Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase criticized Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani for what she described as an intentional kick on Veronica Burton late in Tuesday’s game

Defense in basketball is an inherently physical effort. Players are required to target the ball and not other players, something that ends up being governed by

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase accused a Phoenix Mercury player of kicking her leg out to trip point guard Veronica Burton during Tuesday’s 98-91 loss.

Valkyries were dealt a big blow as Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes were scratched minutes before Tuesday’s game vs. Phoenix Mercury

On Sunday night, the Atlanta Dream will travel west to take on the Golden State Valkyries in exciting WNBA play.

There's no denying the Golden State Valkyries fought hard in their 98-91 loss to the Phoenix Mercury. With only eight players available due to Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini's late injury scratches, the remaining Valkyries stepped up and tested the Mercury through the majority of the game.

When multiple players left for the EuroBasket tournament in June, Golden State stayed afloat. When injured All-Star Kayla Thornton was ruled out for the rest of the season last month, the Valkyries stepped up and won games without their unquestioned leader.

In Year 1, Natalie Nakase and the Valkyries revealed how they built a successful WNBA expansion team from scratch.

Golden State Valkyries Apologize to Kate Martin Before Chicago Sky Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Kate Martin and the Golden State Valkyries looked to close out their two-game road trip with a win, taking on the Angel Reese-less Chicago Sky on Friday night.