Valkyries hope to prove mettle in 2-game set vs. Dream

While the Golden State Valkyries are off to a fine start, they need to prove they can beat the WNBA's best teams before they're taken seriously as a championship contender.

They are 0-4 against Las Vegas and Minnesota after a 92-73 loss Sunday to the Aces. The schedule-maker gives Golden State two cracks at the East's top team this week as it opens a two-game home series against the Atlanta Dream Wednesday night in San Francisco.

The Valkyries (10-7) made just 5 of 30 3-pointers in Las Vegas and allowed 62.1% field goal shooting to the Aces. Their 28-point deficit in the second half represented their largest of the season.

"They went on a run and (we) weren't able to stop that," forward Cecilia Zandalasini said. "We're gonna learn from this game because I think we can be way better than that."

Gabby Williams is leading Golden State's attack with a career-high 15.9 points per game in her first season with the club. Janelle Salaun (13.2 ppg) and Veronica Burton (12.8 ppg, 5.4 assists per game) are also scoring in double figures.

Atlanta (12-4) will present a stern test for the Valkyries. It comes into town with a four-game winning streak after stopping Toronto 94-87 Monday night behind 20 points from Rhyne Howard.

The Dream lead the league in steals at 9.4 per game and also average 90.4 ppg, third in the WNBA. They have surpassed 100 points in four games this month and have four players in double figures, led by Allisha Gray at 19.5 ppg.

"If you have multiple players going to double digits, it's hard to lose," said Howard, who adds 19.1 ppg. "I think being able to have threats everywhere, it's harder, because if you leave one, somebody else is gonna be open. You're going to pay the price every time."

That included 6-foot-6 rookie Madina Okot, who came off the bench Monday night for 18 points and seven rebounds in only 18 minutes. And point guard Jordin Canada chipped in 11 points, as well as 13 assists.

--Field Level Media