Dream's Smesko rips officiating of Reese in Game 5 WNBA Finals - ESPN

SAN FRANCISCO — Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko stood defiantly behind star Angel Reese on Monday night, criticizing officials for missing what he called a «ridiculous» amount of contact in Monday night's 64-55 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.

Reese finished with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting and went 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the loss, which put Atlanta in a 3-2 series hole.

«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.»

He added about the officiating: «You can't be at this level and make that many mistakes.»

Smesko's main point of contention was what he felt to be a number of missed calls against Reese. He also said he felt there were a number of missed double dribbles and travel calls against the Valkyries.

Reese shared in the frustration, saying the physical play and questionable officiating have been a recurring theme for her 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 or knocked off, it's a little frustrating.»

She continued: «I know I have the mismatch, especially talking about matchups. So 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 an offensive foul. But when I'm getting pushed before that, it's frustrating to me.»

It's the first time