Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes expressed his frustrations Sunday after a 90-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. He called out the officiating while defending rookie guard Paige Bueckers’ toughness and reaffirming his team’s identity through a difficult season.
Koclanes grew visibly agitated with the lack of foul calls on Bueckers, who finished with nine points and nine assists but attempted only two free throws despite driving repeatedly into the paint. He picked up a technical foul in the fourth quarter after arguing a missed call.
“It was extremely physical,” Koclanes said. “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. For her to play that hard with all the fouls in the game and all that physicality, I don’t agree with that.
“But credit to Paige for continuing to stick with it. She just has a next-play mentality and doesn’t let that linger,” he added. “She can get to the next play quickly. 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 rookie guard has been the focal point of opposing scouting reports, with teams shading multiple defenders her way and daring Dallas to win elsewhere. Koclanes said his technical was as much about showing solidarity as it was about the missed call.
“The whistle wasn’t going our way, and then I see Paige get run over on a box out,” Koclanes said. “How many times does she have to be on the ground before she gets protection? I had to step in and show our players I have their back. I hoped it would be a momentum changer, but Golden State responded with timely threes.”
Paige Bueckers Faces Heavy Contact, Few Calls
While the Wings dropped to 9-29 on the season, Koclanes pointed to perspective and identity as constants he wants his team to lean on. He emphasized gratitude, resilience, and accountability as building blocks, even as Dallas continues to navigate one of the most injury-plagued seasons in franchise history.
“We’re not saying it’s okay to lose, but we do have standards and accountability,” Koclanes 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.”
That message has been echoed by players throughout the roster. Myisha Hines-Allen, who scored 15 points Sunday, said perspective has been her guiding force as she and her teammates grind through a season filled with setbacks.
“This is the first year I’ve dealt with so many injuries during the season,” Hines-Allen said. “Everyone’s bodies are tired across the league, not just us. It’s part of the game, but somebody always steps up. Nobody feels sorry for us, so it’s about who puts on the jersey and gives energy, whether on the court or the bench.”
Dallas Wings Lean on Identity Amid Adversity
The Wings’ record may not show it, but Koclanes insists that the character of his roster matters in establishing a foundation for growth. With Bueckers at the center of the rebuild and a locker room he describes as committed, he believes the long-term outlook is not defined by this year’s win-loss total.
“We had moments, but not enough,” Koclanes said. “I continue to challenge this group, and we’ll continue to watch, learn, and get better as this goes on.”
Dallas concludes its three-game homestand Wednesday against the Connecticut Sun at College Park Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will air locally in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on KFAA29. The Wings hold a 2-0 advantage in the 2025 series.
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
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