Tibbetts, furious: Controversial ejection in Mercury’s Finals WNBA defeat

Nate Tibbetts, Mercury Coach, Ejected in WNBA Finals

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts experienced a moment of frustration at center court during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, losing to the Aces with a score of 97-86. Tibbetts was ejected, receiving two consecutive technical fouls, a historic event in the league. The coach expressed his disbelief and disappointment at the referee’s decision.

For me, it’s simply embarrassing. I feel bad for having been ejected. I’ve been in this game a long time. I think it’s one of the weakest double technicals I’ve ever seen. I didn’t even know I’d been called for the second one, to be completely honest. I just don’t understand it.

Nate Tibbetts

The head of the referee team, Roy Gulbeyan, explained that the first technical foul was for protesting a foul, and the second for repeating the protest in an energetic manner. Mercury players Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner also received technical fouls in the final quarter. Bonner was sanctioned for reacting to an officiating decision, while Copper was penalized for using inappropriate language and aggressively approaching a referee. Tibbetts pointed out the disparity in free throws between the Mercury and the Aces, highlighting that A’ja Wilson of the Aces had many more attempts. Despite the issues with the refereeing, the Mercury did not attribute the loss to this factor. Copper emphasized the importance of team accountability. Phoenix’s biggest problem was the loss of 26 points due to 18 turnovers.

Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected during Game 4 of the Finals.Alyssa Thomas of the Mercury agreed that consistency in officiating is a crucial change that the WNBA needs. Tibbetts concluded that arbitration must evolve along with the league, which is growing and attracting more attention. In the game, the Mercury managed to cut a 20-point deficit to just six, a reflection of the team’s resilience throughout the season. Copper highlighted the team’s ability to overcome adversity.