WNBA Fans Navigate Early Tipoff and Anthem Debate Amid Finals Series
Loyal Golden State Valkyries supporters are adjusting to a challenging Game 6 schedule while also addressing the ongoing discussion around national anthem protocols.
The Golden State Valkyries have taken a commanding 3-2 lead in the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream following a 64-55 victory in Game 5. The series is set to continue with Game 6 in Atlanta, but the early 9:30 a.m. Pacific time tipoff presents a logistical challenge for many fans on the West Coast.
The unusual start time is due to scheduling conflicts at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, which is also hosting an Atlanta Hawks home game on the same night. This has necessitated a rare afternoon doubleheader arrangement for the arena.
Despite the early hour, many Valkyries fans expressed a strong commitment to watching the potential championship-clinching game. Some are planning to take time off work or make arrangements to catch the game, acknowledging the difficulty for those with school-aged children.
Alongside the scheduling concerns, a recurring point of discussion surrounding the WNBA Finals has been the teams' practice of leaving the court moments before the national anthem is played and returning after its conclusion. This has been a point of contention since Game 1 of the series.
However, many fans interviewed indicated that the anthem protocol is not a significant issue for them. "I don’t understand why we’re singing the national anthem [before games] to begin with, that’s all there is to it," one fan stated. Another commented, "This is a non-controversy that people are trying to make into a controversy. I don’t think not being out on the floor for the national anthem says anything about patriotism or loyalty to the United States."
Some fans, including those with military backgrounds, expressed their personal preference to stand for the anthem but acknowledged the players' right to their own choices. "Everyone just has to support their own true feelings," said one retired military fan. The WNBA rulebook does stipulate that players should stand respectfully during the anthem, a rule that has not been enforced by the league since 2017.
In Game 5, the Valkyries secured their victory with a balanced scoring effort, led by Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton, who each contributed 13 points. Tiffany Hayes and Cecilla Zandalasini added 12 points apiece. For the Dream, Rhyne Howard was the leading scorer with 20 points, while Angel Reese added 7 points and 15 rebounds.