WNBA Finals Drama: Officiating and Anthem Controversies Highlight Series

During the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries faced criticism for leaving the court during the national anthem, defying league policy. Fox News host Will Cain condemned their actions on ‘The Will Cain Show.’

After losing Game 5 to the Valkyries, Dream head coach Karl Smesko defended player Angel Reese, arguing that officials missed significant contact against her, Atlanta’s star forward and the league’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Smesko praised the Valkyries for their defensive play, known for toughness, but insisted on defending his player, Angel Reese. “The contact on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous,” he said.

In Game 5, Reese scored seven points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Despite the loss, the series shifts back to Atlanta for Game 6. Smesko also criticized the officiating, stating, “You can’t be at this level and make that many mistakes.” He highlighted missed calls involving Reese, as well as potential violations by the Valkyries.

Reese echoed her coach’s concerns, indicating a season-long struggle with physical play and questionable officiating. “I’m trying to figure out how to play through the physicality,” Reese stated, mentioning the frustration when teammates and she herself were met with aggressive defense.

In this competitive series, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the expected physical nature of the championship games. “Both teams really want to win this,” Nakase said. “These are two defensive-minded teams… they like physicality, so that’s part of it.”

The Dream managed only 14 free throws in Game 5, their fewest for this postseason. Reese noted a change in officiating style, expressing that it shifted notably after their 2-1 series lead.

Defense dominated Game 5, with both teams struggling offensively. Golden State’s 64 points marked the lowest winning score in a WNBA Finals game since 2005.

Fox News Digital has reached out for comments on potential fines for Smesko or Reese following their remarks about officiating. Fines are not unprecedented, as coaches from past playoffs, such as Becky Hammon and Stephanie White, faced financial penalties for similar actions.

Game 6 of the WNBA Finals will be played on Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET, the timing aligns with the arena’s commitments to both the Dream and the Atlanta Hawks.

Smesko hopes for a broad audience despite this scheduling, acknowledging, “I’m disappointed for those who can’t attend, but I hope as many people as possible can see the game.”