The Atlanta Dream currently hold a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals. Both teams have notably avoided the court during the natinoal anthem for four consecutive games, including Saturday's matchup at State Farm Arena.
The four-game anthem absence at State Farm Arena
For the fourth straight game of the championship series, players from the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries remained off the court during the performance of the national anthem. As OutKick reported, some spectators mirrored this behavior by remaining seated or keeping their hats on during the ceremony. Both teams returned to the floor immediately after the anthem concluded.
The practice appears to be a long-standing routine for the athletes involved. Atlanta Dream player Rhyne Howard stated that she has not been on the floor for the anthem throughout her entire tenure in Atlanta,though she emphasized her patriotism when representing the United States in a national jersey. Similarly, Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase described the absence as a standard part of the team's pregame routine during their second year of existence.
Donald Trump's Iowa rally critique and the Olympic ultimatum
The decision to skip the anthem has triggered a political backlash, most notably from President Donald Trump, who urged fans to stop watching the WNBA during an October 22 rally in Iowa. This criticism is echoed by figures such as Riley Gaines and former Georgia state Representative Vernon Jones, who argue that athletes should face consequences for their conduct if they wish to represent the U.S. on the international stage.
This friction reflects a broader,recurring tension in American professional sports where the court becomes a site for political expression. Critics have specifically called for the WNBA players who avoid the anthem to be barred from the U.S. Olympic team. This debate highlights the precarious balance the WNBA must maintain as it grows in popularity while its athletes navigate the intersection of civic duty and personal protest.
Angel Reese's historic double-double streak
On the court, the series has been defined by the dominance of the Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese . According to the report, Reese has become only the seccond player in WNBA finals history to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games, a feat previously achieved only by A'ja Wilson. Reese, who joined Atlanta via a trade from Chicago, is leading a potent roster that includes Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray.
The Golden State Valkyries now face a steep climb to reclaim home-court advantage. While the WNBA has only used a best-of-seven format for two years, the Golden State Valkyries are staring at a statistical nightmare; in NBA history, only the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers have successfully overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. Valkyries guard Veronica Burton has urged her team to maintain discipline and urgency to avoid falling into that historic hole.
The mystery of the Atlanta Dream's hallway ritual
Despite the public scrutiny, several details regarding the teams' movements remain opaque. An arena employee told OutKick that Atlanta Dream players wait in a hallway before games, but the organization has not officially confirmed the specifics of what players do during the anthem. efforts by reporters to observe the players in these restricted areas were blocked by arena staff at State Farm Arena.
Furthermore, the decision-making process behind these protocols remains unclear. When questioned about who manndated the anthem absence for the Golden State Valkyries, head coach Natalie Nakase admitted, "I really don't know," simply reiterating that it is part of the team's established pregame. This lack of a formal explanation from either the Dream or the Valkyries continues to fuel speculation and criticism from outside the league.
Comments 0