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WNBA Playoff Controversy: Timeout Confusion Costs Liberty
9 Oct
Summary
- Liberty's Breanna Stewart questioned a ref about a crucial timeout.
- Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the timeout's availability.
- The Liberty have filed an inquiry with the WNBA league.
A disputed interaction between New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and a referee regarding a reset timeout has sparked controversy following their overtime playoff loss to the Atlanta Dream. Video footage shows Stewart asking an official about the timeout, but it remains unclear if the question was answered. Postgame, lead official Fatou Cissoko-Stephens stated Stewart was informed the Liberty had a timeout, contradicting Stewart's immediate post-game comments.
Despite having a reset timeout available that could have advanced the ball, the Liberty failed to utilize it in the final seconds, ultimately losing 101-98. Stewart expressed frustration over the conflicting information received from officials, emphasizing the need for clarity. The New York Liberty have formally inquired with the WNBA league office about the situation.
The Dream now lead the best-of-five series 2-0, placing them one game away from their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013. The series continues with Game 3 in New York, where the Liberty face a must-win situation, attempting an unprecedented comeback in WNBA history.
