The Valkyries just took a huge 3-2 lead in the WNBA Finals, shutting down the Dream’s high-octane offense with a decisive 64-55 win in Game 5. But while Golden State’s defense, led by an unheralded Kiah Stokes, was legit, Atlanta coach Karl Smesko and star Angel Reese are absolutely blasting the officiating, calling it “ridiculous” for what went down.
A Game 5 Slugfest, But at What Cost?
Game 5 was an absolute slugfest. Golden State’s 64 points were the lowest in a Finals win since 2005, and the Dream’s 55 were the fewest in a Finals game since 2021. The Valkyries defense, with Kiah Stokes as their unheralded anchor, really blanked Atlanta for much of the contest. This was the Dream’s second-straight loss after they blasted out to a 2-1 series lead. Atlanta was definitely left smarting after the defeat, and you could feel the frustration bubbling over.
Coach Smesko’s Fury Over ‘Ridiculous’ Calls
After the game, Karl Smesko didn’t mince words, especially when backing up Angel Reese. “The contact on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous. Just ridiculous,” he blasted. Smesko argued that Atlanta should have had “six to eight more” foul shots just on contact against Reese. The numbers back up the frustration: Atlanta averaged 29 free throws per game in Games 1-4, but only got to the charity stripe 14 times in Game 5. And let’s not forget the “contentious no-calls,” like that stop by Veronica Burton that smacked Allisha Gray right in the face. Smesko was clear: “You can’t be at this level and make that many mistakes.” He added that he’s “kind of tired of some of the excuses that I’m hearing.”
Angel Reese’s Battle with Physicality
Reese herself echoed her coach’s frustrations, saying “questionable officiating” has been a theme for her “throughout the season.” She’s still trying to figure out “how to play through the physicality,” even when she knows she has a “mismatch” and is “a lot stronger than the opponent.” Reese was held to fewer than 10 points for the second straight game, attempting only four free throws while getting called for four fouls herself. It’s frustrating, she said, when “I’m getting pushed before that, it’s frustrating to me” and then they call an offensive foul after she tries to turn.
So, the Dream are down 3-2, feeling totally robbed by the refs. Game 6 is up next, and you know Atlanta is going to come out firing, especially after all this controversy. They’ve absolutely got to find a way to make the refs see what’s happening and force a Game 7.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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