The Golden State Valkyries coach, Natalie Nakase, has been fined for the comments she made about the refereeing after her team’s loss in the first game of the first round of playoffs against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. The WNBA does not disclose the amount of fines, and Nakase said she does not remember the amount. However, she stated that she does not retract her criticisms.
After the Valkyries’ 101-72 defeat on Sunday, Nakase commented that the refereeing affected his team’s ability to maintain the momentum they built in a strong first quarter. “When Iliana Rupert is trying to fight for the rebound and gets called for a foul, that takes away our aggressiveness, and that’s something I don’t agree with,” said Nakase, who received a technical foul for arguing a decision in the second half. “I want a fair fight. Really. I want a clean fight, but I love the fact that both teams are playing with heart. They are fighting. But I would like it to be fair.” Back in the Bay Area, Nakase and the Valkyries leave behind Game 1 heading into Game 2 on Wednesday at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Facing elimination, the expansion team spent the last two days analyzing the adjustments to be made in order not to be taken out of the game as in the first match.I said what I said. I’m always going to fight for my team when I feel that. The refereeing decisions were what they were, and I got fined. So, you know, making that donation, or whatever. I paid it and I’m going to donate it. I heard it was a tax deduction.
Natalie Nakase
I will always fight for my players, but I always take responsibility for being present. I’ve already moved on. We’ve already discussed a new offensive and defensive game plan, and that’s where I need to make sure my girls are.
Natalie Nakase
