Dream Coach Smesko and Angel Reese Blast WNBA Finals Officiating as Atlanta Falls Behind

Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko and the team's star forward Angel Reese have publicly criticised the officiating in the WNBA Finals in the United States. They raised the complaints after a 64-55 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 5.

Smesko argued that officials missed a large amount of contact against Reese compared with other players, calling it “just ridiculous.” He gave the Valkyries credit for their defence but said he wanted to stand up for Reese.

Reese finished Game 5 with seven points and 15 rebounds. The loss pushed the Dream to the brink of elimination, and the series shifts back to Atlanta on Thursday for Game 6.

Smesko added that officials cannot make that many mistakes at this level. His main frustration centred on missed calls involving Reese, and he also pointed to possible missed double-dribble and travelling violations by the Valkyries.

Reese echoed her coach. Called for four personal fouls herself, she said she is still trying to figure out how to play through the physicality and that the same thing happened throughout the season. She said it is frustrating when her teammates are slapped to the floor or knocked off balance.

Reese also said the officiating shifted after Atlanta went up 2-1 in the series. She was held to single-digit scoring in Game 4 as well, finishing with eight points in a 67-62 loss.

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase described the physical play as expected. She said both teams really want to win, both are defensive-minded teams that like physicality, and she was not shocked by it.

Atlanta attempted only 14 free throws in Game 5, their fewest in a playoff game this postseason. The game was defined by defence, and Golden State's 64 points were the lowest total by a winning team in a WNBA Finals game since 2005.

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, tipping off at 12:30 p.m. ET. Smesko said he hopes as many people as possible can see the game despite the afternoon start on a working day.