In a stunning post-game outburst, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve blasted WNBA officiating, claiming that the 2024 championship was “stolen” from her team following their heartbreaking 67-62 overtime loss to the New York Liberty in Game 5 of the Finals.
Reeve: “This S— Was Stolen From Us”
Visibly irate, Reeve held nothing back in her assessment of the game’s officiating, particularly a critical foul call against Lynx center Alanna Smith with just 5.2 seconds left in regulation. The call sent Liberty star Breanna Stewart to the free-throw line, where she tied the game and forced overtime.
All the headlines will be ‘Reeve Cries Foul.’ Bring it on. Because this s— was stolen from us. Bring it on.
Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Head Coach
Despite challenging the pivotal call, the Lynx were denied, prompting Reeve to suggest that a third-party should be involved in reviewing such crucial decisions.
Officiating Discrepancies Decide the Series
Throughout the intense, closely contested Finals series, both coaches had expressed frustration with inconsistent officiating. In Game 5, the Liberty shot a staggering 23 free throws compared to the Lynx’s mere six attempts, highlighting the glaring disparity that Reeve believes cost her team the title.
It just doesn’t feel right that you lose a series with that level of discrepancy. We don’t have a team that whines and complains, and all that stuff. Sometimes it probably hurts us.
Cheryl Reeve
Collier’s Foul Trouble Raises Questions
Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier, who finished with 22 points on 11-for-23 shooting, found herself in foul trouble throughout the game, ultimately fouling out in overtime without attempting a single free throw – an unprecedented occurrence in her career when attempting 20 or more field goals.
I was getting held a little bit. It was a little hard to make shots.
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx Forward
Liberty’s First Title Overshadowed by Controversy
While the New York Liberty celebrated their first WNBA championship in franchise history, the momentous occasion was somewhat marred by the controversy surrounding the officiating. Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello, when asked to respond to Reeve’s comments, simply stated, “I thought they were pretty fair.”
Reeve Reflects on Lynx’s Remarkable Season
Despite the bitter end to their season, Reeve praised her team for building a contender “within the rules,” a thinly veiled jab at other franchises that have faced league scrutiny for potential violations. The Lynx’s loss denied Reeve a fifth WNBA title, which would have further cemented her status as one of the greatest coaches in league history.
This is for a championship for both teams. Let them decide it. What contact is legal should be the same for both teams. This isn’t that hard.
Cheryl Reeve
As the WNBA offseason begins, the debate surrounding the Finals’ officiating is sure to linger, casting a shadow over an otherwise thrilling series. For Reeve and the Lynx, the sting of a championship “stolen” will fuel their fire for redemption in the seasons to come.
