Tibbetts Ejected: Controversy in WNBA Finals, Mercury Falls to Aces

Nate Tibbetts, Mercury Coach, Ejected in WNBA Finals

In a moment of tension during the fourth game of the WNBA Finals, Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected after receiving two technical fouls. The incident occurred with 2:41 left in the third quarter, marking a milestone in league history as the first coach to be ejected in a Finals game.

“For me, it’s just embarrassing. I’m really sorry I got ejected. I’ve been in this game a long time. I think it’s one of the weakest double technicals I’ve ever seen. To be completely honest, I didn’t even know I got the second one. I just don’t understand it.

Nate Tibbetts

The head of the officiating team, Roy Gulbeyan, explained that the first technical foul was for protesting an officiating decision with the phrase “That’s terrible shit.” Tibbetts, upon approaching the referee and repeating the phrase, received the second technical foul and automatic ejection.

“He’s weak, weak, weak. We were playing for our lives in the playoffs. Most coaches, when they get ejected, do it on purpose. That wasn’t my intention at all. I didn’t feel like I deserved it at all… It was bullshit.”

Nate Tibbetts

During the game, Mercury players Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner also received technical fouls. Gulbeyan attributed Bonner’s to a “reaction of the moment,” while Copper was sanctioned for using offensive language and aggressively approaching the referee. Tibbetts pointed out the disparity in free throws between Mercury and Aces, with Phoenix attempting 19 free throws versus Las Vegas’s 35, including 19 by Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.

“A’ja is a great player. But when someone shoots so many free throws, it’s difficult. Obviously, we were frustrated. She shot as many free throws as our whole team. It’s hard to overcome. At the beginning of the playoffs, they let teams play a little more. But tonight, that wasn’t the case.”

Nate Tibbetts

The coach highlighted the inconsistency in the refereeing as his biggest concern, a point that was also supported by Alyssa Thomas. Despite the problems with the refereeing, Mercury did not attribute the defeat to this situation.

“It’s great. It’s already done. We don’t even have to talk about it. It’s not about the wins and losses. One thing about us is that we’ll take responsibility.”

Kahleah Copper

The main problem for Phoenix was the loss of 26 points due to 18 turnovers. Despite overcoming a 20-point deficit in previous games, they couldn’t repeat the feat against Aces. After Tibbetts’ ejection, Mercury reduced the difference to six points, demonstrating the team’s resilience.

“It’s another form of adversity in the year. We’re going to add to it. We’re going to play harder. That’s what it’s about. When you talk about Mercury basketball, when you talk about the Phoenix Mercury period, we will never give up. We’re going for it. We can handle whatever they throw at us.”

Kahleah Copper