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00:00Лава Куриер,
00:01the former number two overall pick in 2021,
00:03is back in the starting lineup for the Wings
00:05and for the Golden State Valkyries.
00:07Gabby Williams, how about her offensive run?
00:09Four straight games of 15-plus points
00:12playing some of her best offensive basketball.
00:15Head coach Jose Fernandez for the Dallas Wings
00:19spent considerable time in South Florida
00:21where he went to ten NCAA tournaments
00:23and produced over 100 players
00:24that would go on to play professionally.
00:26And he spent some time at the Team USA training camp
00:30in Puerto Rico with Natalie Nakase
00:32who said her team has to empty the tank defensively
00:36tonight against Dallas
00:37as they continue to push, push, push with the energy
00:41and listen, Morgan, what a game we are getting set for.
00:45Ball holla already rocking here
00:47and the challenge against this Dallas Wings team
00:51is their ability to score in transition
00:55number two in the league at fast break points.
00:57They have five players that can pass the ball.
00:59I just hope we see a fast-paced game here tonight.
01:02I think this one is going to be fun.
01:03You can tell the crowd is already in it.
01:05The ball is tipped and controlled by the Wings.
01:08The Wings have won six out of their last eight games.
01:11They go to the post.
01:12It's Beckers defended by Williams.
01:14Williams gets a hand up.
01:16Beckers can't get it.
01:17And an early stop for the Valkyries.
01:21That was one thing we were going to key in on.
01:24The man-to-man matchups there.
01:26We saw Williams on Beckers in the early going.
01:30Burden up top checked by Agumbo Wale.
01:34And right now you see Shepard giving a little bit of space to Stokes.
01:38The pass to Stokes through the lane.
01:40The lay-in can't get it.
01:41Beckers was flattened by the screen.
01:43She's slow to get up.
01:44That ball tipped out of bounds.
01:46Valkyries ball.
01:47That's the type of action you want to see.
01:48The pick-and-roll offense between those two.
01:51Stokes had an open lane to the basket.
01:55You see this big screen by Kia Stokes.
01:58Laying out Paige to the ground.
02:00Allowing it to be that four-and-five situation.
02:03But they got the ball back.
02:04It's a fair screen.
02:05And you've got Reichel-William, Katherine Chang,
02:07and Kelly Broomfield as your officials.
02:09They let that one go.
02:10And you appreciate the physical play.
02:12Williams steps into a triple.
02:14No good.
02:15Rebound to Shepard.
02:17Shepard with the only two triple-doubles in the W this year.
02:20And that is what the Wings do.
02:21They will fly down the court.
02:22You have to pick them up in transition.
02:24We said she's the hub of this offense.
02:26And her just pushing it up the floor and making that pass.
02:30Man.
02:30One of the rare point forwards.
02:32You look at her.
02:34You look at Alyssa Thomas.
02:35They are such difficult match-ups.
02:36And really put pressure on the defense.
02:39Williams trying to put some pressure on the Wings defense.
02:41KT the pump fake into the lane.
02:43Chechi.
02:44The drive.
02:45Three on the shot clock.
02:46Rises.
02:46Goes up and rolls it in.
02:48There you go.
02:49Attack the paint.
02:51But also be aggressive and look for yours.
02:53Don't just go there to look for that spray to get the outdoor pass.
02:56That was Chechi overall weekend.
02:59Chechi coming off the 10-point performance.
03:01They go inside Agumawale.
03:03Checks by Ferdinand Agumawale.
03:05Can't connect.
03:08One thing the Valkyries have done well defensively.
03:11They hold opponents to just 45% shooting on twos this season.
03:17It's the best in the W and a turnover from Chechi.
03:20And AZ Fudd with those active hands right away getting that ball.
03:25Williams continues to defend Beckers.
03:28It's Stokes on Shepard.
03:30Shepard a very mobile big.
03:32Stokes will give her a little bit of space.
03:33Beckers off the screen.
03:35Gets to her left.
03:35These two defenders.
03:37Burton goes out to close out.
03:39Three to shoot.
03:40Shepard.
03:40Stokes in front of her.
03:41Shepard's going to have to put it up.
03:42Faze away.
03:43Bothered by Stokes and just tip your cap to Shepard there.
03:47What a look by Shepard in the middle of the paint.
03:50Because you're exactly right.
03:51Stokes having her hands up the entire time.
03:54Contesting that shot.
03:55Trying to take that one away from her.
03:59KT the dribble handoff to Williams.
04:03So far in the early going.
04:04We saw the Valkyries in that win against the Sparks.
04:08Not force a lot of shots as Burton can't get the floater.
04:12And here come the wings running down the floor.
04:14Thornton gets back to wall off Shepard.
04:17Scramble on defense now for the Valkyries.
04:20Chechi trying to use the sides against Beckers.
04:22Great on wall defense.
04:24Clear no good with the three.
04:26And it all started with that transition defense by the Valkyries.
04:29Getting back in time.
04:30Not allowing just Shepard to get anything she wanted to.
04:33How about Chechi just using her feet to wall off Beckers.
04:35Beckers couldn't get into her bucket.
04:38Chechi the handoff.
04:40Uses the re-screen from Stokes.
04:41Fade away over Beckers.
04:43Her jumper too strong.
04:45That's going to be a tougher look for Chechi.
04:47Page longer defender getting those hands up.
04:49You saw Shepard already trying to find somebody in transition.
04:52She'll settle for the baseline jumper.
