NBA Referees Explain Why WNBA No-Call Was the Right Decision

The contentious no-call by WNBA officials during the closing moments of the Mercury's 84-76 win over the Lynx in Game 3 of the semifinals has now received official endorsement from NBA authorities. With just 27 seconds left in a tightly contested four-point match, Lynx star Napheesa Collier seized a ball at the perimeter and ventured left. Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas intervened decisively, dislodging the ball and facilitating a straightforward fast-break layup, extending the score to 82-76.Following this pivotal moment, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve took to the court in fervent protest after being ejected. The NBA referees affirmed, "This is NOT a foul. Thomas lawfully retrieves the ball before any contact occurs. The leg-to-leg contact is incidental, as the ball is already loose." They maintained that both the original no-call and subsequent technical fouls were accurately assessed in real time. The situation leaves room for scrutiny regarding the judgment of officials.