Golden State Valkyries make WNBA debut in preseason loss

• The final score, 83-82, is a testament to head coach Natalie Nakase, who is also making history as the WNBA's first Asian American head coach, and says a lot about where the team is headed.

Zoom in: The Valkyries rolled out a starting lineup of Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, Temi Fagbenle, Monique Billings and Tiffany Hayes, though most of the roster got some playing time.

• Rookie Kaitlyn Chen got a particularly loud response from the crowd when she checked into the game.

The big picture: The Valkyries in March became the first WNBA team to hit 10,000 season tickets sold.

• One of the Bay Area's two professional women's sports teams, they made their debut to great fanfare.

What they're saying: "I know the Bay is hungry for a women's team, so ... I understand high expectations with this team," Nakase told Axios prior to the game.

• That passion for basketball becomes "electric" in the arena, said Nakase, referring to the crowd as "our sixth man on defense."

What's next: The Valkyries face the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena in Arizona for their second preseason game Sunday.

• Their home opener, also against the Sparks, is slated for 7pm on May 16 at the Chase Center. Tickets start at $88.