04:54And she has hit back to back shots for herself.
04:56And it just doesn't matter who it is on this wing squad.
04:59You see right there Arike with that nice little pocket pass.
05:03The Shepard.
05:03Everyone's capable of moving around that basketball.
05:06Valkyries just one for five to start.
05:08Here's Thornton who misses that one.
05:10So some rough waters when it comes to shooting and the early going for the Valkyries.
05:14And just Shepard being strong and aggressive.
05:17Shot clock winding down over Kia Stokes.
05:20And then right here with the handoff to Arike.
05:22Back to Shepard for the middie.
05:25Wings are three of six from the field to start this one.
05:28You see the back door cut.
05:29They switch back.
05:31Kuweer puts it on the floor.
05:32Throws it to the front row.
05:34And that will be Valkyries ball.
05:35But you saw how well Golden State was able to get to their switches and then get back.
05:40Golden State just disrupting right there.
05:43Making Kuweer think twice as she was going down the middle of the paint.
05:46Didn't have no delay.
05:48Try to pass it out.
05:48Out of bounds.
05:50Janelle Salon will check in for Kayla Thornton.
05:54So an early substitution.
05:57Just under six minutes left here in the first quarter.
06:00And I feel like this is an early substitution we saw last game as well.
06:03Getting Janelle in there to get you some more offense from beyond the arc.
06:07Yeah to your point unfortunately just one of six shooting.
06:09Williams changes that as she hits the jumper.
06:12There we go.
06:13Keep attacking that paint.
06:14That's where Chechi had a shot early on.
06:16You saw a little bit of full court pressure there to slow down the wings as well.
06:19I like picking up 94 feet.
06:21Shepard spinning.
06:22Shepard going up.
06:23And she has hit a couple of really difficult shots here in the first quarter.
06:27All right.
06:27We talked about her being the hub of the offense.
06:29Being able to find everyone.
06:31But right now she's looking for hers.
06:32She's three of three with six points.
06:35Many people have her penciled in as an all-star this year with her versatility in the new role of
06:39Dallas.
06:40Williams the drive goes right by Beckert to the rim.
06:43And what a take by Gabby.
06:45As soon as she got that first step she went all the way to finish strong on Paige Beckert.
06:51The Valkyries now with back-to-back buckets.
06:56Tumbo Wale uses the Shepard screen.
06:58Mid-range jumper.
06:59No good.
07:02Here's Burton.
07:03Valkyries can tie or take the lead here.
07:06Burton the crossover.
07:07Oh!
07:07Left foot behind.
07:08It got tripped up.
07:09Able to save the dribble.
07:10What a smart pass to Salon.
07:12Salon though the turnover.
07:13Kuiar was able to break it up.
07:15Second turnover for the Valkyries.
07:17Cross-court pass.
07:18Valks all over it.
07:19They have to scramble.
07:21Agubo Wale for three.
07:22And they were able to catch the Valkyries slipping.
07:25So a five point lead for the Wings.
07:27They come out shooting the ball well.
07:29Five of nine to start the game.
07:31Tenarike and Gubo Wale passing that ball around.
07:35Knocking down her shots early on here in the first quarter.
07:46Beckers and Chen.
07:47It was right after that team had lost on the road at Tennessee.
07:50And they completely turned things around and just steamrolled
07:53through the rest of the country and won the title eventually.
07:56It was a sight to see.
07:57So they're taught to play basketball at just a different level
08:00within that program.
08:02But on top of that to have truly a different type of mentality
08:05to make those adjustments and have that type of season.
08:09Now you wonder what adjustments the Valkyries will make.
08:12Kyla Charles on the floor.
08:15As well as Leticia Meek here seeing an early appearance
08:18and a turnover.
08:18That's the third already for the Valkyries.
08:23Inside Sheppard trying to post up against Sandalocini.
08:25She's got six points now.
08:27Eight already in the first quarter.
08:28And look how quick they get into that Jordan.
08:31As soon as Paige came down the floor.
08:33She sees Jess Sheppard seal off her purse and feeds her the basketball.
08:37Been a rough start offensively for Golden State.
08:40Trying to establish a little bit of rhythm here.
08:42The screen from Ami here.
08:43Burton over to Sandalocini.
08:45And then she is hand checked by Fudd.
08:48That will be a foul against the wings.
08:50And Jess Sheppard once again early sealing off.
08:54Chechi down low.
08:55And what a finish too.
08:57Being strong with that body.
08:59Even getting pushed out by Chechi.
09:01And still finding a way to make that shot.
09:04Sheppard with eight of the wings.
09:0613 points.
09:07The wings shooting 60% in the early going.
09:11Fudd trying to recover.
09:12Charles the drive walled off by Gumbawale.
09:16And Fudd with the steal.
09:17It's another forced turnover by the wings.
09:20Fudd goes coast to coast.
09:21Can't get the finish.
09:23Rebound Valkyries.
09:24Valkyries have done a good job with their transition defense so far.
09:27Especially with some of the mistakes that they're making.
09:30The three is good.
09:32Much needed for Golden State.
09:36You like seeing Charles get that stop on one end.
09:40Get the ball down the right side for three.
09:44The terrapin with some turtle power there to get the Valkyries closer.
09:48Sheppard has double figures already.
09:50You know before the game, Coach Fernandez was asked about,
09:55When did you know that Jess Sheppard was special?
09:57He said, I always knew she was special.
10:00And you're seeing it on display early on here.
