Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts ejected from WNBA Finals Game 4 after heated argument

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected from Game 4 of the WNBA Finals after receiving two quick technical fouls in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night.

Tibbetts — a second-year coach — was arguing a foul call against Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani when he got in the face of referee Gina Cross, who almost immediately called two quick technicals. Tibbetts reacted in disbelief before being escorted from the court.

The Aces beat the Mercury 97-86 to complete a four-game sweep.

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

Tibbetts said he wasn't trying to get ejected. Assistant Kristi Toliver assumed head coaching duties for the rest of the game.

“We're playing for our playoff lives. Most coaches when they get tossed, you're doing it on purpose. That was not my intention at all,” he said. “There's been issues with the officiating all year. I have to look at it. I feel like I didn't deserve that.”

Tibbetts said he didn't get an explanation from the officials on why he was tossed.

“What I said initially, probably I deserved a technical for sure. I walked away. I thought they gave (Akoa Makani) another one. I don't know if she thought I said something else.”

Officials crew chief Roy Gulbeyan told a pool reporter that Tibbetts complained about the call on Akoa Makani while shouting an expletive, which earned the first technical. Gulbeyan said Tibbetts moved in closer to Cross and repeated the same phrase, earning the second technical.

It's not the first time WNBA officials have been at the center of controversy during this postseason. Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected in Game 3 of the semifinals against Phoenix when she argued after star player Napheesa Collier got hurt in the final minute. Reeve was suspended for Game 4, in which the Lynx were eliminated by the Mercury.

Collier then criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for what she described as poor leadership and a lack of accountability, citing the league's inconsistent officiating as one example. Engelbert was booed when she presented the championship trophy to the Aces on Friday night.

Feinberg reported from New York.

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts after a call against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 4 of the WNBA basketball finals, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts, left, yells at official Lamont Simpson (38) after a foul during the second half of Game 4 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Las Vegas Aces, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts after a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 3 of the WNBA basketball finals, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts after a foul call against the Las Vegas Aces during the first half of Game 4 of the WNBA basketball finals, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley is expected to miss two to four weeks due to a calf strain.

The reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year suffered the injury during Friday night's 130-126 comeback victory over the Washington Wizards in which he had 23 points and 13 rebounds. A postgame evaluation showed tightness in the area before an MRI on Saturday revealed a grade 1 strain.

The fifth-year forward has played in all but one game for the Cavaliers this season and is averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game along with 7.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 blocked shots.

The injury is another blow for the Cavaliers, who were the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season but have been dealing with injuries for most of this year.

Cleveland is 15-11 but has dropped five of its last eight games.

Besides Mobley, center Jarrett Allen (finger), Sam Merrill (right hand), Larry Nance Jr. (right calf) and Max Strus (left foot) are dealing with injuries. Allen, who has missed the last six games, is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Charlotte.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) grabs a rebound over Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, right, drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)