Golden State Valkyries are performing beyond preseason expectations, currently a half-game from playoff contention. With 22 games left, they are 10-12 and aim to become the first expansion team to reach the WNBA playoffs. Despite their potential, the team lost three consecutive matches before the All-Star break. Coach Natalie Nakase emphasizes a 3-point strategy, though the team has struggled with a 30.7% shooting percentage. Despite a strong performance from guard Tiffany Hayes, the Valkyries need to improve their overall shooting and defensive strategies as the second half of the season approaches.
"My expectations were always high for this team, so we're below my expectations right now," center Temi Fágbenlé said after Tuesday's practice in Oakland.
"Fatigue hits. It was hitting right before the break as well. ... But you gotta just try and bring our best each game."
While they made the fourth-most 3-pointers in the league before the break, the Valkyries shot just 30.7% from deep, which was the second-lowest percentage in the league.
Golden State takes a league-high 30.5 3-point shots per game.
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