10:03Sheppard was with the Minnesota Lynx last year.
10:06A key part of that team.
10:07And she and her former teammate, Alana Smith, both come over to Dallas.
10:12And now a foul against Chechi.
10:15And that will give the ball to Dallas.
10:18And you've got to bring it up, unfortunately.
10:21Five turnovers now for the Valkyries.
10:23Especially now as you're seeing your offense really being created off of some of these good
10:27defensive plays.
10:29You have to find a way to also have some of that offense in the half court set.
10:32Charles did a great job there.
10:34Surveys.
10:34Comes on back on the outside to get that three.
10:37But Sheppard just going downhill attacking.
10:41No one is stepping in front of her.
10:43She's got to feel some resistance.
10:44Tiffany Hayes will check in.
10:47As well as Shook Sutton, who was recently picked up by the wing.
10:50She was waived by the Portland Fire earlier.
10:53Alana Smith getting her first run.
10:55Becker's bottled up.
10:56Becker's tough shot.
10:57Somehow find an opening.
10:58It looked like a little miscommunication there defensively as Charles stayed on Page.
11:02But Page had an open look for that mid-range.
11:068 of 13 are the wings to get things started.
11:09Burton, two of me here.
11:11Hayes on the perimeter.
11:12She goes baseline.
11:13Hayes got it for the lead.
11:15Oh, we love when Tib Hayes gets in the game and just starts attacking.
11:19The baseline drive stays squared.
11:21Now the Valkyries just need to try and generate some stops here.
11:26Becker's bitter powder dribbles.
11:28Smith lines up the triple.
11:30She hits it.
11:31Wow.
11:32Really feels like everyone's just connected on this wing squad tonight.
11:36I mean, they felt like that the last couple of games as well.
11:39But you're seeing it here against this Valkyries defense.
11:43Salon at the cup.
11:45Can't get it.
11:45Ball batted around into the hands of Becker's.
11:48This is the Dallas team coming off a 30-point win at home against the Aces.
11:52Sutton left all alone in the corner.
11:55It's a shooting clinic for the wings.
11:57They are starting to fly away here in the first quarter.
11:59I think you're missing some communication right now defensively for the Valkyries.
12:03Getting back.
12:04You're seeing the cross matches.
12:06You've got to talk it up.
12:07Burton the drive.
12:08She is sent to the floor.
12:09That will be a foul on Sutton as she goes to help Burton off the floor.
12:14And Becker's continues to just operate this offense at a high level.
12:18You see here when Tib comes over to help and then runs away,
12:21she says thank you very much.
12:23Step through.
12:24Get that baseline midi.
12:25And then here the cross-court pass to Sutton for the corner three.
12:31Just absolutely beautiful, precise pass.
12:34Kaitlin Chen will check into the game for the Valkyries.
12:39Shepard checks out.
12:40Maddie Segrist comes in for the wings.
12:42She's been in the starting lineup a few times this season as well too.
12:46Salon challenging Smith.
12:47The co-defensive player of the year gets taken to the rack.
12:51And a chance for one more for Salon.
12:53There you go, Janelle Salon.
12:55That's what you want to see.
12:56She's not settling for that outside step back three.
12:59No.
13:00She's taken Smith all the way to the rack and getting to the line.
13:03And for the Valkyries, here's the thing.
13:04There's a lot of basketball left in this game.
13:06You get the sense you're maybe taking the wings best punch here in the beginning of the game.
13:10They're shooting 10 of 15.
13:12Jeff Shepard hasn't missed a shot.
13:14Meanwhile, you've turned the ball over five times, yet you're still within striking distance.
13:18What you're feeling right now is, alright, we need to take care of the basketball
13:22because they're capitalizing on every single one of our mistakes right now
13:25and feeling the momentum off of that.
13:28Nine points off of turnovers for the wings to your point.
13:31Mowale off the handoff.
13:33Smith lays a heavy screen.
13:34Hayes gets discombobulated a little bit.
13:37Sutton, the catch in the corner, trying to work against Chen.
13:39The lay-in is good.
13:40Oh, my, my.
13:42You see the defense really having to work hard.
13:46And Sutton just driving across the paint to get that lay-in.
13:49Sutton with a double-digit score.
13:51And then Chen, challenge, loses it out of bounds.
13:54That'll give the ball back to the wings.
13:56Some impressive defense by the wings, too.
13:59You're seeing the perimeter pressure, the active hands.
14:01It doesn't matter if it's people coming off the bench or that starting lineup.
14:08Becker's looking to use the screen.
14:10Charles stayed in front of her.
14:13Smith, another three, off target, rebounded.
14:17Charles, she just rips it away.
14:19Hayes pushing the break.
14:21Thought about going downhill.
14:23We'll slow things down a little bit here.
14:28And he is spacing.
14:29Fifteen seconds left here in the first quarter.
14:31Five-second differential between shot and game clock.
14:34Hayes, the drive.
14:35Hayes caught at Solange.
14:37She's going to let that fly.
14:38It's good!
14:43Agumbo Wale, the bounce pass to Segrist.
14:47Segrist is trying to beat the horn.
14:48No good.
14:50But then we have a whistle.
14:52And is this going to go against the Valkyries?
14:55It does.
14:56A foul against Hayes and two shots coming for Maddie Segrist.
15:01You know, I think where they got it was with the body right away.
15:06She kind of comes into Segrist as Segrist was just trying to be strong,
15:10having the size advantage going up.
