The Golden State Valkyries entered the All-Star break with one resounding success: Kayla Thornton represented the team in Indiana, playing for Team Clark. Having an All-Star in its inaugural season is a big win for an expansion team.
At the same time, the Valkyries entered the All-Star break with three consecutive losses. The team lost two incredibly close games to the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury before suffering a 67-58 defeat to the Seattle Storm.
With those three losses, the Valkyries now have a 10-12 record and fell out of the playoff standings. After being sixth in the regular-season standings for quite some time, the Valkyries are now ninth, falling behind the Fever, Mystics, and Aces. However, they are only one game behind the Aces and Mystics and 1.5 games behind the Fever. That’s a deficit the Valkyries should be able to erase handily.
After a lengthy break, the Valkyries should have their eyes set on a few wins to boost their chances in the playoff race.
The Valkyries need to take advantage of their schedule
While games will resume on Tuesday, the Valkyries do not have a game scheduled until Friday. That means they will get extra rest and a few chances to practice. That may be just what head coach Natalie Nakase needs to get her team back on the right track. It will also make easing Iliana Rupert into the system much easier. The French center was set active a few days ago.
The Valkyries’ first two games after the All-Star break also aren’t against the greatest competition. Golden State will face Dallas and Connecticut—the two teams with the worst records in the league.
The Valkyries lost to the Wings before, but that was during EuroBasket and several key players were out. Nakase’s team was without Janelle Salaün, Temi Fagbenle, and Cecilia Zandalasini. All three play big roles for the Valkyries. With a complete roster, the Valkyries should have a fair chance at beating the young Wings.
Golden State also played Connecticut once this season, getting a decisive 87-66 victory. While the Sun have gotten some impressive performances from rookies Saniya Rivers and Leila Lacan lately, this is a game the Valkyries should win.
The Valkyries should be focused on the playoffs
The Valkyries have made it clear that they can and want to contend for a playoff spot rather than chasing a lottery pick. They likely won’t push into the top-five, but one of the lower playoff seeds is definitely within reach. Those spots are highly coveted, however.
After underperforming for most of the season, the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces should be desperate to claim a playoff spot, even if it is not as high as they would like. While the Washington Mystics aren’t under the same pressure to make the postseason, it would be a nice opportunity for Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to experience the playoffs in their rookie seasons. Los Angeles and Chicago may also try to make another push for the playoffs.
Considering how much competition there is for a playoff spot, the Valkyries cannot afford any distractions or bad losses.