What happened: The initial five have been deployed for the matchup featuring the Golden State Valkyries. The first quarter is in progress.
Why it matters: Establishing a rhythm quickly is essential against an opponent riding a recent wave of success. The first group provides the foundation for defensive structure and early offensive spacing.
By the numbers: The visitors entered the matchup with a 15-7 overall record, including four consecutive victories. They maintain a positive scoring margin, averaging 82.8 points while allowing 78.0 per contest.
What to watch: The flow of the game will dictate how the bench is integrated throughout the remaining quarters. Coaching adjustments will follow based on early on-court performance.