Smesko argued officials missed what he considered a "ridiculous" amount of contact against Atlanta's star forward and the league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom."I give [the Valkyries] credit for playing good defense, they're known for their defense," Smesko said."But I want to have Angel's back here.
The contact on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous.Just ridiculous," Smesko said after the 64-55 loss Monday to the Golden State Valkyries.Reese finished Game 5 with seven points as the loss pushed the Dream to the brink of elimination.
Although she seemed to struggled offensively, Reese still pulled down 15 rebounds.The series now shifts back to Atlanta on Thursday for Game 6.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEAtlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko looks on during the third quarter in Game 5 of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on Oct.
26, 2026, in San Francisco, California.(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Smesko added a blunt assessment of the officiating in the WNBA Finals: "You can't be at this level and make that many mistakes."Smesko’s primary frustration centered on what he believed were several missed calls involving Reese.
He also pointed to possible missed double-dribble and traveling violations by the Valkyries.Reese echoed her coach’s sentiments, suggesting this series was not the first time she contended with physical play and questionable officiating this year."I am still trying to figure out how to play through the physicality," said Reese, who was also called for four personal fouls.
"I'm kind of used to it because this was happening throughout the season, so I have to just continue to play through it.But honestly, for my teammates, when they're getting slapped to the floor...