Natalie Nakase Issues Response After Valkyries Rookie Gets Ejected
The Golden State Valkyries three-game winning streak was squashed in a resounding 101-77 loss to the Las Vegas Aces Sunday night. Golden State had been building momentum going into Las Vegas with a series of narrow victories before being routed, keeping the Valkyries on the edge of the playoff picture.
Naturally, tensions ride high in such a loss. Some of those tensions came to a head between Golden State rookie forward Janelle Salaün and Las Vegas guard Jewell Lloyd in the second quarter of the match.
As the final seconds before halftime wound down, Salaün was called for a flagrant foul after colliding with Lloyd on a fast break and knocking Lloyd to the ground with her shoulder. Neither player had the ball.
This is the play Janelle Salaun was ejected for…. 🫤 pic.twitter.com/t0b8V90WLM
— Golden State Valkyries Fan Report (@valkyriesreport) August 3, 2025
Salaün's action culminated in a Flagrant 2 foul and ejection. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase was talking to a fellow coach and did not see the foul as it occurred, she said postgame, but found it surprising and out of character for Salaün to do.
"She [Salaün] usually doesn't do anything, so now I'm kind of concerned whether it really was flagrant," Nakase said (via Valkyries). "That's why I was more in shock... Ja's not that kind of player, so I'm going to have to go back [to watch]."
Salaün and Lloyd were seen getting in each other's faces several minutes before the critical play, possibly giving an indication behind Salaün's actions.
While the Aces took the win against the Valkyries on Sunday, the two face a rematch on August 6, this time in Ballhalla. It will be interesting what, if anything, comes from Salaün and Lloyd seeing each other again after the incident in Las Vegas.
Bio: Jack Haslett is a writer and photographer covering Golden State Valkyries basketball for Sports Illustrated. Jack has previously published work with the Sporting Tribune, the Long Beach Current and DIG Magazine, covering sports, community events and news. A graduate from Long Beach State University, Jack has a passion for writing, photography and all things sports.