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

Nate Tibbetts Ejected: A Historic Moment in the WNBA Finals

Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts starred in an unusual moment in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, losing his temper and being ejected. The incident occurred at 2:41 of the third quarter, after receiving two consecutive technical fouls. This event marked a milestone in league history, as Tibbetts became the first coach to be ejected during a Finals game.

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

Nate Tibbetts

Tibbetts’ first technical foul was the result of his strong words following an officiating decision. According to the head of the officiating team, Roy Gulbeyan, Tibbetts reacted angrily to a foul called on Monique Akoa Makani. Subsequently, the coach approached the referee and repeated his criticisms, which earned him the second technical and automatic ejection. In addition to Tibbetts, players Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner were also sanctioned with technical fouls during the final quarter. Bonner received the foul for an impulsive reaction, protesting a referee’s decision and gesturing exaggeratedly. Copper, for her part, was penalized after a foul in a ball dispute, reacting with offensive words and approaching the referee aggressively. Tibbetts did not hesitate to express his discontent with the refereeing, pointing out the disparity in free throws between the Mercury and the Aces in Game 4. Phoenix attempted 19 free throws, while Las Vegas had 35, including 19 by 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.

Nate Tibbetts

Alyssa Thomas agreed with Tibbetts, underlining the need for consistency in refereeing as the most important change the WNBA needs. Tibbetts added that refereeing must evolve along with the league, which is constantly growing. Despite the criticism, Mercury did not attribute its defeat to the refereeing. Copper highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and team determination. The main problem for the Phoenix was the number of points conceded after the 18 turnovers. The team found itself, once again, with a 20-point deficit, something that has become recurrent in the playoffs. In Game 2 of the semifinals against the Minnesota Lynx, the Mercury rallied from a 20-point deficit to win. In Game 3 of that series, they won after trailing by 17. In Game 3 of the Finals, they lost by 17. The Mercury cut the lead to six points immediately after Tibbetts was ejected. For Copper, this reaction was a reflection of the team’s season.