Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes used his postgame remarks on Sunday to criticize the officiating following a 90-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. He argued that rookie guard Paige Bueckers wasn’t receiving adequate protection from the referees. Bueckers, a key figure in the Wings’ offense this season, recorded nine points and nine assists but went to the free-throw line just twice, despite repeatedly attacking the paint. Koclanes’ frustration over the lack of foul calls grew over the course of the game, culminating in a technical foul during the fourth quarter after he protested a physical box-out.
“It was extremely physical,” Koclanes told reporters. “She was attacking the rim and playing in the paint downhill, and for her to only go to the free-throw line two times — something’s off there. How many times does she have to be on the ground before she gets protection?”
Koclanes said the technical foul was about more than the specific play. It was about sending a message to his team.
“I had to step in and show our players I have their back,” he said. “I hoped it would be a momentum changer, but Golden State responded with timely threes.”
The Wings trailed by double digits early but rallied to lead at halftime before being outscored in the second half. Golden State hit 16 three-pointers and leaned on former Wings guard Veronica Burton, who had 25 points and 13 assists.
Despite expressing frustration with the officiating, Koclanes praised Bueckers for staying composed under pressure.
“She just has a next-play mentality and doesn’t let that linger,” he said. “She had nine assists, made the right plays, and kept attacking. But other people around her have to step up and make some shots too.”
The loss dropped Dallas to 9-29, the product of an injury-riddled season that has tested the roster’s depth. Koclanes said he wants accountability and perspective to remain at the center of the franchise’s identity.
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