Nakase (Valkyries) demands fair play from referees after defeat against Lynx

Nakase Calls for Fair Play After Valkyries’ Defeat

The Golden State Valkyries head coach, Natalie Nakase, expressed her frustration after her team’s heavy defeat against the Minnesota Lynx in the first game of the playoffs series. Nakase requested the league officials that the team had a “fair” and “clean” game. The match, which ended with a score of 101-72 in favor of the Lynx, left a bitter taste for Nakase, who received a technical foul for arguing with a referee’s decision. The Valkyries started the game on a good note, leading 28-21 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to a solid defense and an effective field goal percentage. However, the Lynx, the team with the best offense and defense in the WNBA, reacted and dominated the rest of the game.

When Iliana Rupert is fighting for the rebound and a foul is called on her, it takes away our aggressiveness and I don’t like that. I want a fair game. I really want it. I want a clean game, but I love that both teams are playing with heart. They are fighting. But I would like it to be fair.

Natalie Nakase

Nakase argued that the refereeing decisions affected her team’s momentum after the first quarter. Furthermore, she pointed out that the Lynx, as the best team in the WNBA, do not need external help. The Lynx finished the game with 23 team fouls and 24 free throw attempts, while the Valkyries recorded 22 team fouls and 27 free throw attempts. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve commented that there was a change in the way the game was officiated in the second half. Reeve, although acknowledging the toughness of the game, did not consider that the officiating was a decisive factor in the victory. Natisha Hiedeman, a standout Lynx player, had an outstanding performance with 18 points and a +32 rating, the second highest in Lynx playoff history. Napheesa Collier also contributed with 20 points and six rebounds. Golden State, known for its defense, had a good start in three-point shots, but its effectiveness decreased in the following quarters. Nakase insists that the refereeing impacted his team’s performance. Before the second match in San José, Nakase’s comments could generate a possible sanction from the league. However, the coach was indifferent, focused on the well-being of her players.

I don’t care about that. I have players and I have to make sure they’re mentally and physically well. I have to make sure they’re doing everything they can to recover. I have to keep their minds in shape. I have to make sure we’re all connected. That’s the most important thing for me.

Natalie Nakase