Fairfax, Virginia

Becky Hammon is aware of what lies ahead.

After wrapping up the postgame press conference in a dimly lit room at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, the Las Vegas Aces head coach stood up and headed for the exit, remarking, “Tell me what I love.”

The Aces suffered their third loss in four games, falling 70-68 to the Washington Mystics in front of a packed crowd. Post-game, Hammon was openly critical of the officiating.

“There weren’t enough challenges tonight. The officials really dropped the ball,” she said, addressing inquiries about her team’s defense, which she felt was overlooked after the defeat. “Jackie Young got fouled on that layup with 33 seconds left. No calls.”

According to WNBA rules, coaches are allowed one challenge of a referee’s call per game, and if successful, they earn a second challenge. Hammon challenged two calls during the game against the Mystics and won both.

“I tried for seven more calls and got them all right,” Hammon explained. “It’s just frustrating.”

However, her critique of the referees doesn’t erase the fact that the Aces squandered a 15-point lead, shot just 12% from three-point range, had a poor assist-to-turnover ratio, and were outscored 12-2 in the last 3:16 of the game.

“Our defense was arguably just as bad,” Hammon acknowledged. “In the third quarter, we didn’t come out strong. It was like losing all our momentum.”

On her concerns about the no-call on Young, she noted that it was just one of many chaotic moments as the game was coming to a close. After Shakira Austin made a putback basket, Young missed a crucial layup, followed by Chelsea Gray, who missed a jumper only 13 seconds later. Gray managed to grab her own rebound but then turned it over with five seconds to go.

As Gray’s loose ball unfolded, Hammon seemed to be signaling for a timeout, which was initially granted. However, after a quick discussion among the officials and some animated responses from Mystics coach Sidney Johnson, the ball was awarded to Washington. Britney Sykes then converted two free throws, extending the Mystics’ lead, and Young missed a chance to tie the game with 1.2 seconds remaining.

“I tried to reset, but you can’t do that when the ball is on the front court,” she commented when asked if she received an explanation from the referees regarding the situation.

The officials for this game were Michael Price, Blanca Burns, and Gina Cross.

Hammon also expressed her frustrations about the WNBA’s current state of officiating before the game.

“Physicality has gone overboard. The concept of freedom of movement feels non-existent,” she said. “Every time you run, it feels like you’re being held, and it’s as if basketball has turned into rugby. Scoring just isn’t what it used to be.”

Before Thursday night’s game, the WNBA teams averaged 81.4 points per game, a slight drop from the record high of 83.1 points in 2020.

Hammon isn’t the only voice calling for change in officiating; notable figures like Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese recently spoke out, expressing frustration about the state of refereeing.

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum have also voiced concerns this season.

In contrast, Johnson offered a more understanding perspective on officiating before the game.

“Being an official in sports, especially basketball, is incredibly challenging. You need to maintain consistent communication,” said the first-year Mystics coach.

The Aces have now lost four of their last seven games, all while star player A’ja Wilson remains sidelined. Wilson did warm up before the game and signed autographs for fans, but Hammon stated there’s no timeline for her return.

Las Vegas could have benefited from Wilson’s skills against Washington, as the Mystics outscored them in the paint 44-38 and won the rebounding battle 35-31. In her absence, Austin led the Aces with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jewel Lloyd scored 20 points.

Three key uncertainties remain for the Aces: the duration of this losing streak, the timeline for Wilson’s return, and how Hammon’s remarks will resonate with the league office.