Coach Criticizes Refereeing After Bueckers’ Off Night in Loss
The Dallas Wings faced their fifth consecutive defeat on Sunday night, losing to the Golden State Valkyries 90-81 at home. Star player Paige Bueckers struggled to find her rhythm, scoring only nine points on 3-of-12 shooting. This performance follows a remarkable game in which she recorded a historic 44 points against the Sparks on March 3, 2024. In the last two games combined, Bueckers has managed just 20 points, raising concerns about her form.
After the game, Wings coach Chris Koclanes expressed frustration regarding the officiating, particularly how it affected Bueckers. He noted that despite the physical nature of the game, Bueckers was awarded only two free throw attempts. “It was extremely physical out there,” Koclanes stated during the postgame press conference. “When she’s attacking the rim and playing in the paint downhill, for her to only go to the free throw line two times, something’s off there.”
Koclanes’ dissatisfaction escalated to a technical foul in the fourth quarter after he protested a no-call when Bueckers was knocked to the ground while contending for a rebound. “It’s physical, the whistle’s not going our way and then I see her just get run over—that’s an offensive foul,” he commented. “She’s boxing out and just getting absolutely run over and thrown to the ground. How many times does she have to be on the ground for us to start protecting her and cleaning up the physicality?”
The coach’s remarks highlight a growing concern about Bueckers’ treatment on the court as she navigates her rookie season. As the Wings prepare for their next match against the Sun on Wednesday, the impact of Koclanes’ statements on future officiating will be closely monitored.
With a record of 9-29, the Wings are in a challenging position, and Bueckers’ ability to thrive amid physical play will be crucial moving forward. Coach Koclanes’ comments may serve as a catalyst for change, potentially influencing how referees address fouls involving the young star in upcoming games.
