Rhyne Howard and the Atlanta Dream are in position to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in the WNBA Finals over the Golden State Valkyries. A day before Game 4, however, Howard faced a question about a pre-game controversy.
At a media availability on Friday, a reporter from the conservative news site OutKick asked Howard to comment on both teams’ decision to step off the floor during the national anthem in the Finals. Howard responded that, on her end, this is not a new development.
“Are we talking about just these three games (in the Finals), or are we talking about the whole season? I don’t think I’ve been on the floor for the national anthem for any of my tenure in Atlanta. So, if that’s what people are gonna look to nitpick for, then so be it.”
Howard went on to refer to her recent stint with Team USA at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
“When I go put on a USA jersey, I’m out for the anthem every time. There’s no doubt about it. I love the country that I play for, and I love what we have here, but I don’t think that that’s what needs to be talked about in a state like this.”
When the OutKick reporter pressed Howard for further comment on her absence on the floor during the national anthem, Howard said “next question” to the members of the press.
Though fans and analysts have different opinions on this matter, there’s no denying that Howard bounced back in Game 3. After putting up just five points in Game 2, the four-time All-Star had 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and five steals as the Dream blew out the Valkyries 97-71 on Wednesday.
“We Can’t Be Too Overconfident”: Rhyne Howard Shares Dream’s Mindset Heading Into Game 4
In the same media availability, Rhyne Howard talked about the Dream’s mindset as they prepare for a high-stakes Game 4 on Saturday.
According to Howard, complacency shouldn’t enter the Dream’s system.
“We can’t be too overconfident in the past games that we forget what to do for the upcoming ones. You hate to take a 2-1 lead and then drop a game after that.”
Howard, named to this year’s All-Defensive First Team, added that Game 4 will be incredibly tough, as the Valkyries are in a situation where “their backs are against the wall.”
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