Fever Coach White Blasts Officiating After Loss to Liberty

Fever Coach White Blasts Officiating After Loss to Liberty

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White criticized the officiating after her team's close loss to the New York Liberty, highlighting a significant free throw disparity and a controversial no-call on a potential foul against Caitlin Clark in the game's final seconds. White expressed frustration with what she perceives as a lack of respect and consistency in officiating towards her team.

By: Luck Byron

Posted On: May 25, 2025

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The Indiana Fever suffered a narrow 90-88 defeat to the reigning champion New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a game marred by controversy surrounding the officiating. Fever head coach Stephanie White expressed her frustration and questioned the consistency of the calls, particularly in the game's crucial final moments.


With just 2.2 seconds left on the clock and trailing by two, the Fever had a chance to tie or win the game. Sophie Cunningham inbounded the ball to Caitlin Clark near half court, but Natasha Cloud of the Liberty dispossessed Clark before she could attempt a shot. Clark reacted immediately, signaling for a foul, but no call was made as time expired.


"I thought she got fouled," White stated bluntly, adding, "I think it's pretty egregious what's been happening to us these last few games." White highlighted the significant free throw disparity, with the Liberty attempting 32 free throws to the Fever's 15, questioning how that could happen when her team was actively attacking the basket. She expressed disappointment with what she perceived as a lack of respect shown to the Fever by the officials.


The Fever held a 12-point advantage in the fourth quarter before the Liberty mounted a 16-2 run to seize the lead and ultimately secure the victory. The loss drops Indiana to 2-2 on the season, while New York remains undefeated at 3-0.


White emphasized that the team isn't seeking preferential treatment, but rather consistency in officiating. Referencing their recent win against the Atlanta Dream, she noted a similar free throw disparity, 15 attempts for the Fever compared to 23 for the Dream.


Center Aliyah Boston acknowledged the team's limited power to influence officiating decisions. "We don't really have a choice, because they're going to call what they want to call," she said. Boston stressed the importance of finishing strong through contact, even if the calls don't go their way. She also took responsibility for missed opportunities near the basket, underscoring the need to capitalize on scoring chances.

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