15:12But yeah, for Tip, coming down too a little bit with those hands as she was
15:16trying to stay with Segrist.
15:18That's a tough one with the clock winding down.
15:21There's a saying that echoes across blacktops across the country.
15:26Jordan Kent.
15:27What is that saying?
15:28Just refresh my memory.
15:29I will not be saying this.
15:30Okay.
15:31Follow the line.
15:33Segrist splits a pair.
15:34.3.
15:35You just get this in.
15:36So a first quarter in which Dallas shoots 65% from the field.
15:41The Valkyries have six turnovers.
15:44It's just a nine-point lead for Dallas.
15:46Valkyries will regroup and get set for the second quarter when we come back.
15:51Strengthened her case in the first quarter.
15:53She came into this game ready to go.
15:56Attacking the paint.
15:57Attacking anyone that was in front of her.
16:00You see her go up against Kia Stokes and right there just pop out for the mid-range shot.
16:04And then in transition, you're seeing her do a lot of different things.
16:08Seal off.
16:09Chechu Zandalicini right there getting low.
16:11But we've also seen her just take the ball, beat that point forward, and go downhill.
16:16She is special from everywhere on the floor right now.
16:18As you said, five of five, ten points, two rebounds, and an assist already.
16:24And the Wings came out shooting at a high clip.
16:2811 of 17, 65%.
16:30But the big thing is for the Valkyries that lead the league in fewest turnovers per game,
16:34and just under 11 per game, had six in the first quarter that led to nine points for the Wings.
16:41Salon, no hesitation.
16:42She is fouled as she goes up, and she is stepping on the pedal here already.
16:46And I like that rip through on Segris and just attacking her once again.
16:51I think Salon has been so much more aggressive with that.
16:55I'm not sure if someone told her, hey, just attack.
16:58You have the size.
16:59You're able to do this.
17:01Get the line, and that's what we've been seeing.
17:03And Golden State has the league's highest scoring bench at just over 34 points per game,
17:08and you get the sense this is a game in which the bench truly needs to out-produce what they
17:15typically do,
17:16just because they have such an advantage it feels like against the Dallas bench here.
17:19They have to.
17:20They have to.
17:20I mean, it's all about the depth tonight, and if you are that second unit taking care of the ball.
17:25Charles rips it away from Segris.
17:27Awfully quick jump ball call right there.
17:31Hmm.
17:32And, of course, it was Charles that got in there and almost got that rebound,
17:36but instead it will be a jump ball as they try to get another possession.
17:40Charles at the eight rebounds, 13 points off the bench,
17:43and that victory against the Sparks will now jump it off against Maddie Segris
17:48as she wins the tip.
17:50Hayes will chase it down.
17:53Eight-point lead now for the Wings.
17:55Hayes blows right by Fogg.
17:57Can't get it, though.
17:59Hayes set to the floor, and down goes Smith, and now Smith is a little slow to get up.
18:08Looks scary for a moment, and they're going to call the foul against Hayes
18:11as she was falling to the floor, and she got pushed into.
18:15Yeah.
18:16Let's see that once again, Jordan.
18:19Yeah, she goes up strong, and then you see her and Segris right there just get a little tripped up.
18:25Her body flies into Smith.
18:27They call the foul on tip.
18:41Wings foul.
18:41Salon will drop.
18:43Shepard rolls.
18:44Salon gets the branches up.
18:45That spills out of bounds off the hands of Shepard.
18:48And great help by Salon.
18:50She is on Jessica Shepard right now, and you saw her in that drop like you just mentioned to help
18:56out.
18:56And Moe, sometimes in that pick and roll, you can almost anticipate what's coming next as a defender.
19:02When you see Shepard rolling, it allows you to anticipate the pass coming.
19:05Oh, absolutely.
19:06And I thought she did a good job anticipating that.
19:09Hayes, corner three.
19:10Oh, bring it up!
19:14Three!
19:16Three!
19:19Three!
19:20Scheele once led by 12 the score has been trimmed to just a five point lead.
19:26Agumbo Wahlay.
19:27Checked by Charles.
19:28Sheffard will set the screen.
19:29Agumbo Wahlay picks it up.
19:32Tsutten.
19:33Trying to shake Chen.
19:35Chen recovers.
19:36Suttin goes up!
19:37It's a foul against Chen.
19:38It comes in late.
19:39Coach Nakase can't believe it.
19:41Man, I thought they were doing such a good job navigating over those screen.
19:46And you see here...
19:47...Chenn driving down the right lane,
19:50Лейн passes it out
19:51to Tiffany Hayes, who is
19:53not even that open in the corner.
19:56AZ Fudd getting out there, getting a hand
19:57in her face. Hayes loved it.
19:59Knocked it down.
20:06Do I need to even ask
20:07what that phrase is?
20:09I think at this point, we know what it is.
20:12Sometimes it's a questionable call.
20:13If there was a camera on us, and just when we
20:15look at each other, people
20:17would know what we're saying.
20:18It has never lied.
20:20The ball has never lied in the history of the game.
20:22As a sudden, it's the second free throw.
20:25See a little bit of full court pressure coming here
20:27from the wings. Williams more than
20:29capable to bring the ball down.
20:33Williams going to go right to Queer.
20:35Charles, opposite corner.
20:37Can't connect.
20:38It's a good look, though. Gabby Williams just attacking
20:41Queer down to get that spray.
20:43Knockers matchup in transition at Sheppard.
20:45That's going to be a touch foul.
