SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries made their much-anticipated debut Tuesday night at Chase Center. While the final score was an 83–82 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the energy in the arena felt nothing like a loss—it felt like history.
The loud, loyal and near sellout crowd of 17,428, roared with more passion & intensity than the Warriors’ Game 6 playoff crowd versus the Houston Rockets. The energy surged from the start of player introductions to Laeticia Amihere’s final 3-point shot to finish the game.
“Yeah, I mean, coming in, I had no idea what to expect.,” said forward Laeticia Amihere, who erupted for 20 points off the bench on 7-of-11 shooting. “So being able to have our fans, like, give us that energy, you know, be the sixth man out there, it's amazing. Especially for the first game.”
Starting five: Kayla Thornton, Monique Billings, Temi Fagbenle, Tiffany Hayes, and Veronica Burton brought veteran poise, while Amihere led a bench that contributed 50 percent of the team’s total scoring.
Thornton, who posted 9 points and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes, displayed gratitude for the moment “a blessing,” adding, “for us to even be here to be the first ones to wear this jersey and to play. And then to go out there today and to see that incredible crowd was just amazing.”
The Sparks took early control behind Rickea Jackson’s 13 points, but the Valkyries never folded. They chipped away at the lead in the second half, with Amihere sparking the run along with Kate Martin’s eight second-half points, igniting the crowd.
Rebounding was a battle all night. Monique Billings grabbed eight boards, and center Kyara Linskens also hauled in eight off the bench, helping Golden State stay close despite being outrebounded, 38–37.
Coach Natalie Nakase kept rotations fluid, giving minutes to rookies and overseas signees like Chloe Bibby and Carla Leite. “We wanted to see different combinations tonight, and a lot of players stepped up,” Nakase said.
Despite the late loss, the team shot a solid 42.4 percent from the field, with 20-of-27 made from the free-throw line, and kept the game within one possession in the closing seconds. “I think we exceeded our expectations,” Thornton said postgame.
As the Valkyries continue to build, the Bay has made one thing clear: it’s ready.
For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit www.valkyries.wnba.com.
