Officiating Criticism Follows Atlanta Dream’s Loss to Washington Mystics

The Atlanta Dream faced an unexpected setback with an 81-76 defeat against the Washington Mystics on Thursday night. Dream player Jordin Canada voiced strong opinions regarding the game’s officiating.

“I’m going to get fined, but I don’t care. Tonight, the officiating was awful… I don’t know how many times Angel [Reese] has to get beat up in the paint for her to get a foul called… I thought all 3 refs were terrible,” Canada remarked following the game.

In the loss, Rhyne Howard led Dream players with 24 points. Canada contributed 10 points and seven assists, while Angel Reese managed 13 points and 13 rebounds. Both Canada and Reese were affected by personal fouls, totaling five each by the game’s end, complicating the Dream’s performance. The fouls called during the match included 23 against the Mystics and 22 against the Dream. Despite the seemingly balanced officiating numbers, Canada argued that numerous fouls on Reese were overlooked.

Canada emphasized, “Every time [Angel] was getting a fastbreak layup, she was getting hacked… In the paint, she was getting hacked, no foul calls.” She added, “Anytime we tried to play physical, it was always a foul call. So I think the officiating has to be better.”

The remarks coincide with growing criticism of WNBA referees. Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko previously commented on Reese’s lack of respect from officials.

Statmuse data indicates the Dream is ranked 10th in personal fouls this season, recording 385 fouls after 20 games. For context, the Connecticut Sun leads with 465 fouls, followed closely by the Portland Fire with 463, and the Indiana Fever with 460.

A recent incident involving Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark further highlighted issues with game officiating. A league review resulted in a Flagrant Foul 2 for Thomas and a one-game suspension, stemming from an unaddressed foul against Clark.