Wed Aug 06 02:40:00 UTC 2025: **Storm Coach Quinn Blasts Referees After Double-Overtime Loss to Sparks**

**SEATTLE, WA** – Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn didn’t mince words following her team’s heartbreaking 108-106 double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night. Frustration boiled over as she called out what she perceives as inconsistent and disrespectful refereeing, particularly regarding the treatment of star guard Skylar Diggins.

“Forty-three minutes and zero free throws is bulls—. Period,” Quinn stated emphatically, referring to Diggins’ stat line despite taking 20 field goal attempts. While the Storm took 19 free throws to the Sparks’ 25 as a team, the fact that Diggins didn’t get to the line once was a major point of contention. This marks the second time this season Diggins has been shut out from the free-throw line.

Quinn admitted she usually refrains from criticizing officiating but felt compelled to speak out after witnessing other coaches seemingly garner more favorable calls by doing so. “Maybe I have to come up here and get fined and rant, rant and rave for us to get respect and consistency,” she said. “That’s all I want.”

Beyond Diggins, Quinn expressed concern for the entire team, stating they are “not getting rewarded” for playing hard and fairly. She cited a controversial coach’s challenge late in regulation, where a replay appeared to show the ball going off a Sparks player before going out of bounds, but the call was upheld due to “insufficient evidence.” This decision proved critical as the Sparks subsequently tied the game and ultimately forced overtime.

Despite the stinging loss, Quinn praised Nneka Ogwumike’s stellar performance, calling her “one of the best players, if not the best player, on our team.” Ogwumike scored 37 points, marking a high since signing with Seattle in 2024, and became the sixth WNBA player to surpass 7,000 career points.

The Sparks’ victory, their fifth consecutive road win, underscores their resilience as they fight for a playoff spot. The Storm, while still in a strong position to secure home-court advantage in the first round, are left to grapple with both the defeat and Quinn’s impassioned plea for more consistent officiating.

Read More