WNBA refs issue statement after Breanna Stewart blames incorrect information for NY Liberty’s loss

After the New York Liberty suffered a loss to the Atlanta Dream in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series, star player Breanna Stewart expressed her frustration. The Liberty had been dominating the game until the Dream managed to come back and force overtime. Stewart had attempted a last-second shot to tie the game, but fans criticized her for doing so, believing it was due to incorrect information from the referees.

Upon further review, Stewart claimed she had asked the referees prior to the final inbound play about the remaining timeouts. According to her, the officials informed her that the Liberty had no reset timeout available. However, Stewart noticed after the game that there was a reset timeout left, which could have potentially changed the outcome of the match.

"This is not blaming the refs, but when I ask both refs if we have a reset timeout at the end, and they tell us 'no,' and then we leave the game with a reset timeout, it’s pretty frustrating. Yeah, I kind of got a good look at the end, but would just love to have some clarity on that situation," Stewart expressed.

The referees acknowledged receiving Stewart's comments and assured the Liberty star that they had, indeed, one reset timeout available during the game. They explained that they made it clear to Stewart that she had a reset timeout remaining. However, they emphasized that there was no direct communication between the officials and the team.

If the referees are perceived as being dishonest about their communication, Stewart and the Liberty may choose to contest this decision. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether such a challenge would assist the Liberty in overturning their 2-0 deficit and advancing to the WNBA Finals.