Atlanta Dream Face Officiating Challenges in Loss to Washington Mystics

The Atlanta Dream did not anticipate their 81-76 loss against the Washington Mystics on Thursday night. Jordin Canada from the Dream expressed significant displeasure with the officiating.

I’m going to get fined, but I don’t care. Tonight, the officiating was awful … I don’t know how many times Angel [Reese] has to get beat up in the paint for her to get a foul called … I thought all 3 refs were terrible,

Canada shared these remarks after the game. Rhyne Howard topped the Dream’s scoring with 24 points. Canada contributed 10 points and seven assists, while Reese tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds. Both Canada and Reese faced challenges, each accruing five personal fouls before the game concluded. This situation complicated the Dream’s strategies.

Referees called 23 fouls on the Mystics and 22 on the Dream. The Dream and Mystics attempted 18 and 19 free throws, respectively. Despite the numbers suggesting fairness, Canada argues Reese is often overlooked for foul calls.

Every time [Angel] was getting a fastbreak layup, she was getting hacked, Canada noted. In the paint, she was getting hacked, no foul calls.

Anytime we tried to play physical, it was always a foul call. So I think the officiating has to be better, she added.

These comments emerge amidst growing scrutiny of WNBA referees. Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko has previously stated that Reese lacks respect from officials.

Current Statmuse data shows the Dream as the team with the 10th most personal fouls in the WNBA this season. With 385 fouls called against them after 20 games, they trail behind the Connecticut Sun, Portland Fire, and Indiana Fever.

A controversial moment involving Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark has intensified the focus on refereeing in the league. Following a league review, Thomas received a Flagrant Foul 2 and a one-game suspension for an uncalled incident against Clark.