20:46And we have got a quick whistle that has been coming out
20:51the last couple of plays here now.
20:53Yeah, and you want to remain aggressive.
20:55And I think for Salon, she was trying to be physical
20:59with Sheppard, but might have grabbed her waist
21:01just a little bit too much on the other side.
21:06Becker's back in the game.
21:08Williams checking her.
21:14Agumbo Wale.
21:16Shen chases her three to shoot.
21:18Agumbo Wale, the step-back three.
21:22Just a pure, pure shooter and score.
21:26Agumbo Wale helped guide Notre Dame to a national title 2018.
21:33She's used to hitting shots against UConn.
21:35Shen barrels through the defense.
21:38It goes up with the left.
21:39She protected that ball like it was a football
21:42going down that left lane to get it to go.
21:48Bud, the handoff to Becker.
21:50Bud working around the screen.
21:52Cut off by KT.
21:53Sheppard the drive.
21:54Hayes stays in front.
21:55Sheppard going baseline.
21:57Whips the pass.
21:57Becker's able to recover.
22:00Five to shoot.
22:01Williams defending.
22:02Sheppard sets the screen.
22:03KT comes out.
22:04Becker's no good.
22:06Being super physical on Jess Sheppard
22:09starting off that defense.
22:11Shen.
22:11The cross over.
22:12Oh!
22:13Left her in the dust.
22:15Kaitlyn Chen in the floor.
22:19We see you, Kaitlyn Chen.
22:22Wow!
22:23Taking everyone to the rack right now.
22:25She's got to keep attacking.
22:26This is when the Valkyries need a stop
22:29to light it up here in Valhalla.
22:31Dumbo Wallace, step-back jumper.
22:34No good.
22:35It's along the board.
22:39Williams, spot-up three.
22:41Oh!
22:42Oh!
22:43Gabby, Gabby!
22:46Oh!
22:46Oh!
22:46Oh!
22:46Oh!
22:47Oh!
22:52Oh!
23:00They would need to come up big tonight
23:01and their opportunities, 19 points already in this game.
23:05They've been huge.
23:06Obviously, Kaitlyn Chen attacking.
23:08You've seen Tiffany Hayes not only attack,
23:10but making some outside shots as well.
23:12You're feeling their confidence.
23:15Bud, mid-range jumper.
23:16No good.
23:17Dallas starting to run into a little trouble offensively.
23:21Burton and Stokes back in the game for the Valkyries.
23:25Williams turns the corner.
23:27Cat-like quickness picks up the foul.
23:31What a smart take by Gabby just to make a quick move.
23:35No hesitation.
23:37The decision was there to attack.
23:38You said the magic word, in my opinion, quick.
23:41Right now, it feels like the Valkyrie guards are just one step quicker offensively
23:47than the wing defenders, and they are just taking them to the cup time and time again.
23:51And it feels like this game didn't start like that
23:53as Gabby Williams misses that first free throw,
23:56and whatever adjustment or whatever they were told in that timeout
24:01that Natalie Nkasi took early, they took that on,
24:04and there's been no hesitations at all.
24:06One-point game.
24:09As we mentioned, the wings led by as many as 12 earlier in this contest.
24:16Bud chases down the pass, defended by her former teammate, Caitlin Chen.
24:21BB runs around the screen.
24:23Shepard with KT defending her.
24:25Shepard, no good.
24:26Rebound Valkyries.
24:28Just straight-up discipline from KT.
24:31Burton sizes things up.
24:33KT, little hand-off to Chen, nearly lost it.
24:38Slow pass, Williams another three.
24:41It's so good!
24:44That was the first time we saw a little bit more of a hesitation getting that pass to Williams.
24:49She still took it in the shooter's pocket, knocked it down.
24:53Valkyries take the two-point lead.
24:55The comeback has been completed thus far.
24:58Becker's mid-side goal-off, two defenders, in and out.
25:03And that's her look, Jordan.
25:04That's her shot.
25:06Burton hits the accelerator, kicks it out.
25:09KT hands it up to Gabby.
25:11She's had the hot hand.
25:12Pete check here.
25:13Can't connect.
25:14Rebound Burton.
25:15KT up top.
25:17Another look.
25:17Oh, it is cash money!
25:32It's like that, Valhalla.
25:34It's like that.
25:36Sure is right now.
25:39Everyone's moving around that basketball.
25:42Sherry is carrying.
25:44Getting rewarded.
25:45Knocking it down.
25:46That was off of an offensive rebound.
25:49KT getting the three.
25:55I'm so proud of courtside.
25:57You guys got up.
25:59Go, Rodney.
26:00Let's go.
26:02Now, Nate.
26:04Go.
26:04No more.
26:05Five-point lead for the Valkyries.
26:075-10 left in this first half.
26:09Matt Lively, talk to me about the energy in this building and what you heard down there.
26:13Yeah, it's high right now, Jordan.
26:15Natalie Nakase called out her team after Friday's win over Seattle.
26:19She didn't like the energy.
26:20Kyle O'Charles said, our coach should never have to call us out.
26:23They responded Monday.
26:24I would say the energy in the first quarter was not what Natalie Nakase wanted.
26:28And look at how they responded.
26:29From a 12-point deficit to a five-point lead.
26:33Shepard with four on the shot clock.
26:35It's been a 14-0 run for the Valkyries.
26:37Shepard in the deep end.
26:39Can't get it.
26:40Seven missed shots in a row for the Wings.
