Kate Martin Admits Lynx’s Two Massive Threats Loom Large on Valkyries

Golden State Valkyries soared like Icarus in the opening quarter of their postseason debut, but eventually came down. They strangled the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx and led 28-21 after the first break. However, the Lynx showed their championship caliber in the second quarter, stamping their authority with 26 points while conceding only 12. Since then, the Valkyries had no way back, and Kate Martin from the bench is eager to make some changes in Game 2 to keep them alive. 

In the end, the Lynx made light work of the Valkyries, winning 101-72. It was always going to be an uphill task against the title contenders, but fans expected more fight from the Valkyries. They are the “feel-good” story of the season, and the majority of the neutrals were silently rooting for the underdog. After that explosive first quarter, the Valkyries struggled to keep the momentum. But with the 1-1-1 format already fueling upsets by the Fever and Storm, they’ll be eyeing a shock of their own, something Kate Martin says hinges on fixing two key areas.

Martin told the media, “We have to respond better. You know, we have to know that basketball is all about the game of runs, and they’re a really good team, so they’re going to go on their runs. We’re going to have to limit that as much as possible and make adjustments quicker, make in-game adjustments, and you know, learn how to counter some of their pressure, some of the things that they did to us, and the coaches have presented us with a great game plan, and we’re just going to have to execute.”

Against the might of Minnesota, you give them an inch and they will pull the game away, but it wasn’t all about their excellence. The Valkyries quickly lost all of their momentum with the Lynx getting multiple free throws at crucial times, which coach Natalie Nakase took extreme issue with.

“I thought we were in a great flow, you know? We were shooting really well,” Nakase said in the wake of the Game 1 loss. “And then all of a sudden, the fouls. Called consecutively. It wasn’t that the fouls [were] balanced, it’s that the fouls are being called when we’re on a run, and it shifts the momentum.”

The Lynx had 11 free throws in the second quarter as opposed to the Valkyries’ 1. Zooming out, the freethrows did not lean the game towards the Lynx as the Valkyries had 27 freethrows as opposed to the Lynx’s 24, but the flow changed in the second quarter. Back home in game 2, they will look to be less dazed and more prepared. But that was not the only reason Valkyries were dominated, as Martin revealed. 

She further said, “I mean, just like don’t let their physicality like push us off of our spots. Um, you know, still catch the ball where we want and still do what we want to do.”

The Lynx outscored the Valkyries 44-18 in the paint, something they have struggled with all season. They depend on the outside shooting with 37.5% of the Valkyries’ points coming from beyond the arc this season while averaging a league-leading 9.7 made 3s per game, but they were just not falling on the day. The Valkyries finished 9-of-31 (29%)  from beyond the arc and shot 33.1 % from the field. They were even beaten 36-26 on the boards,something which hasn’t been a problem for Nakase’s side. Valkyries averaged 35.3 rebounds in the regular season, while the Lynx averaged 34.2 per game. Beyond the on-court troubles, the Valkyries need to keep their composure to have any chance. 

Kate Martin and Co. Need To Keep the Referees Aside

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase got fined for her post-game 1 comments. “You guys know what I said. I said what I said. I’m always gonna fight for my team when I feel like the calls were the calls,” Nakase said honestly. “I got fined. So throw it in that donation or whatever it is, you know? So yeah, I paid for it.” Whether the complaints were valid or not, the Valkyries will need to forget about them to have a chance. 

“When Iliana Rupert is trying to fight for the rebound and she’s getting called for a foul on a rebound, it takes our aggression away, and that’s where I’m not OK with it,” Nakase doubled down. “I want a fair fight. I really do, I want a clean fight, but I love the fact that both teams are playing their hearts out. They’re fighting. But I would like it to be fair.”

It wasn’t the first time she went off on the referees. Following the road loss to the Atlanta Dream, Nakase ripped into the referees, blasting the officiating as blatant “home cooking” for the hosts. Valkyries are the clear underdogs in this matchup. Lynx are on a ‘revenge tour’ to the title and have more firepower. Their injuries make things more complicated. To go against the tide, uncontrollable problems like referees are a distraction, and the players know it. 

“It’s a series for a reason,” Veronica Burton said. “It’s 1-0. They were supposed to win at home. They’re the one seed. Now it’s our turn. If you get too wrapped up in this loss, it’ll be over before you know it. So just move on.” Unfortunately for Kate Martin and Co., they won’t have the comfort of the Chase Center. They will host the Lynx at the SAP Center, about 50 miles away from their usual home. While the fans are expected to show up, it will be a slight disadvantage with regard to comfort.