Opal’s WNBA dream ends as Sowah’s Valks slay Atlanta
Sebastian Tan |
Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko believes the sky is the limit for Izzy Borlase after her goal of winning the WNBA championship was cruelled by Miela Sowah’s Golden State Valkyries in a crushing 68-63 defeat.
Borlase entered the league’s first-ever game seven at San Francisco’s Chase Centre on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) looking to join the 11 previous Australian winners of the top women’s basketball competition in the world.
That list includes some of the country’s biggest basketball names such as Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor.
The 22-year-old was also aiming to become the first Australian winner since Cayla George in 2023, but it was her Opals teammate in Sowah who basked in championship glory instead.
Regardless, Borlase played another important role off the bench as she recorded eight points and two rebounds in 14 minutes of game time.
The rookie’s best moment came in the third quarter when she coolly sank a three to end the Valkyries’ 6-0 run before she later drove to the basket and earned a three-point play in the fourth period.
“She’s had an amazing year, not just in the (WNBA),” Smesko said.
“(Borlase was) the MVP in the Australian league, (featured in her first) World Cup, (and had her) first year in the WNBA.
“That’s just a remarkable 12 months, and the sky’s the limit for what she can become.
“She was being aggressive with her offence, trying to get good shots.”
Sowah didn’t take the court as she is on a player development contract, making her ineligible to feature in the playoffs.
But the 26-year-old was an avid supporter from the sidelines, as she helped spur on Gabby Williams to a masterclass as the forward posted 30 points and four blocks.
Of those, 28 were in the second half – a WNBA finals record for most points by a player in a half.
Ex-Bendigo Spirit star Veronica Burton was also busy, registering 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to help Golden State claim a maiden championship in the franchise’s second season.
“We don’t have no stars. We don’t have no talent. We got good people. We got winners,” Williams, who was named the finals MVP, told USA Network.
“I love moments like this.”
Atlanta could not find a way through the Valkyries’ defence early, but after a timeout the visitors rallied to finish the first quarter trailing by two at the first break.
The Dream went on a 9-0 run to help them lead 30-24 at halftime.
But Golden State refused to give up, and Williams hit top gear by scoring 15 points in the third quarter to re-establish a mere 45-44 advantage for the home team by the final break.
Both teams went tit-for-tat in a tense fourth period, but Williams nailed a deep triple with 2:18 remaining before slotting two more free throws to open up some breathing room.
Golden State’s Kiah Stokes then tipped the ball into the net to send the home crowd into delirium, and the Dream couldn’t pin back the deficit.
For Atlanta, guard Jordin Canada (18 points, five assists) and point guard Allisha Gray (16 points, six rebounds) were inspirational, while superstar Angel Reese was kept relatively quiet with eight points and 12 boards.
AAP