Shittu lifts Sea Bears over Surge in defensive grind
The Winnipeg big man notched 28 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in the defensive battle, including the game-winner and a clutch rejection in Target Score Time.
'It was personal,' Shittu said. 'They kind of shouted us out in the media … but at the end of the day, we're a whole new team, a whole different vibe, so we wanted to come in and show everybody that we're here in the CEBL and ready to play.'
The final regular-season meeting between the Western Conference rivals yielded a back-and-forth showdown with a playoff atmosphere.
Trailing by as much as eight in Target Score Time after entering the final stretch with the lead, Winnipeg head coach Mike Taylor credited defensive stops and rebounding with the comeback.
'In the beginning (of Target Score Time), we weren't very efficient, and we dug a hole for ourselves. And then it was just no quit,' Taylor said.
Calgary had a dozen chances to win the game in Target Score Time, including a pair of free throws, but came away empty-handed and had its four-game winning streak snapped…
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The pressurized toxicity of outside validation no longer fills her lungs. That was another life. Another version of Tip. The Hayes who did what others thought was best. Who quietly pursued affirmation in praise and accolades, who found value in their attainment. This Hayes, the one who came out of retirement and won Sixth Woman of the Year in 2024, the one who assumed the leadership role of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, has found something rare in pro sports. Peace. 'I used to do things that were best for other people, and I regret it,' she says now. 'So I just try to do what's best for me. And it's been working out great.' The signing of Hayes, infusing her into the building blocks of this infant franchise, has been one of the best moves in this surprising season. It took Hayes a long time to reach this enlightenment. She'll be 36 in September. She's in her 13th season. But she looks and plays 10 years younger thanks to the fresh air she's found above the fray. 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'And to hear that from your ultimate vet, the person who took a chance on this new franchise,' Nyanin explained. 'There's been a ton of growth (in Hayes), and I'm just grateful to be a part of it.' Her teammates call her auntie. Auntie Tip. Auntie is a term of endearment, a reference to the mom-aged woman young people like being around. Aunties are cool, with their cocoa butter and classic music. They don't call her Auntie Tip just because she's the eldest on the squad and eight years above the league average. It's an appreciation of her sophistication and polish. Recognition of the swag that comes with her experience. 'I don't mind it though,' Hayes said. 'It's whatever. I don't look like your auntie. I probably look younger than you. But go off.' Hayes embodies the Valkyrie's personality. The urgency. The rebellious energy. The aggressiveness. It's the character of the roster and the foundation of the new franchise. The freedom to compete, to be uninhibited in pursuit of victory. One play in Minnesota earlier this month, she lost her shoe during a possession and tossed it aside. She ended the same possession by draining a 30-footer. The type of moment to laugh about in film sessions. The type of moment that's memorable because it meant more than it looked. It was gritty. Unorthodox. Unbothered. Just like this team. Hayes sets the whatever-it-takes tone. Whether being glued to Caitlin Clark — which is why she's 7 of 26 from the field against the Valkyries this season, including 2 of 12 from 3 — or lighting up Seattle like she did at Chase Center in June. Hayes' energy, which still seems endless, feeds the team. Mask on, motor humming, cutting through defenders like it's 2015 again. There's still fire in her game. She still boasts the first-step quickness that made her a menace in Atlanta. But what Hayes has now is a calm spirit to match. Hayes worked for this peace. Earned it. 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