Valkyries’ Gabby Williams explains ‘wake-up call’ that led to blowout win over Sparks

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries knew what they did against the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm wasn’t acceptable. They knew that nearly surrendering double-digit leads in back-to-back games was not up to their standards. And they knew their effort, their energy, had to be better with a four-in-seven-night gauntlet on the horizon.

And for at least this dominant 78-58 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, in which they played one of their most complete and consistent games through four quarters this season. The defense was swarming in their trademark Valkyrie way. The offense was consistent, by way of the steals and blocks Golden State generated to get themselves opportunities in transition.

All in all, a strong answer to the narrow victories against the Mercury and the Storm, where the urgency and energy were lacking, two games that Gabby Williams described as a “wake-up call” in terms of playing with good effort on a nightly basis.

“Effort is something you have to bring,” Williams said post-game about what the Valkyries did the past two days in between games to solve the issues they displayed against Phoenix and Seattle.

“It’s not really something that you can draw on the board or write up or whatever. So it didn’t really take much to examine. All we needed was just kind of that wake-up call from that game. Wake-up call from Coach Nat and the staff, and to ourselves as well. We were disappointed in ourselves, so that’s all it took for us to kind of light the fire under us tonight.”

The fight Valkyries showed

That fire was palpable from Golden State all game long from Williams. The star forward led the charge with 16 points on 8-of-16 shooting while also serving as the primary defender on Sparks guard Kelsey Plum. Golden State held Plum well below her 26.6 points per game average as the all-star only scored nine points on 3-of-10 shooting.

Alongside Williams, Kaila Charles added in 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and a +15 plus/minus off the bench. Another strong showing for Charles, a player the Valkyries rarely need to ask for more energy.

“Kai brings a different level of energy,” Nakase said after the win. “Her energy, to me, was super infectious. That’s why we kept punching, because of her effort and energy.”

Even when Sparks cut the lead down to 12 late in the third quarter, a moment that felt like deja vu to the past two games, the Valkyries handled their business and kept Los Angeles at bay. Whether it was Williams hitting big baskets or Charles securing critical rebounds, the Valkyries made the plays to secure a solid win over a team that came into Ballhalla pretty hot. A great answer after a much-needed wake-up call the past week, according to Nakase.

“This is kind of the team that I envisioned with that type of defensive tenacity,” Nakase said of how her team answered the questions they created in the shaky wins. “Like I said, picking up 94 feet, having that energy, but maximizing their energy. There was nothing left in the tank, and that’s what I saw today, like hands on their knees, dying… our players played with max effort, and that’s what I like to see. Hopefully, we can do that consistently.”

Notable tidbit on Juste Jocyte from Natalie Nakase

Lithuanian rookie Juste Jocyte once again did not receive any meaningful minutes, entering in the final two minutes of the game in garbage time. The plan seems to be to develop her as a point guard, which is not her natural position. Before the game, Nakase talked about working with Jocyte and trying to turn her into a vocal leader.

“It’s not that hard because she talks all the time, like in conversation, it’s just being a little bit louder,” Nakase said. “And what I like about Juste is she takes on whatever challenge I give her. I actually had her draw up a couple plays today. Her attention to detail is very impressive, and her calmness about her when she does go over plays is something different.

“It’s different than Veronica and Caitlin, and so I’m learning her. This is my first time with her, and so I’m learning her strengths and the things that she sees. And so I think for me she’s going to be great player because she’s going to challenge me in different ways than Veronica and Kaitlin. They’re like 94 feet, pick up defense in your face, punch quickly. Where Juste brings a different calmness to us. So I’m excited to really work with her and evolve with her.”

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