Dream coach calls out WNBA refs over Angel Reese development

Angel Reese struggled from the field in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Monday. While she experienced an off-night, Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko called the referees out over a development on the star forward.

Reese recorded seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, along with 15 rebounds and five assists. It’s by no means her worst performance, but she has shown that she is capable of producing better numbers. Rhyne Howard led the way for Atlanta with 20 points and five rebounds, while Jordin Canada contributed 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Allisha Gray added 10 points in the 64-55 loss.

It’s was Reese’s second straight subpar outing. She finished with eight points on a 2-of-12 clip, with nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks in Game 4 last Wednesday.

Dream HC Karl Smesko criticizes referees for treatment of Angel Reese

Smesko addressed the media after the game. He started by acknowledging the Valkyries’ defense before stressing on the lack of calls on Reese despite the opposing team’s physicality.

“I give them credit for playing good defense. They’re known for their defense and they’ve been playing great defense throughout the series. But I do want to have Angels back here. The contact they allow on Angel compared to everybody else is just ridiculous. It’s just ridiculous. And we should have gone to the foul line six to eight more times just on that. Then to miss double dribbles and travels always led to points.

“You can’t be at this level and make that many mistakes. There’s things that are on us, like, we’re missing shots. But at the same time, that needs to be a whole lot better than it was. And it’s time that if you push somebody with two hands as they drive, it’s got to be a foul. I’m kind of tired of some of the excuses that I’m hearing.”

Karl Smesko criticizes the reffing in Game 5. Says the contact allowed against Angel Reese is “ridiculous” and that multiple double dribbles and travels are being missed against the Valkyries @Winsidr https://t.co/fjHax2oRVM

— Madisyn Cunningham (@MadisynCunn) October 27, 2026

Smesko, Reese and the Dream now have their backs against the wall. They have a good chance of extending the series to a potential winner-take-all Game 7 if they protect homecourt on Thursday.

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