Alyssa Thomas Secures Last-Second Win, Valkyries Coach Critiques Refereeing

SAN FRANCISCO — In a thrilling finish at the Chase Center, the Phoenix Mercury edged out the Golden State Valkyries 78-77 thanks to a last-second free throw by Alyssa Thomas. With just one second remaining and the game tied, Thomas stepped to the line amid a chorus of boos, missing her first shot but sinking the second for the victory. The outcome prompted strong criticism from Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, who expressed her frustration over how the game concluded.

Nakase lamented the decision to end the match on a free throw without defensive play involved. “It’s so unfortunate that they get a win off of a free throw with no defense,” she said. Her comments reflect a growing concern among players and coaches in the league regarding officiating standards. “I’m just asking for consistency. I’m begging for consistency,” she added. “If I have to be better with the refs, if there’s a badge of honor that I have to earn, then I’ll do it. I’ll blame myself.”

The decisive foul was called on Cecilia Zandalasini, who made contact with Thomas as she attempted a shot in the restricted area. Nakase contested the call, stating, “I saw absolutely no foul. The physicality of the game for Phoenix was 10 times more versus our physicality.” She emphasized the importance of winning games through skillful play rather than free throws.

The match showcased a series of momentum swings. The Valkyries struggled initially, falling behind 12-2, before rallying with an 18-4 run in the first quarter. Phoenix responded by outscoring Golden State 11-3 in the closing moments of the first half, taking a four-point lead. The fourth quarter saw the Mercury fail to make a free throw until the 5:38 mark, yet the Valkyries could not capitalize on this opportunity.

Despite making 14 three-pointers, the Valkyries shot only 33.8% from inside the arc, frequently missing opportunities near the basket. In a dramatic finish, Janelle Salaun hit a crucial three-pointer with 10.3 seconds left, narrowing the gap to one point. Following a free throw by Thomas, Salaun tied the game with a baseline jumper with just 6.8 seconds remaining.

While Nakase praised her team’s execution and effort, she expressed deep disappointment over the way the game ended. “I felt like we did the right things in a very crunch-time moment … it’s just losing off of a free throw, that to me hurts,” she said.

The criticism of officiating in the WNBA is not isolated. Recently, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky voiced her frustrations, stating that the situation “has to be fixed.” She emphasized her growing impatience with the officiating, saying, “I don’t give a damn if I get fined because that s— is cheap, and I’m tired of this s—.”

Moreover, Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks expressed similar concerns following an overtime loss to the Valkyries earlier in June. She remarked on the discrepancies in foul calls, saying, “I got scratches on my face, I got scratches on my body, and these other guards on the other team get these ticky-tack fouls, and I’m sick of it.”

In a related incident, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White criticized referees for their lack of control during a game against the Connecticut Sun, which resulted in multiple ejections. “When the officials don’t get control of the ball game … this is what happens,” White noted.

As discussions around officiating continue to dominate conversations in the league, Nakase’s remarks highlight a growing sentiment among players and coaches that consistent and fair officiating is crucial for the integrity of the game. The Mercury’s narrow victory, while a triumph for Thomas and her team, has sparked a broader dialogue about the need for improvement in the WNBA’s officiating standards.