Liberty Contain Relentless Kate Martin and Valkyries 81-78

SAN FRANCISCO — It doesn’t matter who the opponent is or how tight the game gets, winning is now the expectation for the Valkyries.

In front of another sold-out crowd, Golden State’s eighth consecutive home sellout, Kate Martin delivered a career-best performance and nearly willed the Valkyries to a dramatic win, but the team ultimately came up just short in a hard-fought 81-78 loss to the visiting, defending champion New York Liberty on Wednesday evening.

While fans continue to pack Chase Center and roar with appreciation for the Valkyries’ thrilling style of play and all-out effort, the team itself remains unsatisfied with simply putting on a show.

The atmosphere in “Ballhalla” has become one of the loudest and most electric in the league, with supporters fully embracing the franchise’s fearless identity.

But inside the locker room, the mood is different, this is a group that expects to win. The players and coaches know close losses, no matter how exciting, won’t cut it for a team that holds itself to the highest standards.

“We don’t really care about being close. We want to win,” said Kate Martin after the game, capturing the mindset that’s quickly taken hold in the locker room. Though the game showcased their trademark grit and talent, the Valkyries made it clear that moral victories are no longer enough.

Martin was electric in the fourth quarter, pouring in 15 of her 21 points and hitting four three-pointers in the final frame, including a clutch shot from distance with 11.4 seconds left that brought the Valkyries within one.

Her fearless shot-making and poise under pressure sparked a late-game surge that had the Bay Area faithful on their feet and believing in a comeback. “I’m definitely proud of this team’s fight from start to finish,” Martin said afterward. There’s a lot of positives to take away.”

It was her three-pointer at the 1:59 mark that briefly gave Golden State a 75-74 lead, and she answered every big moment with composure, even as the Liberty leaned on late-game free throws to edge ahead.

While New York escaped with the win, it was Golden State’s swarming defense and relentless energy that left a lasting impression. The Valkyries once again showcased their now, signature ability to stifle the WNBA’s biggest perimeter stars, holding Sabrina Ionescu, to just one field goal and 11 points in her homecoming.

Ionescu was limited to a single point in the first half and was harassed into 1-of-11 shooting, as Golden State deployed a rotation of defenders led by Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, and Martin herself. However, the Bay Area native from Walnut Creek did deliver late, knocking down seven free throws in the final two minutes and making a pivotal steal with 26 seconds left.

It marked another game the Valkyries shut down a major WNBA name, following their suffocating defensive effort against Caitlin Clark, who went 0-for-7 from deep in their outing last week against the Indiana Fever.

“Just having multiple matchups, being physical, not letting her get into rhythm,” said head coach Natalie Nakase of the defensive scheme against Ionescu. Stephanie Talbot added, “Our guards really made her work for everything she got tonight… made every shot she took tough.”

Though Breanna Stewart posted 21 points in the first half, Golden State’s halftime adjustments shifted the momentum. Stewart was held to just two points on 1-for-5 shooting after the break, as the Valkyries increased their physicality and executed defensively with greater precision. Nakase credited her team’s responsiveness, saying, “We made the adjustment at halftime… they were in the right exact spots.”

Beyond Martin’s breakout, Golden State got production from up and down the roster. Talbot scored a season-high 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, opening the game with a personal five-point burst. Hayes was on fire early, pouring in 12 of her 15 points in the first quarter to help the Valkyries to a season-high 32-point opening frame.

Thornton added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Monique Billings pulled down seven boards in her fourth start of the year. Point guard Veronica Burton kept the offense humming with 10 assists, her second double-digit assist performance of the season.

Despite being short-handed, missing center Temi Fágbénlé from EuroBasket and Carla Leite due to a back injury, the Valkyries played with unity and determination, staying toe-to-toe with one of the league’s most talented rosters.

Golden State held New York to just 36.1 percent shooting from the field, the second time this season the Liberty have been held under 40 percent, both at the hands of the Valkyries.

The 18,064 fans inside Ballhalla rose to their feet and applauded with appreciation after a hard-fought Valkyries effort, but the team isn’t interested in earning sympathy or praise for coming close.

With every game, the bar has been raised. The message from the team is unmistakable, competing is no longer the goal; winning is. No matter the opponent or how tight the battle, the Valkyries now expect to come out on top.

Backed by one of the league’s most passionate fanbases and fueled by a growing belief in who they are, Golden State is done trying to prove they belong. They’re focused on proving they can lead and win.

“What you see with the Valkyries is their toughness,” Stewart said. “One of their players said we’re a team full of six women. They never stop. They’re always in games and that’s what makes them incredibly dangerous especially here at Ballhalla. It’s loud and I was excited to see what it was about. I like the purple (violet) and I’m awaiting purple jerseys at this point.”

UP NEXT

• The Valkyries continue the homestand against the Chicago Sky on Friday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. on ION, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.