Thought I'd share a gift link to this good piece in The Athletic on the Valkyries: Inside the Golden State Valkyries' billion-dollar success that's setting a new WNBA bar
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We break down how Chicago repeatedly exploited the Valkyries' initial game plan and how Coach Natalie Nakase made adjustments to fix the defense to allow the Golden State Valkyries to come back to blow out the Sky. The video explains pick-and-roll basics and the defensive terminology (over/under, drop, deep drop, swiping/walling up) as well as analyzing the changes that forced tougher shots and disrupted Chicago's rhythm. Plus an analysis of three-point celebrations.
CalWSportsFan said:
For those who haven't had a chance to attend a game in Ballhalla, here's the intro video they play for players prior to start of game. I have to say, the first time I saw it, gave me chills.... It's impossible to capture the full energy around the intro, but I recorded the entire thing to share in case you have an interest.
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In Year One, the Valkyries made history by reaching the playoffs and becoming the most valuable WNBA team, thanks to fan fervor surrounding the team. According to Sportico's recent report, the Valkyries have a $850 million valuation making them the most valuable WNBA team a second year in a row.
"The opportunity to bring this jewel event to the Bay Area and to celebrate what we've built not for just Ballhalla, but for all of the WNBA, it felt like the right time," Smith said. "It's a great responsibility, and we feel really deeply that we want to get this right, and we want to celebrate with our fans."
Touting the city's team and the arena, Lurie said, "There is no better sporting experience in the country right now than going to a Valkyries game."
"The Valkyries have taken the sports world by storm," Lurie told CBS News Bay Area. "And now we get to show the entire country with the WNBA All-Star game. Next year is going to be just so exciting for our city and for the Valkyries."
CalWSportsFan said:
Veronica Burton has to be the best all-around point guard in the W at this point. So good on both sides of the ball. So glad to see her stellar play recognized this week.