish first half. However, the team rallied in the second half, demonstrating their ability to execute under pressure.
“We like to come off a little bit cold,” Valkyries coach Natalie nakase said, adding she is working to find ways to get the team warmed up faster. “I just have to figure out how to get them a little bit more warm in the beginning, but I want them to continue to let it fly.”
Standout Performances Fuel Victory
Migna Touré led the Valkyries with 19 points off the bench, including 16 in the second half. Starting forward Kayla Thornton contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and four steals. Guard Carla Leite added 11 points, playing a key role in the team’s resurgence.
Turning Point: Bench Spark Ignites Comeback
Phoenix began the third quarter with an 8-0 run, appearing to take control of the game. However, the Valkyries’ bench, spearheaded by Leite and Touré, responded with an 11-0 run, closing the gap. A three-pointer by Leite and another by Touré gave golden State its first lead since the opening minute.
Leite attributed the comeback to ball movement and finding open shots.
clutch Plays Seal the Win
After leite’s and-1 three-pointer gave the Valkyries a two-point lead early in the fourth quarter, Golden State never trailed again. Veteran guard julie Vanloo sealed the victory by sinking four consecutive free throws in the final moments.
Touré Makes Strong Case for Roster Spot
Migna Touré’s performance significantly strengthened her chances of securing a spot on the final roster. The French guard showcased her scoring ability and was a catalyst for the Valkyries’ second-half surge.She shot 53.8% from the field and 44.8% from beyond the arc.
The Valkyries’ roster currently stands at 17 players and must be reduced to 12 before their regular-season opener.
Injury Updates
Guard Kate Martin was sidelined for Sunday’s game due to a minor hand injury. Nakase indicated the injury was not serious and Martin was held out as a precaution. Stephanie Talbot and Cecilia Zandalasini missed their second consecutive game and are currently listed as day-to-day.
Looking Ahead
The Valkyries are set to begin their inaugural regular season at home against the Los Angeles Sparks.
“We put some work together as a team and that has made us grow every day,” Touré said. “I think today is an example of who we are,improving to the end and continuing to push.”
What was the author’s primary purpose in writing this article – to simply report the game’s outcome, or to highlight specific players and team characteristics as the team enters its first regular season?
Golden State Valkyries Stage Comeback to Defeat Phoenix Mercury in Preseason Finale
PHOENIX – The Golden state valkyries erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit to secure an 84-79 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in their preseason finale Sunday at PHX Arena. The Valkyries, who struggled early from beyond the arc, found their rhythm in the second half, hitting 10 of 23 three-point attempts after a slow start.
Valkyries Overcome Slow Start, Showcase Resilience
Golden State faced a familiar challenge, mirroring their previous preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks with a sluggish first half. However, the team rallied in the second half, demonstrating their ability to execute under pressure.
“We like to come off a little bit cold,” Valkyries coach Natalie nakase said, adding she is working to find ways to get the team warmed up faster. “I just have to figure out how to get them a little bit more warm in the beginning, but I want them to continue to let it fly.”
standout Performances Fuel Victory
Migna Touré led the Valkyries with 19 points off the bench, including 16 in the second half. Starting forward Kayla Thornton contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and four steals. Guard Carla Leite added 11 points, playing a key role in the team’s resurgence.
Turning point: Bench Spark Ignites Comeback
Phoenix began the third quarter with an 8-0 run, appearing to take control of the game. However,the Valkyries’ bench,spearheaded by Leite and Touré,responded with an 11-0 run,closing the gap. A three-pointer by Leite and another by Touré gave golden State its first lead as the opening minute.
Leite attributed the comeback to ball movement and finding open shots.
clutch Plays Seal the Win
After leite’s and-1 three-pointer gave the valkyries a two-point lead early in the fourth quarter, Golden State never trailed again. Veteran guard julie Vanloo sealed the victory by sinking four consecutive free throws in the final moments.
Touré Makes Strong Case for Roster Spot
Migna Touré’s performance significantly strengthened her chances of securing a spot on the final roster. The French guard showcased her scoring ability and was a catalyst for the Valkyries’ second-half surge.She shot 53.8% from the field and 44.8% from beyond the arc.
The Valkyries’ roster currently stands at 17 players and must be reduced to 12 before their regular-season opener.
Injury Updates
Guard Kate martin was sidelined for Sunday’s game due to a minor hand injury. Nakase indicated the injury was not serious and Martin was held out as a precaution. Stephanie Talbot and Cecilia Zandalasini missed their second consecutive game and are currently listed as day-to-day.
Looking Ahead
The valkyries are set to begin their inaugural regular season at home against the Los Angeles Sparks.
“We put some work together as a team and that has made us grow every day,” Touré said. “I think today is an example of who we are,improving to the end and continuing to push.”
Golden State Valkyries Preseason Finale: Q&A
Who are the Golden State Valkyries?
The Golden State Valkyries are a new professional women’s basketball team, part of the WNBA. This preseason game was their first taste of action before their inaugural regular season.
What happened in the game against the Phoenix Mercury?
The Valkyries overcame a 15-point deficit to win 84-79. they struggled early but found their rhythm in the second half, especially from beyond the arc.
Who were the key players for the Valkyries?
Migna Touré (19 points),Kayla Thornton (12 points,5 rebounds,4 steals),and Carla Leite (11 points) were instrumental in the comeback. Julie Vanloo sealed the win with clutch free throws.
What was the turning point of the game?
The Valkyries’ bench, led by Leite and Touré, sparked an 11-0 run in response to a Phoenix Mercury surge, giving Golden State the lead.
What’s the importance of Migna Touré’s performance?
Touré’s strong showing (19 points, 53.8% FG, 44.8% 3PT) significantly boosted her chances of making the final 12-player roster.
Are there any injury concerns for the Valkyries?
Kate Martin missed the game with a minor hand injury (precautionary). Stephanie Talbot and Cecilia Zandalasini are day-to-day.
When does the regular season begin?
The Valkyries will start their inaugural regular season at home against the Los Angeles Sparks. Mark your calendars for an exciting first season!
The Valkyries’ preseason victory highlights their resilience and sets the stage for an exciting inaugural season. Stay tuned to see how these players perform!
