Valkyries Fall Short Against Wings in Road Loss

The Valkyries did their best but they couldn't stop Paige Bueckers, the overall No.1 draft pick.

Bueckers led the way for the Wings scoring 20 points as Dallas (2-11) won for only the second time this season, beating Golden State, 80-71.

The Valkyries (5-6) couldn't protect the basketball, committing 17 turnovers and allowing the Wings to outscore them on second chance points 20-6. They were also out rebounded, 39-28.

It was a solid game for center Monique Billings who had a team high 18 points and eight rebounds. Forward Kayla Thornton added 17 points and five rebounds.

"They just outworked us, they out-hustled...they wanted it more," Billings said. "I just don't think we brought our best game. Our consistent game that we have been playing and that's something that we'll tighten up. But hats off to Dallas because they brought the energy, the fight, they wanted it more."

Laeticia Amihere, who was waived just before the start of the season, was signed to a contract on June 8. Amihere was a big contributor scoring a career high 14 points off the bench on 6-of-7 shooting. Tiffany Hayes has been maligned with her recent nose injuries but she returned after missing four games wearing a protective mask adding 10 points.

But Kate Martin was scoreless, she played less than eight minutes and missed her one shot attempt. Newly acquired Katelyn Chen and Chloe Bibby were in uniform but did not play and neither did Aerial Powers.

From the start it didn't appear to be the Valkyries night as they were limited to 16 points in the first quarter, their lowest opening period of the season.

"I think it was us. We're a team that when we get stops our offense flows," Thornton said. "And when we're not active and energetic, it pools over to our offense and then we get stagnant and we're not able to move the ball."

The next month will be a challenge for Golden State as the team is missing:Temi Fagbenle, Julie Vanloo, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Janelle Salaün—all are away at EuroBasket.

The good news is that the Valkyries are coming home to Chase Center for a five game homestand beginning with the Indiana Fever and superstar Caitlin Clark..

"I'm an open book because their heads were kind of down," coach Natalie Nakase said. "I'm like, 'put your heads up. This is just basketball y'all.' I love that they take ownership of being disappointed and being upset but hey look we've got another game in less than 48 hours. So we learn from it, we know we didn't fight, we know the effort wasn't there. So get our recovery, look at some film, and be ready for Indiana."

GAME NOTES

• Veronica Burton added five assists, her third straight game of handing out five-or-more assists.
• Golden State had a season-high six blocks on the night, led by Monique Billings’ two.

UP NEXT

• The Valkyries return to Ballhalla to face the Indiana Fever on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m. on KPIX, KOVR, Amazon Prime, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.