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WNBA refs controversially eject Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts in elimination game vs. Aces

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz10/11/25NickSchultz_7
Phoenix Mercury HC Nate Tibbetts
© Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Just as the Phoenix Mercury tried to mount a second-half charge to avoid a sweep in the WNBA Finals, they lost their coach. Nate Tibbetts received a double technical foul, resulting in a controversial ejection.

Tibbetts voiced his displeasure with a call at the 2:41-mark of the third quarter. He went out to talk to the official about it and was clearly unhappy. He got in her face, and the official ultimately called the double technical foul.

As Tibbetts was escorted to the Mercury locker room, the ESPN broadcast crew speculated about whether there was any contact made with the official. The replay didn’t appear to show any.

“No, he should not be ejected for that,” said ESPN color analyst Rebecca Lobo on the broadcast. “You should absolutely T him up, but absolutely not eject him for that.”

The play occurred at mid-court when Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani got called for a reach-in foul, just seconds after a no-call on the other end of the floor. Tibbett went directly toward the official and voiced his disagreement. However, replay didn’t appear to show any contact, Lobo said.

“Is there contact?” Lobo asked as the replay rolled. “He’s in her face – understand, you should not get in an official’s face – but there’s no contact there.”

Nate Tibbetts’ ejection comes amid a slew of criticism toward WNBA officiating. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, as part of a four-minute long answer late last month, called for the league to improve its officiating due to inconsistency.

After the third quarter ended, Mercury star Kahleah Copper added to the criticism. Speaking with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, she called out the officiating in Friday’s game as the Aces looked to complete a four-game sweep.

“I think the refs aren’t doing a good job tonight,” Copper said. “I’m sorry, but we just got to keep our heads. Keep our heads and just try to chip away.”

The Aces entered Friday’s game in Phoenix with total control in the WNBA Finals. A’ja Wilson is leading the charge, fresh off another MVP season, and hit the game-winning shot to put Las Vegas in position to pull off the sweep in the first best-of-seven finals in WNBA history.