Valkyries lose to Storm, 68-57 to end first half of season

The Valkyries inaugural season has been filled with memories and highlights. But a three-game losing streak and losses in five of six games is the perfect time for the extended All-Star break.

Golden State (10-12) ended the first half of the season losing to the Seattle Storm, 67-59 at Climate Pledge Arena.

Stanford alum Nneka Ogwumike led Seattle (14-9) with 22 points. Erica Wheeler added 15 points and Skylar Diggins had 10 for the Storm.

In the loss, the Valkyries struggled making only 19-of-60 shots from the field (32 percent) and 7-of-22 3-point attempts (23 percent). Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with 12 points off the bench and Janelle Salaün’s 10 points were the only two players to score in double figures. The 59 points and shooting percentage also represented season lows.

“I think they were more physical than us,” Zandalasini said. “They got good runs, we weren't able to really get behind them until the last quarter. I don't know if it was fatigue or what, but we got good looks and sometimes we make, sometimes we miss, but that's the way they play.”

Golden State had a five-point lead in the first quarter but never led again. The Valkyries got within two points after a 3-pointer by Zandalasini midway through the third quarter.

At two games under .500 the Valkyries are not in playoff contention but they are only a game behind the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics for the eighth and final spot.

Coach Natalie Nakase remains optimistic.

“We just had a great conversation of ownership of all the things that we could have done better today, including myself,” Nakase said. “I thought I could explain things better, quicker in timeouts. I love where we're at right now.”

The Valkyries this month have only one win but two of their losses were close games against the Aces and Mercury. The loss in Vegas was particularly frustrating because it was a defensive breakdown in the closing minutes. And the home loss to the Mercury was in the last-second on a questionable foul call with Phoenix making free throws to seal the win.

The players now get a much-needed rest, except Kayla Thornton who is headed to Indiana to represent the team in the All-Star Game.

“Everybody needs rest,” Zandalasini said. “It's a mixed feeling since we didn’t play very well in the last two weeks, week and a half, so we’ve got things to get back when we come back, but for now everybody needs to go switch off a little bit. So we will be back more prepared for sure.”

UP NEXT

• The Valkyries return to Ballhalla on Friday to host the Dallas Wings and No. 1 overall draft pick Paige Bueckers at 7 PM on ION and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.