The Golden State Valkyries are on a mission to establish themselves as the WNBA's premier defensive force, building upon their successful playoff run last season. While their defensive rating currently ranks fifth in the league, the team is far from satisfied, as point guard Veronica Burton emphasizes the need for consistent focus and execution.
The Valkyries have bolstered their defensive lineup with the signings of former WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Gabby Williams and first-team defensive player Kiah Stokes, joining all-star defender Veronica Burton. This trio forms the core of a defensive-minded roster, with forward Kayla Thornton emphasizing the team's philosophy: "We're a defense team first, and then our offense goes."
One of the keys to the Valkyries' defensive success is their ability to disrupt opposing teams' offenses. They lead the league in forcing turnovers, with Williams and Cecilia Zandalasini each averaging over a steal per game. By creating turnovers and limiting opponents' scoring opportunities, the Valkyries can control the pace of the game and give their offense more chances to shine.
However, the team's lack of size presents a unique challenge. Their tallest player, Kiah Stokes, is often at a height disadvantage against other teams' bigs. To counter this, the Valkyries focus on forcing opponents to take difficult shots from awkward angles, particularly in the paint. Their strategy has paid off, as they allow the fewest points in the paint per game in the WNBA.
Despite their solid defensive performance, the Valkyries have struggled to prevent successful three-point shots, ranking in the bottom three in that category. This has allowed opposing teams to find their scoring rhythm from beyond the arc.
Recognizing the importance of rebounding, Coach Natalie Nakase emphasizes the need for players to "box out" and claim space, especially against taller opponents. The team's guards have stepped up, rebounding 11.8 times per game, which is sixth in the league. However, their center rebounding, at 5.0 rebounds per game, leaves room for improvement.
The Valkyries' small ball lineup, featuring players like Kayla Thornton and Janelle Salaun, has struggled defensively, allowing the third-most rebounds per game in the league. To address their height issues, the team recently signed 6-foot-4 center Nadia Fingall, who could provide much-needed size and presence in the paint.
While the defensive scheme has largely worked, the Valkyries understand that they still have work to do to reach their goal of becoming the best defensive team in the league. Coach Nakase emphasizes the importance of staying focused and committed to their defensive identity.
"We know we rely on our defense, it starts there," Nakase said. "We just have to make sure we stay on top of that and continue to improve."
As the season progresses, the Valkyries will need to find the right balance between their elite defense and an improved offense to achieve their goals and establish themselves as a true force in the WNBA.
