Liberty fall to Dream amid timeout controversy, face elimination
New York Liberty players and coaches expressed frustration after learning they possessed a reset timeout following a crucial Game 2 overtime loss to the Atlanta Dream, which puts them down 2-0 in the semifinals.
The New York Liberty's season is on the brink after a controversial 101-98 overtime loss to the Atlanta Dream in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals, putting them in a 2-0 series deficit. The controversy centers on a timeout that Liberty players believed they did not have, which ultimately impacted their final possession.
With 4.3 seconds left in overtime and the score within one possession, Breanna Stewart inquired about a reset timeout with the officiating crew. According to Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, they were told the Liberty did not have the timeout available. Following the game, however, they learned they did possess the timeout and could have advanced the ball on their final play.
“When I ask both refs if we have a reset timeout at the end, and they tell us no and then we leave the game with the reset timeout, it’s pretty frustrating,” Stewart stated after the game. “I kind of got a good look at the end but would just love to have some clarity on that situation as well.”
Ionescu echoed Stewart's sentiment, calling the situation "unacceptable" given they had asked multiple times. "Mistakes happen, but obviously that’s a costly mistake," she said.
Despite the officiating controversy, some players, like Leonie Fiebich, suggested it wasn't the sole reason for the loss. "It sounds like a big drama, but I don’t think that’s the reason why we lost," Fiebich commented. "Of course, it’s unfortunate, but I think we could have won before that, didn’t let it come that far."
The game itself was a tightly contested affair, featuring 17 lead changes and eight ties. Marine Fauthoux of the Dream sent the game into overtime with a clutch three-pointer with 9.9 seconds remaining in regulation.
In the first half, the officiating disrupted the flow of the game, with 27 fouls called before halftime. The Liberty struggled at the free-throw line, missing seven attempts in the first half, and trailed 56-54 at the break despite the Dream outplaying them at times.
Fauthoux was a standout for the Dream, scoring 20 points, including four three-pointers, along with six rebounds and four assists off the bench. Stewart led the Liberty with 35 points, 25 of which came in the first half.
The Liberty, who had made history with a sweep of the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round, now face a red-hot Atlanta Dream team that has won eight consecutive games, extending their streak back before the FIBA break.
New York will return to Brooklyn for a do-or-die Game 3 on Friday. "Quick turnaround," Stewart said. "Knowing that we’re not focused on winning three straight right now. We’re focused on winning one game, and that’s Friday."