Sat Sep 27 00:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Hammon Blasts WNBA Playoff Physicality, Warns of Potential Fights**
Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has ignited a debate about the level of physicality in the 2025 WNBA playoffs, arguing that the intense contact would be unacceptable in the NBA and could even lead to fights.
Speaking to reporters after the Aces’ 90-68 victory over the Indiana Fever in Game 2 of their semifinal series, Hammon didn’t mince words about the intensity of the matchup. She specifically criticized the freedom allowed in defensive play, implying officials were not calling fouls that would be in the NBA.
“The physicality is out of control, that’s for sure,” Hammon stated, drawing comparisons to the NFL and highlighting what she sees as excessive grabbing and bumping throughout the half court. “You put two hands on somebody like that, it should be an automatic foul. The freedom of movement, freedom of movement — there’s no freedom. I’m not saying that we’re not fouling too. Not saying that. Saying it’s out of control.”
Hammon went on to say that her assistants, who have experience in the NBA, are stunned by the allowed level of play, insisting such physical play would spark altercations in the men’s league.
“Most of my assistants come from the NBA and they’re like, ‘this would not fly in the NBA.’ This level of physicality would not fly in the NBA. There would be fights, there would be fights,” Hammon explained. “We just have very well-mannered women that can get to the next play. But there would be fights.”
The first two games of the Aces-Fever series have been notably physical, with Game 2 featuring 41 fouls and 36 free throws. Fever players Lexie Hull and Aliyah Boston echoed Hammon’s sentiments, noting the physicality of the game and the need to earn calls on the other end.
The series is now tied 1-1 and shifts to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4. All eyes will be on the officiating crew to see if Hammon’s comments will influence the way the games are called and whether the league will issue a statement regarding the issue. Game 3 is slated for Friday.
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