Valkyries' Natalie Nakase 'begging for consistency' from refs - ESPN

SAN FRANCISCO — Alyssa Thomas stood at the free throw line with 1 second remaining in a tie game between her Phoenix Mercury and the Golden State Valkyries, as boos from the Chase Center crowd rained down.

She missed the first free throw but swished the second through the hoop, securing the 78-77 victory for Phoenix — and drawing the ire of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, who didn't hold back her disappointment that the game was decided at the line.

«It's so unfortunate that they get a win off of a free throw with no defense,» Nakase said. «That's tough.»

She continued: «To sit there and watch someone win a game off of a free throw, that's a disservice. I'm just asking for consistency. I'm begging for consistency. Hey, if it's because I'm a rookie coach then I'll take the loss. So 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.»

Thomas got to the free throw line off a foul called on Cecilia Zandalasini. Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani bounce-passed the ball to Thomas just outside of the paint with 2 seconds left on the game clock. As Thomas took a dribble, Zandalasini slid into the restricted area with both hands up.

As Thomas went up for her shot, the two made contact and Zandalasini was immediately whistled for the foul.

«I saw absolutely no foul,» Nakase said. «The physicality of the game for Phoenix was 10 times more versus our physicality. I saw absolutely no foul… I believe you have to win off of great shots. That's just part of it. So I think we deserve that.»

The first half was a game of runs. The Valkyries got off to a slow start, outscored 12-2 in the opening minutes, but closed the first quarter on an 18-4 run.

Phoenix then outscored