Controversial Foul Call Sparks Outrage in Valkyries’ Loss
The Golden State Valkyries have been one of the surprise stories of the WNBA this season. But Monday night’s heartbreaking 78–77 loss to the Phoenix Mercury ended in controversy. And head coach Natalie Nakase is not holding back.
With the game tied at 77 following a clutch jumper by Janelle Salaun, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas drove to the basket and drew a foul on Cecilia Zandalasini. The contact looked minimal, but it was enough to send Thomas to the line. She hit one of two free throws, leaving just a second on the clock and no time for Golden State to respond.
Nakase was furious during the WNBA postgame press conference.
“It’s so unfortunate that they get a win off of a free throw with no defense. That’s tough,” she told reporters.
“The physicality of the game for Phoenix was 10 times more versus our physicality. I saw absolutely no foul.”
Nakase believes her team was held to a different standard throughout the game. She even suggested that being a rookie coach might have played a role in the officiating.
“If it’s because I’m a rookie coach, then I’ll take the loss… I’ll blame myself.”
Read More: WNBA Rookie Released After Playing Just Two Games
Highlight Controversy Fuels Debate
To make matters worse, the league didn’t include the foul in its official highlight packages neither on X nor in the nearly nine-minute video posted to the WNBA’s YouTube channel. That decision is drawing backlash, especially with other WNBA stars like Angel Reese and Kelsey Plum already calling out inconsistent officiating this season.
The Mercury’s YouTube page did show the call at the 6:20 mark, giving fans at least one chance to judge it for themselves.
The Valkyries now sit at 10–11, still in solid playoff position in the West. But Monday’s loss was a bitter one not because of how they played, but how the game ended. And for a team trying to build momentum in its debut season, that sting might last a while.
Read More: ‘I’m Sick of It’: Kelsey Plum Ready to Take Fine After Explosive Rant Over WNBA Officiating
