I posted a game wrap, but let’s keep comments in this thread. There are enough good comments that I want as many people as possible to read them. (Also don’t reply directly to this pin.)
Update: if you voted early, your vote might have been lost. It turns out if you edit the poll to fix, say, a typo, then Substack throws out all past votes. Rather rude.
If I were to guess, I’d say they are going slow with Carla’s back because Kaitlyn Chen has proven to be an adequate backup PG, and it would also be nice for KC to get one more showcase game of 10+ minutes in her last game before they likely cut her.
Nakase: Coaches asked KT to make her voice louder and she responded with leadership and communication. This game showed complete trust. We are a family.
Q. Why the slow start?
NN. I don’t know! CHI played hard every possession. Playing faster without Cardoso which was different from what we saw on film.
Fun fact from the eavesdropping from my seats: opposing team security details complain a TON about Podz and chase center security all but rolls their eyes. He usually gets one talking to a game to stay off the court.
Someone (I browsed but couldn't find the post; sorry!) said he'll get a technical called on him sooner or later. One of these days, I hope Coach Nakase or Mr. Lacob gently reminds him of his overenthusiastic transgression, before he affects a game's final score.
Can refs actually call a technical on Podz? He's not part of the Valkyries organization. He's more like the Spike Lee of the Knicks. But not sure if security can eject Podz either since he's tight with the their employer. Tough dilemma
At least those fans are so close to the action that they should still be able to see everyone's sweat 😂 I can only imagine everyone in that area is already used to and expects Podz to do his thing
It seems like she has more to offer as a passer in the high post than the Sky are currently using her for, I think they should explore that more.
Her finishing is what is holding her back, not exactly hard hitting analysis by me, but she could be a real impact player if she could make some more of these close range shots.
Sometimes, Angel forces up well-contested drives in the hopes of drawing a foul. She was rewarded by refs a lot in college. But wnba allows for more contact and physicality.
2.35. CHI pulls out a deep drop defense for the Tip-Mo PNR. Tip immediately attacks the middle, snakes the screen, very tight pass to Mo’s microroll, Billings layup goes in with the help of the Coriolis effect.
2.12. CHI cuts it to 5. Last FT misses with the help of the Bernoulli effect. ALWAYS CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT™.
2.00. You know, I’m not sure I believe there are clutch shooters that come through more when it’s times of trouble, but then again I can’t explain Kayla Thornton. MASSIVE THREE.
1.25. More CHI drop on Tip-Mo PNR.
1.11. Back to 4. Very confusing play.
0.32. CHI pulls out the full court press. Why did CHI intentionally foul there? They could have played straight D and got the ball down 3 with 0:11.
Instead, Tip ices it. It’s not technically over, but if GSV loses this up 5 with 0:22 to go, it would be a loss you’d remember for the rest of your life.
If you do a celebration audit on KT’s corner 3, you’ll find no premature celebratory gestures from the Valks on the bench. Perhaps it’s because KT shot that faster than they could react or there’s some truthiness to your observation that there are only a few Valkyries that you’re confident will make a 3. Bibby, 4th quarter Martin, and KT when the game is in ‘clutch time’.
The announcer toggles between monotone and aggressively excited at random intervals while also not being able to correctly determine what is happening in real time. It's killing me.
😂 He's at least more animated than the other gentleman who has done the other games. But yeah, I agree. He toggles his voice and excitement in a unique manner lol
I posted a game wrap, but let’s keep comments in this thread. There are enough good comments that I want as many people as possible to read them. (Also don’t reply directly to this pin.)
Update: if you voted early, your vote might have been lost. It turns out if you edit the poll to fix, say, a typo, then Substack throws out all past votes. Rather rude.
FYI GAME STATUS REPORT: Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm – June 29, 2025
Carla Leite - Out - Back
Dang, that's a lot of games missed for something that was minor and day to day. Hope she is fully recovered soon.
On the other hand, welcome back Temi!
If I were to guess, I’d say they are going slow with Carla’s back because Kaitlyn Chen has proven to be an adequate backup PG, and it would also be nice for KC to get one more showcase game of 10+ minutes in her last game before they likely cut her.
What a great game to be our (my wife and I) first in person. It was a blast. I think Podz is gunning for the Chief Hype Officer title.
Also, I added a poll to the game wrap to start a new tradition of voting for Valkyries Valor for each game. Please do me the favor of voting.
Victory!!
Valkyrie Victory!
So Chen at 5'9 needs a consistent 3 point shot. She's only taken 2 in her WNBA minutes and is 1/2.
50% seems acceptable!
Maybe she just needs to attempt more of them.
At my work, "KT" stands for "Knowledge Transfer". Which seems appropriate.
