Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes helped off court docket after being hit within the face

Hayes was helped off the court docket late within the second quarter and did not return to Wednesday evening’s 76-74 victory in opposition to the Mystics after taking an arm to the face from Washington’s Shakira Austin and taking place for a number of minutes.

It was the growth franchise’s first win — and coach Natalie Nakase obtained a celebratory bathe regardless of making an attempt to keep away from it earlier than exhibiting up for her postgame interview in a black Valkyries bathrobe.

Hayes was thrilled and informed her coach “I am superb” after struggling a nostril harm that the staff mentioned could be additional evaluated.

“Her taking place that’s an enormous a part of our staff however I simply informed the ladies we’ve obtained to step up, the subsequent individual has to step up and we did that tonight,” Thornton mentioned. “I’m blessed, I’m grateful. That win was for Tiff and in addition for the followers. Our first win, it’s just the start.”

Hayes went exhausting to the ground beneath the Washington basket 3:43 earlier than halftime of the Valkyries’ second sport. She was down for a number of minutes after the hit to her head as a minimum of a half-dozen medical personnel rushed out to are inclined to her.

Hayes gave a thumbs up after she was helped up and went to the locker room with a towel pressed to her face. She obtained a standing ovation when she left.

“I believe we’re simply going to attend to see how she feels however I walked within the locker room and she or he was the primary one to open her arms and provides me an enormous hug,” Nakase mentioned. “I instantly mentioned, ‘How are you?’ She goes ‘I’m superb.’ She simply wished to say congrats on your first win.”

Golden State is starting its first season enjoying at Chase Heart, additionally dwelling to the NBA’s Warriors.

WNBA: /hub/wnba-basketball

This text was generated from an automatic information company feed with out modifications to textual content.