Phoenix Mercury'S Nate Tibbetts Sounds Off On Ejection In Wnba Finals Showdown

Game 4 Drama: Tibbetts Ejected

PHOENIX – Game 4 of the WNBA Finals was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Mercury, packed with injuries and a dramatic ejection of head coach Nate Tibbetts. Set against the backdrop of an intense playoff series, Tibbetts's exit seemed just the tip of the iceberg.

After the game, the second-year coach didn't hold back when discussing the incident. Though not enraged, Tibbetts expressed a mix of disappointment and confusion over the call.

"To me, it's embarrassing. I feel bad that I was tossed," Tibbetts said. "I've been around this game a long time. I think it's one of the weakest double technicals ever. I didn't even know that I got the second one to be completely honest. I don't understand it."

Tibbetts Speaks Out

The tension was palpable as Tibbetts continued, airing his frustration. "I feel bad for our team, our fans. It wasn't needed in my opinion," he added. "I'd love to hear that their call. But yeah, we're playing for our playoff lives. Most coaches, when they get tossed, you're doing it on purpose, right? And that was not my intention at all."

With four technical fouls on the Mercury side versus none for Las Vegas, emotions were running high. It was a do-or-die game for Phoenix, already down 3-0 in the series, making the charged atmosphere all the more intense.

Looking Ahead

This wasn't the fairytale ending the Mercury hoped for after a standout playoff performance abruptly ended by the Aces. Despite the outcome, optimism remains within the team. With ongoing CBA negotiations casting a shadow over the next season, plans for 2026 are uncertain, but Tibbetts believes the team has what it takes to make another run.

"Having this WNBA Finals experience can be essential for what we're trying to build," Tibbetts shared, hinting at the potential for the team's growth and future success.