That was a fun game. I guess Van Loo is more like rookie Jason Williams. She was only a last resort shooter with the Mystics last season because there were better options. I guess she realized the Valks need her to volume-shoot coz nobody else can really create much offense. Too bad the ion TV coverage didn't show Podz, Buddy, JK. They only showed Loon, Doc Rivers and Kerr.
Kelsey Plum has set a new record for most points in a season opener WNBA game.
"The WNBA announced that Plum’s 37 points is the most points in a season opener in league history, breaking the previous record of 34 points which was held by WNBA legends Maya Moore, Candace Parker and Katie Smith."
Appreciate the fight from Hayes, but big shove to Plum offball may be the last nail in the coffin. Plum pouring in a very efficient 33 points is just too much for GSV to overcome as they try to gel as a team.
I thought Thorton and Fagbenle looked the most controlled of our players on offense. Vanloo looks good but both her and Hayes are as Eric pointed out hair-on-fire type players.
I wonder if Nakase is going to ride this lineup (Thornton, Fagbenle, Billings, Hayes, Vanloo) home... she's got to rest them some, right? Hayes and Vanloo look like they are getting wilder (scary thought) with fatigue
New thread up!
Loved Tip addressing the crowd before the game.
Tiff?
Teammates call her Tip
That was a fun game. I guess Van Loo is more like rookie Jason Williams. She was only a last resort shooter with the Mystics last season because there were better options. I guess she realized the Valks need her to volume-shoot coz nobody else can really create much offense. Too bad the ion TV coverage didn't show Podz, Buddy, JK. They only showed Loon, Doc Rivers and Kerr.
I saw JK on the ION version on WNBA Channel (free there btw).
Kelsey Plum has set a new record for most points in a season opener WNBA game.
"The WNBA announced that Plum’s 37 points is the most points in a season opener in league history, breaking the previous record of 34 points which was held by WNBA legends Maya Moore, Candace Parker and Katie Smith."
ION only covered Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers congratulating Plum. Did they also go over and congratulate the Valkyries?
I didn’t see… but I assume so. There looks like a lot of mutual support between GSW and GSV
Very fun game, no shame in getting beat down by Plum.
Kelsey Plum is an example of elite/ star talent. She is a pure scorer with a deep bag. Defenses have to show help, or she'll get comfortable shots.
Yup... no shame in getting beaten by KP.
Great game. Valkyries can really hustle and play good defense. Active hands for 8 steals.
Appreciate the fight from Hayes, but big shove to Plum offball may be the last nail in the coffin. Plum pouring in a very efficient 33 points is just too much for GSV to overcome as they try to gel as a team.
Plum seems to be the best player on the floor by far
Third mention of how good Plum is. Are you a Sparks fan?
I’m a fan of good ball. And no, never a fan of LA anything lol.
Got it.
I am a long term Liberty fan. It’s gonna be hard for me not to mention how good they are when they play GSV.
I mean, most teams are gonna feast on us. Still gonna be fun.
You used the metaphor I was thinking of also. Other teams’ All-Stars are going to eat us alive.
Yep she's apparently still a great player. Now at 37 wooof
Pretty sure we're in favor of the general concept of 37 year olds being still really good at basketball.
He meant 37 points.
Plum is 30. Haha.
Kelsey Plum is really good
We got a plucky bunch of fighters here.
Thorton did a great job shutting down Plum.
I thought Thorton and Fagbenle looked the most controlled of our players on offense. Vanloo looks good but both her and Hayes are as Eric pointed out hair-on-fire type players.
GSV surprise trap on Plum and it works despite the open roller to the basket.
Podz throwing t-shirts into the stands now
I saw that on the broadcast. With his arm, I figured he was throwing them farther than the air cannon shoots them.
Welcome to Ballhalla.
One of the best sports slogans, ever.
I wonder if Nakase is going to ride this lineup (Thornton, Fagbenle, Billings, Hayes, Vanloo) home... she's got to rest them some, right? Hayes and Vanloo look like they are getting wilder (scary thought) with fatigue
Team was obviously very tired already in the fourth quarter.
Sparks seem rattled. Vs playing with more energy. Gotta keep the chaos coming.
Apparently WNBA refs do not announce their own challenge rulings. I never noticed this.
Do coaches get challenges NBA style?
Yes
Tonight is a sellout: 18,064 attendance.
LAS double teaming Vanloo now. Vanlloo with a, uh, ambitious pass to the paint cutter, turnover.
I felt like Valks’ offense allowed the Sparks to dictate on defense too easily. Seems like they’d get stuck very early in a possession.