26:44Just some really impressive defense by the Valkyries.
26:48They're walking in and they're communicating.
26:51Williams with 11 points.
26:53Stops on a dime.
26:54Oh, she is on one tonight, folks.
26:57Do not give Gabby Williams any space right now.
27:02Every shot she sees, she likes.
27:04That was with Becker's in her face.
27:05A 16-0 run.
27:07The Valkyries, zero turnovers in this quarter.
27:11Eight straight missed shots for the Wings.
27:18Shed trying to get it to Williams.
27:20Williams has been a supernova here in the second quarter.
27:24Burton.
27:25Over to Williams.
27:27Williams for three.
27:28It's short.
27:29KT takes it down.
27:30Can't get the bucket but picks up the foul.
27:32The hustle rewarded.
27:35Well, here's your game summary.
27:37This thing flipped on its head here in the second quarter.
27:39It's a 16-0 run for Golden State.
27:42They're 6-10 from beyond the arc.
27:43Williams with 13.
27:45Salon with seven.
27:46The bench has chipped in.
27:4619 points, Morgan.
27:48It's been all about these paint touches on the offensive end.
27:51You're just seeing them make the Wings' defense shift everywhere on the floor.
27:56Every time they're aggressive and they attack, the Wings have to think twice.
28:01And it looks like they're going to go and challenge this foul.
28:05So as it stands right now, Kayla Thornton would be at the free throw line.
28:13And you go back to generating stops defensively.
28:16Always helps.
28:17For protecting the basketball.
28:19The Valkyries had six turnovers in the first quarter.
28:22They've yet to turn the ball over here in the second quarter.
28:25Over six minutes of play.
28:27It's been impressive the way they've been able to take care of the basketball.
28:30And you see this offensive rebound by Kayla Thornton.
28:35And I'm not sure the foul, if anything, it would have come from where before the shot.
28:41I was going to say, was the foul more of a loose ball foul right here?
28:45Well, we're looking on the big screen in the building.
28:49The chop kind of comes down before Kayla Thornton gets the ball.
28:53So it'll be fascinating to see if the officials, A, will call the foul earlier.
28:57If they don't, they give clean possession back to the Wings because you saw Shepard kind of corral it.
29:03But let's take another look at this here.
29:05Here's the shot.
29:09It's such a marginal contact, right?
29:12If anything, she's just trying to box out Kayla Thornton as she was crashing.
29:18And her arm comes down.
29:20You fight through that.
29:21But the unbiased basketball eye of mine would say, no foul, play on.
29:28I'm with you on that, Jordan.
29:31And again, from this angle now, the shot, Thornton.
29:36Yeah, it's just marginal contact.
29:38And, you know, it's so tough about these challenges, too.
29:41You know how I feel about this.
29:43The rule should be you win the challenge, you get possession.
29:47And I believe they have overturned the call, and it's a clean rebound by Jess Shepard.
29:53So that'll give Dallas the ball, and that's exactly what you're looking for when you use your challenge.
29:58That's what you want to see, and that's why, too, you need to make sure you're always going after the
30:05basketball after every single whistle.
30:08You never know when it's going to be challenged, and that could be such a huge possession for anyone in
30:14any game.
30:16But for Dallas, it slows the game down for them a little bit, too, because all the momentum was in
30:22the hands of the Valkyries, and rightfully so.
30:25They were generating stops and hitting shots as well, too.
30:28Valkyries 14-25, 56% from the field.
30:32Shooting 6 of 11 from 3 now, good for 54%.
30:36I just want to see the Valkyries continue to attack the paint.
30:41Every single time they get in there, you're just seeing some great actions out of it.
30:47And the Wings defense, they're doing a good job of staying with people, but as soon as they shift or
30:52even are a step off,
30:53the no hesitations by the Valkyries offense has really allowed them to get an open look.
30:58And that's where teams have really hurt the Wings all season long.
31:00And the paint in restricted areas, Pertin just rips it away from Paige Beckers.
31:06It's the fourth turnover for the Wings.
31:10Charles turning the corner.
31:11Charles spinning.
31:12Oh, puts it up with the left.
31:13Can't get it.
31:14That would have been a gorgeous finish.
31:17Wow, what a move.
31:18As soon as that help defense came up, spinning just can't get it to go.
31:22Beckers just two points so far in the first half has been bottled up.
31:26The jumper, no good, skips off the rim.
31:28Shepard able to claim the rebound.
31:30Fudd, the three, it's off.
31:32Dallas can't hit a shot here in the second.
31:35And AZ Fudd has one of the most beautiful shots in the league,
31:38and it's just not been able to drop.
31:40And for even Paige Beckers, she's getting where she wants to be on the floor.
31:44I think the Valkyries' intensity is really messy.
31:47The backdoor cut.
31:48Burton gets it to the corner.
31:50KT for three, no good.
31:52Who else flying in for the board?
31:54It's Charles.
31:55Chen up top for three.
31:57Oh, yes, you can bank at night, folks.
32:03Wow.
32:05Coming off a second chance opportunity, the extra effort, the hustle from the Valkyries,
32:10grabbing that board and finding Chen.
32:13How fitting in the Chase Center, you can do some late-night banking.
32:17Here's Charles trying to chase.
32:19Becker's around the screen.
32:21Charles goes down the pocket pass.
32:23Kruir has to go through a lot of contact.
32:25Nothing easy coming on that end of the floor.
