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Ivory CoastWNBA Finals Players Block Out Anthem Criticism Ahead of Game 4
WNBA Finals players say they are ignoring political anthem remarks and staying focused on the championship series.
Focus stays on the championship
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players are keeping their full attention on the WNBA Finals. Ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, players from both rosters made it clear that outside political talk will not disrupt their preparation.
The comments started when President Donald Trump addressed a crowd at a rally on Thursday in Iowa. Trump criticized players in the league for leaving the court before the national anthem is played, asking the crowd what was going on with women's basketball. He claimed the league would destroy itself just as it started to do well, and he urged fans to stop watching games. He compared the situation to the NFL, claiming people stopped watching football until players halted similar actions.
Players tune out social media
Members of both squads brushed aside the rally statements during Friday practice sessions. Atlanta guard Allisha Gray said she is keeping her focus strictly on the Finals rather than monitoring online reactions. Gray explained that she is not spending time on social media or listening to what outside voices are saying.
Golden State forward Kiah Stokes expressed a similar mindset for the Valkyries. Stokes said that staying off social networks and turning inward toward teammates and coaches has been a major key for the team all year long.
Pregame routines and player reactions
Exiting the court prior to the anthem is not a new action in the league. Teams have followed this routine for several years, dating back to at least the 2020 season when the entire league competed in Florida during the coronavirus pandemic. The anthem takes place ten minutes before pregame warmups wrap up, and squads head off the floor to raise awareness for social justice issues or simply to get ready for game action.
The league had no comment on the rally speech. Trump also targeted LeBron James, stating that the new 76ers forward disrespected the country by continuing warmups during the anthem before Philadelphia's season opener on Tuesday. James dismissed the talk on Thursday night, saying it was just a slow news day in the office.
What it means for the next game
Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream (WNBA, Sat, 24 Oct): Atlanta Dream win 61%, Golden State Valkyries win 39%; projected score Atlanta Dream 80, Golden State Valkyries 76. Our safest pick: Valkyries +12.5.
Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Tue, 27 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 44%, Atlanta Dream win 56%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 76, Atlanta Dream 77. Our safest pick: Valkyries +8.5.
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