September 1, 2025

Last night at Chase Center, fans and players alike witnessed what may go down as one of the strangest—and most frustrating—WNBA games in recent memory. In a matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries, technical failures, officiating blunders, and painfully slow reviews combined to create a spectacle that left everyone questioning the league’s professionalism and entertainment value.

A Night of Frustration From the Start

For many fans, the game was supposed to be a routine 40-minute contest. Instead, it dragged on for over three hours, as repeated delays and confusion marred the event from tip-off to the final buzzer. The problems began almost immediately: the shot clocks at Chase Center failed to work, forcing officials and arena staff to scramble for solutions.

At one point, referees reportedly suggested that the public address (PA) announcer call out the shot clock countdown—an idea so bizarre that it drew laughter and disbelief from the crowd. “Could you imagine the PA announcer shouting ‘14, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1’ every possession?” one fan tweeted. “That’s not their job, and it’s not what fans paid to see.”

Endless Reviews: Stopping the Game in Its Tracks

If the shot clock issues weren’t enough, officiating woes quickly compounded the chaos. Throughout the first half, coaches burned through challenges, and referees called for lengthy video reviews on even the most obvious plays. Clear path fouls—typically straightforward calls—took up to five minutes each to review, leaving players standing around and fans growing restless.

“Why did we have to go to a review every single time there was a call?” asked one frustrated spectator. “It’s like the refs didn’t trust themselves to make any decision without a replay.”

The delays became so frequent and lengthy that many in attendance wondered if the game would ever finish. “I should have been in bed,” said one reporter. “I’m really busy tomorrow, and this game took three hours to finish. Three hours for a 40-minute game!”

The On-Court Product Suffers

While technical and officiating issues dominated the evening, the quality of play on the court did little to redeem the experience. After a promising first quarter from Golden State, both teams struggled to find rhythm. The Fever, in particular, looked lost, with star player Aaliyah Boston turning in her worst performance of the season.

The Valkyries swept the Fever, but the victory felt hollow in a game that many described as “the single worst game of basketball ever.” The endless reviews, stoppages, and lackluster play left fans bored and disillusioned. “If this was my first WNBA game, I’d never watch another,” one attendee said. “It was completely unprofessional from start to finish.”

Embarrassment for the League

The night’s events quickly became a talking point across social media and basketball circles, with many calling out the WNBA for its handling of the situation. The shot clock debacle, in particular, drew widespread criticism. “It’s embarrassing for the league, for Chase Center, and for everyone involved,” said one analyst. “This is supposed to be a professional league. Fans deserve better.”

The referees were also in the spotlight for their inability to keep the game moving. “You’ve got to know fans are there for a game, not a review session,” another reporter commented. “If you’re going to review something, get it done quickly. Don’t spend five minutes on the most blatant calls you’ll ever see.”

The Impact on Fans and Players

For those in attendance—and those watching at home—the game was a test of patience. The delays sapped any excitement from the contest, and the lack of flow made it nearly impossible for players to get into a groove. Even the usually vibrant Chase Center crowd grew quiet as the night wore on.

“It’s 4:30 in the morning, and this game was supposed to be done an hour and a half ago,” said one exhausted fan. “It’s the most boring game of the season, and this is from someone who’s watched some pretty dull soccer matches. I’d watch Leeds United pass the ball around midfield for 90 minutes over whatever this was.”

What’s Next for the WNBA?

The debacle at Chase Center raises serious questions about the WNBA’s ability to deliver a consistent, professional product. Technical failures can happen, but the league’s response—and the officiating crew’s inability to adapt—left much to be desired. For a league looking to grow its audience and showcase its stars, nights like this are a step in the wrong direction.

The Fever, meanwhile, will have to regroup after a humiliating sweep by the Valkyries and a performance that left fans questioning their commitment. Star rookie Caitlin Clark, who missed the game, remains a bright spot for the franchise, but her absence only highlighted how much the team struggled without her energy and playmaking.

League Must Address Officiating and Arena Standards

If the WNBA wants to avoid future embarrassments, improvements are needed—fast. Shot clock systems must be reliable, backup plans must be in place, and officiating crews must be trained to keep games moving. Fans expect a professional experience, and last night’s marathon at Chase Center was anything but.

“None of this helps the league,” said one analyst. “The referee situation is awful, the arena situation is now questionable, and the product on the floor was unwatchable. Something has to change.”

Final Thoughts: A Night to Forget

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: last night’s Fever-Valkyries game will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. From the opening tip to the final whistle, chaos reigned, and the WNBA’s reputation took a hit.

For fans, players, and everyone who loves basketball, let’s hope this was a one-off disaster—and that the league learns from it. Because if nights like these become the norm, it won’t just be the shot clocks that stop working; it’ll be the fans who stop watching.