Dream Coach Karl Smesko, Angel Reese Criticize WNBA Finals Officiating

Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko and star forward Angel Reese have voiced strong criticism of the officiating during the WNBA Finals, particularly following the Dream's 64-55 Game 5 loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

Smesko directly addressed the perceived disparity in calls, stating that the amount of contact against Reese, the league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, was "just ridiculous." He acknowledged the Valkyries' defensive prowess but emphasized his concern for Reese. "The contact on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous. Just ridiculous," Smesko said after the game.

Reese, who finished Game 5 with seven points and 15 rebounds, echoed Smesko's sentiments, suggesting that she has become accustomed to physical play and questionable calls throughout the season. "I am still trying to figure out how to play through the physicality," Reese stated. "I'm kind of used to it because this was happening throughout the season, so I have to just continue to play through it. But honestly, for my teammates, when they're getting slapped to the floor or knocked off, it's a little frustrating."

Reese also highlighted specific instances where she felt offensive fouls were called against her while she was receiving contact. "I know I have the mismatch, especially talking about matchups. So when I do switch on the post and I'm a lot stronger than the opponent, I should be able to turn and they're calling an offensive foul. But when I'm getting pushed before that, it's frustrating to me."

Smesko further elaborated on his frustration, asserting that officials should not be making "that many mistakes" at this level of competition. He also pointed to potential missed calls on violations such as double-dribbles and travels by the Valkyries.

The series has been marked by intense defensive play, with Game 5 seeing Golden State score just 64 points, the lowest total for a winning team in a WNBA Finals game since 2005. The Atlanta Dream managed only 14 free throw attempts in Game 5, their lowest in any playoff game this postseason.

Reese suggested that the officiating trend changed after the Dream took a 2-1 series lead. "It definitely shifted when we went up 2-1," she said. "I don't know what happened, but it definitely took a big turn."

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase countered by noting the high stakes of a championship series, stating that both teams are defensive-minded and embrace physicality. "Both teams really want to win this," Nakase said. "These are two defensive-minded teams ... they like physicality, so that's part of it. I ain't shocked about this."

Following similar criticisms from players and coaches in past postseasons, both Smesko and Reese could potentially face fines from the WNBA for their public comments on officiating. Last year, coaches Becky Hammon and Stephanie White were fined $1,000 each for criticizing referees, and Cheryl Reeve received a one-game suspension for her remarks.

The WNBA Finals will continue with Game 6 on Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The game is scheduled to tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET, with an agreement reached to accommodate both the WNBA and NBA schedules.