32:27And Kaitlin Chen's been huge off the bench, being available at the top of the key,
32:33banking in the three, laughing on the way back.
32:36Oh, man.
32:39We should not laugh or shy away from a banked three.
32:43If the ball goes in, you bank it in anywhere on the floor, you're using the glass.
32:49It's a fundamental thing.
32:52First point from Kruir.
32:54And I'm with you.
32:55Listen, back in my day when I played, I'd take a shot that went in anyway.
33:00I'd be happy with that.
33:01You were banking threes all day.
33:05Missed shot.
33:06Burton comes screaming in for the rebound.
33:10The lead is nine.
33:12Keep in mind, the Valkyries trailed by 12 in the first quarter.
33:17Burton off the handoff.
33:18Attacking bud.
33:19Burton lowers the shoulder.
33:21Can't get the bucket.
33:22Shepard with the rebound.
33:25Shepard wants to solo run it in transition.
33:28Picks up her dribble.
33:29Charles all over her.
33:30The strength of Charles right now to just try and keep Shepard at bay.
33:35Shepard, lots of dribbling.
33:37Shepard, nowhere to go, but finally puts it in.
33:39Many people felt it was a travel or a hook.
33:42Well, I was seeing the hook on that.
33:43I thought Shepard did that a few times, and I've seen that early on,
33:46but I felt like that was the most obvious as she was getting hounded by Charles.
33:53The first bugle since the eight-minute mark in the second quarter for the Wings.
33:58Just under 1.30 left here in the first half.
34:00Chen gets a running start.
34:01What's the go to work?
34:03Chen, ha-ha!
34:04Tingby back in time with the hook shot.
34:07From the inside, from the outside, Kaitlin Chen is doing it all right now.
34:14Just took Isaiah James straight to the cup.
34:17Beckers tries the silencer.
34:18No good.
34:20Charles, another rebound.
34:22That's her third already.
34:25Nine-point lead.
34:26Under a minute left here in the first half.
34:31Burton thought about the three.
34:33Draw Shepard with the puller out now.
34:35It stokes down low.
34:36The pass.
34:37Stokes.
34:37The catch.
34:38A bunch.
34:39Everybody else gets the finish.
34:41The size advantage, but now you're seeing the Wings push the ball up quick.
34:45You've got to get back.
34:46The largest lead of the game for the Valkyries.
34:49Fudd curling flips the pass.
34:51Kuiar, the catch outside.
34:54Ten to shoot.
34:55Shepard wants to keep it herself again.
34:57Shepard goes up.
34:58No good.
34:59Stokes just pulled it away.
35:01The strength.
35:03Here's Burton.
35:05She'll slow it down.
35:06Five-second differential to his shot and game clock.
35:10Stokes up top.
35:11Still plenty of time.
35:12Ten on the shot clock.
35:13The handoff to Charles.
35:16Fudd goes underneath.
35:17Charles kicks it to the corner.
35:19Ten for three.
35:20No good.
35:21Shepard the rebound.
35:22The Wings will get one more look.
35:24Shepard up ahead.
35:25Kuiar trying to keep it alive.
35:28It's James to beat the horn.
35:29No good.
35:31What a second quarter from the Valkyries.
35:34They hold the Wings to just seven points and completely take over this game.
35:40And it's Kaitlin.
35:41On transition, you know, our players really, like, connected together that second quarter
35:45and kind of, like, brought the fight you've got to have to win one of these games.
35:48Kaitlin Chen has taken that UConn rivalry pretty seriously.
35:53Plus 20 in the second quarter.
35:54What did you see from her?
35:55She's done a great job of just changing the pace, being able to get into the paint,
35:59whether it's getting her own shots at the rim and even defensively, like,
36:02trying to get after their players.
36:03She's brought a great energy off the bench for us.
36:05Good luck in the second half.
36:06Thank you.
36:08So, Coach Tatum giving the reason for the defensive improvement, the physicality,
36:12but offensively, we just saw the Valkyries guards have no issue getting by
36:15the perimeter defenders for Dallas.
36:17No, they've done such a great job of just being aggressive in attacking them
36:21and attacking the feet.
36:23And there it is, the first turnover since the first quarter.
36:26Credit the quick hands of the Wings.
36:29Now you wonder what Dallas would come out with.
36:31Becker's nearly lost.
36:32It had bounced off her head.
36:34That's off the foot of Burton, and that'll be Wings ball on the baseline.
36:37At least you're seeing off of some of these mistakes.
36:40They're doing a great job of recovering, getting back right there, baseline that bounce.
36:44They switch on the screen there.
36:46Chechi gets out to Fudd.
36:48She gets to the mid-range jumper.
36:49She's able to hit it her first two points of the night.
36:53I was going to say a shot that she was missing in that first half,
36:56and a shot that we've seen so easy for her this season.
36:58Well, we were highlighting it.
36:59Kaitlin Chen played on that 20-25 national championship team with UConn.
37:03As Williams fades away, can't get the jumper.
37:06She has nine points.
37:07Chen does.
37:08Beckers and Fudd combined.
37:10Her teammates on the national championship team, just four combined.
37:13And Grimbo Waller is going to pick up the foul and go to the hoop.
37:16So Dallas might sprint out of the gate with potentially five points here
37:20to start the third quarter.
37:21And this is what they're going to have to do to get back in this game.
37:24Their guards, the high-powered offense from some of these guys,
37:31just attacking the rim, being aggressive.
