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By Grant Afseth
Contributing Sports Writer
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Dallas Wings coach Chris Koclanes turned his postgame comments into a critique of officiating Sunday after a 90-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, saying rookie guard Paige Bueckers deserved more protection from referees.
Bueckers, who has been the centerpiece of Dallas' offense all season, finished with nine points and nine assists but attempted only two free throws despite driving into the lane throughout the game. Koclanes grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of calls, eventually picking up a technical foul in the fourth quarter after protesting a box-out collision.
"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?"
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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.
Read more: Wings' Paige Bueckers Reveals Main WNBA Inspiration Without Hesitation
Even as he voiced frustration with the officiating, Koclanes credited Bueckers for maintaining composure 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.
"We're not saying it's okay to lose, but we do have standards and accountability," he said. "When you show up with that gratitude and perspective every day, long-term, it helps us. We've got fantastic people in that locker room who stick together and want to get better."
Read more: Paige Bueckers Fires Back at Fever's Sophie Cunningham's Referee Comments
The game also marked the end of Bueckers' streak of 30 straight double-digit scoring efforts to begin her career, the third-longest by a rookie in WNBA history.
Dallas concludes its homestand on Wednesday against the Connecticut Sun.
Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all Dallas Wings and WNBA news and updates.
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