WNBA Finals teams leave court during national anthem

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

Players from Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries stay in locker rooms during the national anthem at the WNBA Finals.

Players from both Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have stayed in the locker room during 'The Star-Spangled Banner' throughout the WNBA Finals series. The decision has attracted criticism from fans and public figures, with Donald Trump warning that the teams would 'destroy themselves'.

Ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, the coaches were pressed on the matter. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said the practice had been part of their pre-game routine for two years. When asked who made the executive decision, she said: 'I really don't know. I understand your question, I'm not trying to not answer your question - it's just part of our pre-game.' Dream head coach Karl Smesko declined to elaborate, saying the team was focused on preparing to beat Golden State.

How it is being reported

• Valkyries hold off Dream comeback to win Game 4 and level WNBA finals at 2-2Gabby Williams leads Golden State with 17 points Valkyries survive late rally after leading by 16 Angel Reese held to eight points as series heads west Gabby Williams scored 17 points and Golden State played stellar defense to beat the Atlanta Dream 67-62 on Saturday and even the WNBA finals at 2-2. The best-of-seven series moves back to California on Monday for Game 5. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 24 Oct, 20:35
• Dream, Valkyries stay off court for fourth WNBA Finals national anthem as some fans remain seatedAtlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the national anthem for a fourth straight WNBA Finals game as Trump urged a boycott.Fox News · 24 Oct, 19:25
• WNBA Finals coaches struggle to explain reason both teams leave court for national anthem after Trump slammed themThroughout the Finals series, players from both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have left the court during 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before emerging after it's done.Daily Mail Sport · 24 Oct, 14:49

In this story: Atlanta Dream · Golden State Valkyries · Karl Smesko · Natalie Nakase · Donald Trump

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