The Golden State Valkyries earned their 21st win of the season on August 31 against the Indiana Fever, but it wasn’t the night’s biggest victory.
Golden State honored icon Angela Davis during the game, where she received a standing ovation after beating the drum at the Chase Center and appearing on the video board.
The Valkyries’ August 31 display reinforced the WNBA’s reputation as the league most committed to social justice, equity, and change.
Golden State Honors Change
The Valkyries’ tribute to Davis was met with loud applause and cheers. Their 75-63 win over the Fever added even more energy to the Bay Area.
Davis is widely known for her activism against the prison-industrial complex and her academic work. She was a member of the Black Panther Party and a prominent voice in the fight for civil rights.
The civil rights icon was once fallaciously listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitive List in the 1970s. She was falsely imprisoned and later acquitted while defending herself in court.
Staying Golden
Golden State completed the season series sweep over Indiana with its win on August 31. Iliana Rupert led the team in scoring with 21 points (career high), and Janelle Salaün (10) and Kate Martin chipped in with double-digit scoring.
Not to mention, all players who entered the game chipped in offensively. The team shot 63.2% from three-point range and held the Fever to 20% shooting from downtown.
Despite the Golden State’s 19 turnovers compared to Indiana’s 14, the team managed to dominate on the fast break.
Obviously, the Fever are playing with a depleted roster, but both teams are trying to remain in the postseason picture.
Currently, the Valkyries are holding on to the sixth slot in league standings with a 21-18 record with a three-game winning streak. On the flip side, the Fever are 21-19 and trying to hold on to the eighth slot in league standings.
While the Los Angeles Sparks are 18-20, there is a possibility the team can make a final push to earn the final playoff spot.
Coaching Perspective
Golden State continues to push through an ever-changing rotation. GSV head coach Natalie Nakase continues to get the best out of her team.
During the post-game interview, Nakase emphasized the importance of rest after back-to-back games. ” I think when we do get rest, um, like I said, we had two to three days people had off,” Nakase said to the media.
“And so I think when there’s a time where we can recover both mentally and physically, then you could execute game plans.”
“But when they’re so tired, you know, that’s when it becomes a little bit of a struggle.” Since the league’s inception in 1997, no expansion team has made the playoffs in its first season.
Golden State is on pace to make the postseason with only five games left. The team’s remaining schedule features four teams that are above .500.
The Valkyries continue to rise to the occasion and play hard every night. As of now, the team is fourth in rebounds (35.1) per game and first in three-pointers made (391).
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