Dream's Smesko backs Reese, fed up with refs missing 'ridiculous' contact — SkimNews
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- Karl Smesko condemned the officiating after Game 5, calling the missed contact on Angel Reese 'ridiculous' and insisting referees can't make that many mistakes at the WNBA Finals level
- Angel Reese scored seven points on 2-of-8 shooting and was limited to three free throws in Game 5, marking the first time in her career she had back-to-back games with two or fewer field goals
- Atlanta Dream attempted just 14 free throws in Game 5, their fewest in any postseason game this year and a sharp drop from their 29.0 per game average in the first four Finals games
- Golden State Valkyries held the Dream to 29.2% shooting, including 23.5% in the paint, contributing to Atlanta's 55-point output — the lowest in a Finals game since 2021
- Natalie Nakase defended the physical style of play, stating both teams embrace physicality and that the intensity is expected in the WNBA Finals, showing no surprise at the contact level
Why it matters: The Dream’s drop from 29.0 to 14 free throw attempts between Game 4 and Game 5 signals a dramatic shift in officiating interpretation at a critical series juncture, disadvantaging a team built around inside scoring and putting added pressure on Atlanta to win two straight. This swing directly impacts their championship odds and raises scrutiny over consistency in Finals calls.
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