WNBA First Basket Scorers & Picks: Dream vs. Valkyries (Monday)
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries gave fans an intense defensive battle in Game 1 on Saturday. Fans can only hope every game is just as intense and competitive. But I just have one question I want answered now-who's going to record the first basket? Gabby Williams (+500) and Rhyne Howard (+550) were the favorites in Game 1, but it was Allisha Gray (+650) who kicked off the scoring with a driving layup. Who will it be for Game 2? I've got a few WNBA first basket scorers in mind.
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Monday’s Best WNBA First Basket Scorers & Bets
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There is an interesting dynamic between these two teams when it comes to the first basket. Atlanta has won a higher percentage of opening tipoffs (58.7% to 48.9%), but the difference is not significant. The Dream attempted the first shot 56.5% of the time, compared with 53.2% for Golden State. But the Valkyries have made more first baskets (51.1% to 45.7%).
The differences are minor, so I'd say it’s hard to give one team an edge over the other in this regard. Let's look at the best options for both teams.
Atlanta Dream First Basket Scorers
I can definitely see the Dream taking the first shot, which gives them a solid chance to score first.
Angel Reese won the opening tip in Game 1, which led to Allisha Gray's layup. She has won 59.1% of the ones she's taken part in this year and 61.9% on the road. Rhyne Howard has taken the first shot 21.7% of the time, next to Gray (10.9%) and Jordin Canada (8.7%). Since she takes the first shot more often than anyone else, it makes sense that Howard made the most first baskets (8), followed by Gray and Canada with four each.
After Gray made the first with a layup in Game 1, I think the Valkyries are a little more likely to get back in time to defend that shot. Gray is more likely to hit a layup, so I'd lean toward Howard or Canada. Since Howard takes a higher percentage of shots than Canada, I'd lean toward her first.
Picks: Jordin Canada (+900)/Rhyne Howard (+600)/Allisha Gray (+650)
Golden State Valkyries First Basket Scorers
Several players have made the first basket for Golden State, but the primary two were Cecilia Zandalasini (9) and Gabby Williams (7). The first baskets made against Atlanta are almost evenly split between guards, forwards and centers. So, I wouldn't say any position has an edge.
But if I am going to bet on anyone, it’s one of the two players who have made the most. I understand why Williams is the favorite, since she’s become the focal point of the offense and gets her hands on the ball early and often. However, I'd lean towards Zandalasini. Around 60% of the first baskets made against the Dream have been jumpers or three-pointers. Not that Williams can't hit either, but I think she is more likely to go for a layup. Zandalasini, on the other hand, will pull up and take the jumper.
Picks: Cecilia Zandalasini (+550)/Gabby Williams (+480)