Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries was defined by suffocating defensive intensity and relentless physical play, which is entirely expected for a game of this magnitude. However, for former ESPN host Linda Cohn, the question hanging over the Valkyries’ 68-64 victory is whether the officials allowed too much contact to go unpunished.
“When you watch some of the physical contact in this game, particularly the hits involving Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton, you couldn’t miss them,” Cohn said in a video shared on Monday. “You have to wonder about some of those non-calls.”
“Hey, I’m all for physical basketball, especially in the Finals, but there is a difference between playing tough defense and allowing excessive contact. I’d like to see that line enforced consistently for both teams. We’ll see how it’s called in Game 2.”
The game was indeed a textbook defensive slugfest from both sides. Both teams shot an identical and miserable 32.1 percent from the field, with space in the paint brutally contested throughout. The teams also combined for 15 total blocks, highlighted by Golden State center Kiah Stokes anchoring the interior with four of her own.
However, despite how physical the contest felt from start to finish, the total whistle count was surprisingly low. The Dream committed 14 personal fouls and the Valkyries 13. But even with those numbers being relatively close, Cohn and a number of fans and analysts have maintained that several plays went uncalled in ways that worked against Golden State.
One of the most discussed moments came when Atlanta’s Angel Reese spun aggressively on an offensive possession in the second half to shield the ball from Gabby Williams. During the spin, Reese’s elbow struck Williams directly in the face, leaving the Valkyries star holding her face in visible pain. No whistle came. Play continued without any foul call or hostile act review.
On the next possession, Golden State’s Veronica Burton drove through traffic for a contested layup. Angel Reese trailed the play and tried to reject the shot from behind, but instead made contact with Burton’s head and face, sending her hard to the floor. Fans and media noted it had the appearance of a blatant clothesline infraction. But officials again ruled it a clean block and allowed play to continue without interruption.
Also, with 2:15 remaining in regulation, Williams made two free throws after a shooting foul by Rhyne Howard, cutting Atlanta’s lead to 64-63. However, as Williams attempted to regain her footing, Jordin Canada made contact with her thigh while establishing a rebounding position, sending Williams to the floor. Canada then tripped over her as she ran back on defense, leaving Williams limping and grimacing while holding her left knee. Despite the apparent impact and the significance of the moment, no foul was assessed.
Fortunately, Williams confirmed after the game that she was fine. The same, however, could not be said for veteran guard Tiffany Hayes, who exited the game entirely.
Natalie Nakase Expects Tiffany Hayes to Be Ready for Game 2 as Valkyries Coach Shrugs Off Finals Physicality Debate
With exactly 2:38 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Dream holding a 64-61 lead, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada bobbled the ball and sent it loose. Seeing a critical opportunity to swing momentum, Golden State veteran guard Tiffany Hayes threw her entire body forward, diving horizontally across the court in a desperate attempt to come up with the steal.
Hayes, however, narrowly missed the basketball. And because she was carrying too much speed and momentum to break her fall, she face-planted violently onto the hardwood, absorbing the full impact on the right side of her face and head. She, in fact, remained completely flat on the floor in visible pain for several moments as the arena went quiet around her.
Fortunately, Hayes did not require a stretcher. She was able to get up under her own power and walked straight down the tunnel for medical evaluation. And even more encouragingly, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has indicated that Hayes is expected to be available for Game 2.
Moreover, Hayes’ exit was the result of her own courageous dive rather than any uncalled contact, unlike the situations involving Williams and Burton that drew scrutiny. But regardless, for Nakase, the physicality of the game is simply part of the territory, and her focus is now on Game 2, a game she also claims Hayes would be ready for.
“It was a physical game. We understand, it’s the playoffs, that’s just part of it,” Nakase said. “Tip’s (Hayes) OK, I just gave her a little hug. I’ll tell you what, she’s a fighter. I don’t think there’s someone more — maybe our whole team —, but she wants this. And I can say I’m going to put a little bit more energy tonight in film because I want to win this for Tip.”
Game 2 returns to Chase Center on Monday night, where the Valkyries will look to extend their series lead in front of another sold-out home crowd. Whether the officiating finds a more consistent standard, whether Hayes is fully fit, and whether either team can finally shoot at anything resembling their normal efficiency are the questions that will define the next chapter of this Finals. What is already certain is that this series will once again be a physical and defensive war, and in those conditions, every non-call carries weight.