The Atlanta Dream have their backs against the wall, with the WNBA franchise down 3-2 in the 2026 WNBA Finals, and although Angel Reese has been great in the series, she's shot just 4-of-20 over her last two contests.
Is it because of the Golden State Valkyries' defense? Or should she get more free throws? That's something Dream coach Karl Smesko addressed after the 64-55 loss to the Valkyries on Monday night.
"The contact they allow on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous. Just ridiculous," he told reporters. "And we should have gone to the foul line six-to-eight more times just on that. And then to miss double dribbles and travels, multiple that always led to points? Man, you can't be at this level and make that many mistakes."
Watch his whole rant below:
Karl Smesko rips the officiating:
— Oh No He Didn't 🤯 (@ohnohedidnt24) October 27, 2026
"The contact they allow on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous, just ridiculous. And we should have gone to the foul line six to eight more times just on that and then to miss double dribbles and travels, multiple that always led… pic.twitter.com/qVgqNxPrWQ
Will the officials play it any different after that? Does Smesko get fined for ripping officials. So much drama. We'll see how it plays out on Thursday, when the two teams play at State Farm Arena during the day.
Angel Reese also addressed the officiating in the WNBA Finals
Angel Reese on the officiating:
— Oh No He Didn't 🤯 (@ohnohedidnt24) October 27, 2026
"I would definitely say last game...there was also a possession where Gabby pulled me on purpose and she was screaming foul foul, foul and they didn't call it. So that definitely was frustrating for sure. And her team is saying it and they're all… https://t.co/7SCzw3NAtTpic.twitter.com/pSuaC48jok
"When I do switch on the post and I'm a lot stronger than the opponent, I should be able to turn, and they're calling offensive foul, but I'm getting pushed before that. So that is frustrating for sure. It definitely shifted when we went up 2-1 and things shifted and I don't know what happened, but it definitely took a big turn"
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Atlanta Dream coach rips refs on Angel Reese no-calls: 'Just ridiculous'