Stephanie

Talbot

Talbot, who logged consistent rotation minutes throughout June, saw her minutes decrease significantly in Golden State’s last two games. After logging six minutes in a July 7 loss to Atlanta, she was a DNP-CD for Saturday’s loss to the Sparks. Golden State’s returning multiple players from national team commitments factored into the decrease in playing time. The expected arrival of Iliana Rupert likely influenced Sunday’s transaction, as the Valkyries needed to free up a roster spot.

Billings started Monday night’s game after coming off the bench on Saturday night against the Lynx. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase made the switch from Stephanie Talbot to Billings so that her team could match the size that the Dream have in their front court. Billings’ athleticism popped in the first half as she was able to challenge the less quick and athletic Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner. She accounted for 52.4 percent of the team’s total offense in the first quarter. While most of her scoring came in the first half, Billings’ ability to get on the glass was on full display in the second half where she had five of her total six boards.

Talbot served as a solid connector on Saturday night as she hit half of her shots and found three different teammates for scores of their own. One of Talbot’s scores was a drive where she faked out Courtney Williams by twisting her body as she rolled the ball into the basket. Talbot had a really solid understanding of space on the floor, not cutting too much but knowing when to cut and when to stay stationary beyond the three-point line. She also added a bunch of rebounds that allowed her to start the Golden State fast break.

Hayes led the Valkyries in scoring but did most of her damage via beyond the arc rather than by getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim like she typically does. She she shot at an incredibly efficient clip, only missing three shots. Her five three-pointers on Saturday night were the most she’s notched this season as she only missed one of her looks from beyond the arc. Each one of Hayes’ five threes was created on paint penetration from her teammates, mostly from Veronica Burton and Stephanie Talbot. She was responsible for 45 percent of the Valkyries’ total production from beyond the arc.

After scoring two points in her official Valkyries debut on June 14, Amihere has hit double figures in two straight. She was a handful for the Fever, repeatedly attacking the basket to either convert in the restricted area or earn trips to the foul line. Defensively, Amihere recorded a career-high four blocked shots and was also responsible for a steal. Starters Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings played 20 and 19 minutes, respectively, due to foul trouble, but their places in the lineup should be secure. However, Stephanie Talbot was ineffective in her 15 minutes on the court. If Amihere were to earn more minutes moving forward, Talbot may be the one who loses out.

Signed to a contract by the Valkyries on Sunday, Bibby made her official debut Thursday night. And with starters Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings (8/3/1/1 in 19 minutes) in foul trouble and Stephanie Talbot (three rebounds and three steals in 15 minutes) failing to score, Golden State needed Bibby more than anticipated. Along with fellow reserves Tiffany Hayes and Laeticia Amihere, Bibby was one of the difference-makers for Golden State. This performance was not enough to put her on the fantasy radar, but it may be enough to keep Bibby in the rotation as the Valkyries play without multiple players due to national team commitments.

Talbot moved into the starting lineup on Saturday due to the absence of Janelle Salaün, who has joined France for the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket tournament. While the veteran forward did not provide much scoring in Saturday’s victory, her rebounds and assists were solid. Even if Talbot remains in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, reserve Monique Billings is also worthy of streaming consideration for managers in need of frontcourt production. Rostered in 23.2 percent of ESPN leagues, Billings finished Saturday’s win with five points, four rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot in 13 minutes.

With Julie Vanloo (Belgium) and Janelle Salaün (France) departing to begin preparations for the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket tournament, the Valkyries had two vacancies to fill in their starting lineup. Leite and Talbot have been tabbed to fill the voids, and there will be deep-league streaming value to be had thanks to how long the usual starters will be away from the team. Another player to consider in deep leagues is reserve Kate Martin, whose minutes should increase with Salaün unavailable.

Hayes will miss a second straight game after reinjuring her nose during Golden State’s June 1 loss to the Lynx. Cecilia Zandalasini replaced her in the starting lineup and has played well, most recently scoring 18 points and hitting three three-pointers in Saturday’s rout of the Aces. However, with Zandalasini headed to EuroBasket to represent Italy, Stephanie Talbot is Hayes’ most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Tiffany Hayes (nose) was unavailable for Thursday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Zandalasini was Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase’s choice to fill the void, and she recorded a complete stat line against the Mercury. The fourth-year forward hit double figures for the first time this season and is more of a floor-spacing threat than Stephanie Talbot, who started the last time Hayes was unavailable. Talbot played 12 minutes off the bench on Thursday, finishing with two points (1-of-2 FGs), three rebounds and three assists. If Hayes remains out for Saturday’s game against the Aces, it would be unsurprising if Zandalasini retained her place in the starting lineup.