37:33You talked about Page and AZ and what they've been capable of doing
37:37throughout this season compared to what you're seeing tonight in the Valkyries bench.
37:42You're going to probably see a different second half for this week's team.
37:4524 bench points for the Valkyries.
37:49They average, as we said before, a league-high 34.4.
37:54And so far, the Wings have found a little bit more flight here in the third quarter.
37:59They generate another steal.
38:00They're off and running.
38:01Agumbo Waller, the three.
38:048-0 run from Dallas.
38:06They take an 11-point deficit and slash it to three in a matter of 72 seconds there.
38:14Oh, I was just saying for you.
38:15It won't.
38:17Neither of us could fill the sleeves in our household, we'll put it that way here.
38:20A miss from the Valkyries.
38:22Back the other way.
38:23Queer running.
38:24Becker to the corner.
38:26Wings could tie it on this possession.
38:28Shepard, no good.
38:30So Dallas, three of four here in the third quarter.
38:34They have eight points.
38:36That's one point more than what they scored in the entirety of the second quarter.
38:39Burton trying to get this Valkyries offense going.
38:41Shepard switches on to her.
38:43Stokes down low.
38:44The three from Zandalasini.
38:46No good.
38:46Rebound.
38:47Williams comes in.
38:48Oh, just pulled it away for her.
38:49Flexed on him, Gabby.
38:52You need those moments right now, Jordan, with the way that this quarter has started.
38:57It's all about those extra effort plays.
39:00Ripping that ball away from Arike Agumbo Waller.
39:03She was going up for that rebound as well.
39:05Gabby Williams sticks with it.
39:07Gets the and-one opportunity.
39:09Free throw coming for her.
39:10Let's bring in Matt Lively for more.
39:11And Gabby Williams is having a special day.
39:14First off, she was announced as the eighth-highest vote-getter for the All-Star game.
39:18So that's a positive note.
39:20On top of that, her mom's in Ball Hall tonight.
39:22She's loving what she's seeing so far out of her daughter.
39:25Got a ball out for mom.
39:27You know that, of course, Morgan.
39:29And now with 16 points, Gabby Williams leading all scorers in this game.
39:33Agumbo Waller really trying to put things into her own hands.
39:37Picks up the foul.
39:38She'll get two free throws.
39:40And this is what you want to see from Arike Agumbo Waller is just this leadership,
39:44the veteran presence from her.
39:46Nobody else is going to get something done.
39:48I'll do it on my own at times.
39:49I think that can really be contagious and get everyone going.
39:57It's the first foul on Kayla Thornton.
40:00Agumbo Waller now with 12 points.
40:02His past Jess Shepard for the team, I am now sitting at 13.
40:07All-Star voting is live.
40:08Valkyries fans, vote the Valks gives you the power to send your favorite Valkyries
40:12to this year's All-Star game.
40:13Today is a two-for-one day.
40:15Your vote counts double.
40:16Visit Valkyries.com slash All-Star.
40:19Better vote or Violet will find you.
40:22She will find you.
40:22She found us last game.
40:23Yeah, she did.
40:24But we got our votes in, so it's all good.
40:27Four-point advantage for the Valkyries still.
40:29Here's Williams coming up the curl.
40:32Stokes will hand it back to Burton.
40:33Burton, long three from outside.
40:35Can't connect.
40:36And the Wings let it slip through their feathers,
40:40and that'll be Valkyries' ball on the baseline.
40:42And I like that look for Veronica Burton.
40:44I know she hasn't gotten anything on the board so far on the offensive end.
40:49An 0 for 4 from the field.
40:50But you saw she just had enough space, and she likes that look from three.
40:54Yeah, to your point, Burton's scoreless in this one.
40:57And so, obviously, we know she's capable of getting it going at any time.
41:01But it's been Williams and the bench that have done the heavy lifting.
41:04Williams for two more.
41:06Can't get the roll.
41:09Sheppard with her eighth rebound to go along with 12 points.
41:11Becker's pushing the break.
41:13Tries to weave a pass to career.
41:16Agumbo Wale thought about it for a second.
41:18Charles was quick to get out to her.
41:20Fudd, the drive, gets to that elbow jumper.
41:23Rebound to Burton.
41:25Here comes the Valkyries flying down the floor.
41:28Burton, oh, she solo ran it and picks up the foul.
41:36Veronica Burton grabbing that ball and going from rim to rim.
41:42Off the missed shot.
41:44Gets the rebound.
41:46Pushes up the floor.
41:47Gets Paige looking left, right, left, right.
41:50Takes the contact.
41:51Goes the line.
41:52That's what you love about Veronica Burton.
41:54She will continue to make winning plays regardless of whether or not she's scoring.
41:59And eventually it breaks open and she gets a play like that to just really swap the momentum in the
42:05game.
42:05It's like the basketball gods are rewarding you for doing the right things out there as a teammate on the
42:10floor.
42:12Lead is back to seven.
42:13Fudd, the drive, tries to rip a pass.
42:15Gouwer gets it over to Becker's.
42:17Pump fake.
42:18Her mid-range jumper is good.
42:21But you don't fault Stokes for chasing her off the three-point line there.
42:25Exactly.
42:25I mean, you're trying to do the right thing.
42:27And for someone like Paige Becker, she's been missing some of those shots in this game.
42:31Finally getting that mid-range to go.
42:33Just four points.
42:34She averages 19 per game.
42:36William.
42:37Step her.
42:38Her three.
42:39Oh, she's starting to feel it.
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