The opening game between the Golden State Valkyries and Los Angeles Sparks signifies a historic moment in women's basketball, marking the first time since 2017 that two WNBA teams from the same state will face off. With excitement building, both teams are eager to establish a rivalry, reminiscent of California's past two-team competition. The significance is clear, as witnessed during a preseason game where the crowd engaged enthusiastically, showcasing signs of rivalry. However, players acknowledge that true intensity may take time to develop in this newly formed match-up.
"It's historical," Valkyries center Monique Billings said. "We definitely just want to show up for the moment."
"I feel like this is just a historic theme," Sparks forward Rickea Jackson told the Bay Area News Group. "This is the Valkyries' first time playing against an opponent and we're the first team they get to play against. History is being made."
"Beat L.A." signs and shirts were present throughout the crowd of 17,428, the third-highest for a preseason game in WNBA history.
"I think we're just going to have to feel (the rivalry) out as we go," Golden State guard Kate Martin said. "It might develop, it might not. I think it's going to take some time to see it forms into that."
Collection
[
|
...
]