The Golden State Valkyries are on a mission to solidify their defensive prowess in the WNBA. Last season, they made a surprising playoff run, ranking third in defense, but fell short. This year, they aim to be the league's best defensive team, currently sitting at fifth in defensive rating and third in points allowed per game. Point guard Veronica Burton and coach Natalie Nakase express dissatisfaction with their performance, acknowledging inconsistent focus and execution. To address this, they've bolstered their defense with the signing of former Defensive Player of the Year Gabby Williams and first-team defender Kiah Stokes, joining all-WNBA second-team defender Burton. This defensive-minded core is a key asset.
The team's strategy revolves around the basics of defense: forcing turnovers and creating difficult shooting angles. They excel at stealing the ball, with Williams and Cecilia Zandalasini averaging over a steal per game. By shutting down the paint and forcing turnovers, they limit opponents' scoring opportunities. This has led to a 30.0 points-per-game average from the paint, the fewest in the WNBA. However, they struggle with three-point defense, allowing 36.9% of opponents' shots from beyond the arc to go in, ranking in the bottom three.
To counter this, the Valkyries focus on rebounding, especially from guards, who rebound 11.8 times per game, sixth in the league. Center rebounding is also strong at 5.0 rebounds per game, though they could benefit from more size, especially with the recent signing of 6-foot-4 center Nadia Fingall. The team's small-ball lineup has shown defensive weaknesses, allowing 35.7 rebounds per game, the third most in the league.
Despite these challenges, the Valkyries' defensive scheme has been effective, and they've improved offensively. However, to achieve their goal of being the best defensive team, they must address their weaknesses, particularly in three-point defense and rebounding. Coach Nakase emphasizes the importance of staying focused on their defensive identity, as they strive to reach the top of the league.
The Valkyries' journey to defensive supremacy is an intriguing narrative, blending solid fundamentals with the need for strategic adjustments. Their success will depend on their ability to execute consistently and adapt to the challenges of the WNBA.
