We’re back in Ballhala tonight, babes, as the Minnesota Lynx come to visit the Valkyries. But before I get too far into the notes and keys, I want to dive into a new segment of the write-up called: “Dear Cathy” where I share my notes for WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Dear Cathy,

Were you drunk when you made this schedule? Five of our first seven games were against either the Liberty or the Sparks. Also, scheduling three games in a row against undefeated teams? Bonkers. You scheduled bonkers ball, not basketball. Anyway, we’re up for a challenge, but I have some notes, Cath.

The Valkyries are coming off their strongest performance of the season (and probably the best basketball game I’ve watched in years) in an 82-77 loss to the New York Liberty. The Valkyries showed up ready to play after getting punched in the mouth, and thanks to the return of forward Mo’ Billings (10 pts/7 reb) and guard Janelle Salaun (18 pts/13 reb) the V’s kept it close right to the end. As I said in real time, this loss is almost as good as a win. 

Here’s my three keys for the V’s:

1. Mo’ Billings, Mo Problems:
   1. Mo is coming back from an injury, and she needs to be more involved in our game. At 6’4”, Mo is one of the taller players and needs to be a menace in the paint. We need to feed Monique down low because the more we can develop the inside game, the more the outside shots will be open (and we know Coach Natalie Nakase loves to shoot 3s). 
2. To ‘Phee or not to ‘Phee?
   1. MVP(hee) hopeful Napheesa Collier is questionable for the game tonight. We can’t stop her. However, can we pester her just enough to make bad decisions with the ball? Maybe an extra hand in the face with each shot; maybe it’s us making smoother switches so that we’re not mismatched off screens. Whatever it is, we can’t lose sight of Phee on the court, and we have to stick to her closer than a shadow.
3. Bench Reps
   1. We need to continue getting strong production from our bench. Leaving exhausted players on the court may work against teams like Connecticut, but it will never work against outstanding teams like Minnesota. Fresh legs and fresh eyes can slow down the pace of play and maximize the clock. The longer we control the ball, the less time the Lynx have with it. 

And one…

• Tunnel vision
  • Take a nice walk down the runway tunnel and remember: look good, play good. 

Vs Up,

Trav

P.S. to Cathy: Seriously, this schedule is ridiculous. Please revise this for next year.