Game Recap

The difference in Friday night’s game at Chase Center boiled down to this: the Valkyries didn’t turn it over in the fourth quarter. The Sky did. Had it not been for two errant passes! — on a night when they mostly took care of the ball — the outcome could’ve been different.

First Half Performance

The Sky played well for three and a half quarters, riding Kia Nurse’s 5-for-11 shooting from three-point range and taking a three-point lead with 6:43 left. But two turnovers — one from Angel Reese and another from Hailey Van Lith — sparked a 12-0 Valkyries run that flipped the game.

Turning Point

Valkyries guard Kate Martin capitalized, hitting a pair of big three-pointers in the fourth. “We allowed them to hit some shots that were their first option,” Sky guard Ariel Atkins said.

Effort and Turnovers

The Sky clawed back within three on a Reese bucket with 43 seconds remaining, but it wasn’t enough. They dropped to 4-11 with an 83-78 loss. Still, there were signs of life. Effort had been a concern earlier in the season, when the Sky often looked disconnected. But Friday marked their third straight competitive outing, a shift head coach Tyler Marsh was pleased with. Part of the turnaround: taking care of the ball. The Sky finished with just 11 turnovers, and they’ve led the league in that category over the past three games.

Key Players

The Sky responded to most of the Valkyries’ punches throughout the game, fueled by solid performances from Reese — who posted 17 points and 18 rebounds — and Atkins, who added 20 points and five boards. Reese’s late bucket gave the Sky a chance. But on the ensuing defensive possession, she fouled the ballhandler to stop the clock, despite the shot clock differential being large enough to play it out for a final possession.

Coaching Mistake

Marsh took responsibility for that one. “That was a mismanagement of the clock,” Marsh said. “That’s on me.” The play was a learning experience for a first-year head coach still getting reps in close, late-game situations. And while the final possession stood out, games rarely come down to just one play. Valkyries guard Kayla Thornton’s 29 points loomed larger. Quick shots by the Sky in the fourth quarter were another issue.

Conclusion

But if the Sky can keep the turnovers low, the effort consistent and stay hot from behind the arc, they’ll be on a better track. The team has shown signs of improvement in their recent games, and with continued focus on taking care of the ball and playing as a cohesive unit, they may be able to turn their season around.

FAQs

Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 83-78 in favor of the Valkyries.
Q: What was the main factor that contributed to the Sky’s loss?
A: The main factor was the two turnovers in the fourth quarter that sparked a 12-0 Valkyries run.
Q: Who were the key players for the Sky in the game?
A: Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins were the key players for the Sky, with Reese posting 17 points and 18 rebounds, and Atkins adding 20 points and five boards.
Q: What did the Sky’s head coach, Tyler Marsh, take responsibility for?
A: Marsh took responsibility for mismanaging the clock on the final defensive possession.