Nakase: Coaches asked KT to make her voice louder and she responded with leadership and communication. This game showed complete trust. We are a family.
Q. Why the slow start?
NN. I don’t know! CHI played hard every possession. Playing faster without Cardoso which was different from what we saw on film.
I want to personally apologize to the ticket holders that sit directly behind Podz since he seems to always be standing up. Haha.
He's value-added entertainment by himself.
Fun fact from the eavesdropping from my seats: opposing team security details complain a TON about Podz and chase center security all but rolls their eyes. He usually gets one talking to a game to stay off the court.
Someone (I browsed but couldn't find the post; sorry!) said he'll get a technical called on him sooner or later. One of these days, I hope Coach Nakase or Mr. Lacob gently reminds him of his overenthusiastic transgression, before he affects a game's final score.
Can refs actually call a technical on Podz? He's not part of the Valkyries organization. He's more like the Spike Lee of the Knicks. But not sure if security can eject Podz either since he's tight with the their employer. Tough dilemma
I believe refs are allowed to call a technical foul against a team for inappropriate crowd behavior by their fans and also have a fan ejected.
Maybe it was me… I mentioned Podz’s illegality somewhere in my stream of consciousness.
He’s our Wavy Gravy
I do notice security approach him at least once a game in fan videos 😂 He tends to step on the court a lot because he's too hyped haha
Need this insider perspective
At least those fans are so close to the action that they should still be able to see everyone's sweat 😂 I can only imagine everyone in that area is already used to and expects Podz to do his thing
Man that crowd is so awesome.
Angel Reese's talent is obvious to anyone not caught up in a culture war tbh.
I think her and Cardoso need to be separated though.
I like Reese. She's long, boxes out hard, plays hard. Her shot looks good.
It seems like she has more to offer as a passer in the high post than the Sky are currently using her for, I think they should explore that more.
Her finishing is what is holding her back, not exactly hard hitting analysis by me, but she could be a real impact player if she could make some more of these close range shots.
Sometimes, Angel forces up well-contested drives in the hopes of drawing a foul. She was rewarded by refs a lot in college. But wnba allows for more contact and physicality.
KT with the post-game interview. Career high 29 points. It is so loud though that I can't understand a thing.
Reese also piled up 18 REB, but it doesn’t stand out as much when GSV piles up 10 OREBs and outrebounds CHI 42-40.
What the hell was that shot by Kate.
Q4
2.35. CHI pulls out a deep drop defense for the Tip-Mo PNR. Tip immediately attacks the middle, snakes the screen, very tight pass to Mo’s microroll, Billings layup goes in with the help of the Coriolis effect.
2.12. CHI cuts it to 5. Last FT misses with the help of the Bernoulli effect. ALWAYS CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT™.
2.00. You know, I’m not sure I believe there are clutch shooters that come through more when it’s times of trouble, but then again I can’t explain Kayla Thornton. MASSIVE THREE.
1.25. More CHI drop on Tip-Mo PNR.
1.11. Back to 4. Very confusing play.
0.32. CHI pulls out the full court press. Why did CHI intentionally foul there? They could have played straight D and got the ball down 3 with 0:11.
Instead, Tip ices it. It’s not technically over, but if GSV loses this up 5 with 0:22 to go, it would be a loss you’d remember for the rest of your life.
If you do a celebration audit on KT’s corner 3, you’ll find no premature celebratory gestures from the Valks on the bench. Perhaps it’s because KT shot that faster than they could react or there’s some truthiness to your observation that there are only a few Valkyries that you’re confident will make a 3. Bibby, 4th quarter Martin, and KT when the game is in ‘clutch time’.
I'm not sure when I can make my next video but always appreciate the heads up for celly audits and interesting plays!
And on the threes... I'm just being real. I love watching the team but of the entire team, there are exactly four players shooting above 32% 3P:
Zandalasini (gone)
Bibby (as discussed)
Salaun (gone)
Tip Hayes (wearing the mask of Zorro and perpetually smashing her broken nose into things)
The announcer toggles between monotone and aggressively excited at random intervals while also not being able to correctly determine what is happening in real time. It's killing me.
Great minds think alike? Tim Kawakami posted on Bluesky: "Ion play-by-play guy is a yikes"
It's a Friday ION presentation so I assume it's not the usual crew who are okay.
Happy to not be watching the TV feed! I wonder who it is.
It's Derek Clark, I looked the name up
😂 He's at least more animated than the other gentleman who has done the other games. But yeah, I agree. He toggles his voice and excitement in a unique manner lol
Other Guy (KPIX+): Jacob Tobey
I liked the other gentleman lol
I wonder if they're gonna keep rotating these guys. Tough job haha
KT never disappoints!