With nine games remaining, the expansion Golden State Valkyries sit in playoff position despite ongoing roster instability. Key absences have included All-Star Kayla Thornton (out for the season), sharpshooting center Iliana Rupert (concussion protocol, day-to-day), and temporary scratches Cecilia Zandalasini (calf) and Tiffany Hayes (rest). Backup center Monique Billings has missed three weeks with a left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated next week. The team has previously coped when players left for EuroBasket and believes its experience with varied rotations and selfless play will help on the league's toughest remaining schedule.
With nine games remaining, the Valkyries have found a way to be in playoff position without consistency in their lineups. When multiple players left for the EuroBasket tournament in June, Golden State stayed afloat. When injured All-Star Kayla Thornton was ruled out for the rest of the season last month, the Valkyries stepped up and won games without their unquestioned leader.
We definitely have a lot of confidence, point guard Veronica Burton said about the team moving forward with injuries to key players. I think we have an ability to step up and not be phased by different rotations or playing different positions. We have people that are really selfless on our team and think bigger than themselves. When we play for each other, it doesn't really matter who's on the court. We trust each other. We love each other.
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