Valkyries seek first win as unbeaten Washington Mystics visit Chase Center

SAN FRANCISCO — After losing their season opener to the Los Angeles Sparks, the Golden State Valkyries will try again for their first win in franchise history.

But it won’t be easy Wednesday night, not with the surging Washington Mystics coming to town.

Despite finishing in the bottom third of the league last season, the Mystics have surprisingly won their first two games behind solid play from a core of young players.

“They’re going to want to play their game and we’re going to have to play our game,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “We can’t be somebody that we’re not. We just have to make sure we take care of the ball … and not give them extra possessions.”

Washington won its season opener at home over the Atlanta Dream 94-90 on Friday and then won on the road over the Connecticut Sun 90-85 on Sunday.

Stopping guard Brittney Sykes will be key for the Valkyries.

The 31-year-old has been a force thus far, averaging 24.5 points and six assists. She has shot 25 free throws.

Against the Sparks, Golden State had trouble defending point guard Kelsey Plum – another experienced ballhandler who scored 37 points and made all 11 of her free throw attempts in an 84-67 victory on Friday at Chase Center.

“Defending without fouling was a big thing for us,” Nakase said. “L.A. had eight more free throws, so that’s a big thing for us.”

Washington has also gotten contributions from rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

Citron, the third overall pick in last month’s draft, is second on the team in scoring (17.0) while shooting 64.7% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc.

Iriafen is making her return to the Bay Area after playing her first three collegiate years at Stanford before transferring to USC. In Washington’s win over Connecticut, she recorded her first WNBA double-double (17 points, 14 rebounds).

“The Mystics have great players, especially the two rookies they have,” Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton said. “We just have to make sure we lock into our game plan and execute what we have to do.”

Turnovers ultimately cost the Valkyries the chance to beat the Sparks.

All nine players who got onto the court for Golden State turned over the ball at least once. LA won the turnover battle 22-12.

“We have to take care of the ball,” center Kyara Linskens said. “If we limit that and focus on crashing the boards, I think we will be good.”

The Valkyries also struggled to defend the paint against a bigger Sparks team. Golden State gave up 40 points in the paint, 30 in the first half.

Washington poses a similar threat with Iriafen and 6-foot-5 center Stefanie Dolson in the starting lineup.

But more size could be on the way for the Valkyries.

Forward Stephanie Talbot, who missed Friday’s season opener and both of Golden State’s preseason games, participated in Tuesday’s practice. French forward Janelle Salaun was absent against the Sparks for rest reasons, but also took part in practice.

Nakase said they will reevaluate both players after Wednesday’s shootaround, but getting on the practice court is a big step. Both players are forwards who can shoot 3-pointers and defend at all three levels.