Dream coach Karl Smesko calls WNBA Finals officiating ‘just ridiculous’ as Angel Reese also questions refs

Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko criticised the officiating after his team lost 64-55 to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. He said Angel Reese faced an unreasonable amount of contact and that officials made too many mistakes, raising questions about how consistently the game is being called as Atlanta faces elimination.

Reese also expressed frustration with the physical play and the calls she receives, after scoring seven points, collecting 15 rebounds and being called for four fouls. The Dream attempted 14 free throws, their fewest in a playoff game this postseason, while Golden State’s 64 points were the lowest by a winning team in a Finals game since 2005. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta; the Valkyries can clinch the title.