Tibbetts Ejected in WNBA Finals: Referee Controversy and Mercury Defeat

Nate Tibbetts, Mercury Coach, Ejected in WNBA Finals

In a match marked by tension, Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected during the fourth game of the WNBA final against the Aces. The incident occurred in the third quarter, leaving the team without its leader at a crucial moment in the game. Tibbetts received two consecutive technical fouls, an unprecedented event in the history of the league finals. The first technical foul was the result of a protest over a referee’s decision, followed by a second technical foul for continuing his claims.

For me, it’s simply embarrassing. I’m very sorry to have been ejected. I’ve been in this game a long time. I think it’s one of the weakest double technicals in history. 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 due to Tibbetts saying “That’s terrible”, after a foul was called on the player Monique Akoa Makani. Subsequently, he approached the referee and repeated the phrase, which resulted in his expulsion. In addition to Tibbetts, players Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner also received technical fouls in the final quarter. Bonner’s was for an impulsive reaction to an officiating decision, while Copper was sanctioned for using inappropriate language. Tibbetts also criticized the disparity in free throws between the Mercury and the Aces, noting that the Aces’ A’ja Wilson had numerous shots from the line.

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.

Nate Tibbetts

Legend: Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts received two technical fouls in Game 4, becoming the first coach to be ejected in a league final.The inconsistency in the refereeing has been a recurring issue for the team, according to Tibbetts, and Alyssa Thomas agreed on the need for greater consistency in the WNBA. Despite the issues, the Mercury did not attribute their defeat solely to the refereeing, but to the errors made during the game. The Phoenix team, which managed to overcome significant disadvantages in other games of the season, could not complete the comeback against the Aces. The team’s reaction after Tibbetts’ expulsion was a reflection of their fighting spirit, according to Copper.

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

Kahleah Copper