Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said the WNBA championship was “stolen” from the Lynx during her complaints about the officiating Sunday night.
The New York Liberty defeated the Lynx 67-62 in Game 5 in overtime, getting there after a controversial foul gave Breanna Stewart two free throws to tie the game with 5.2 seconds left in regulation.
“We know we could have done some things, right, but you shouldn’t overcome to that extent,” Reeve said. “This shit isn’t that hard. It is not that difficult to lead.”
Reeve, who has led the Lynx to four WNBA championships and coached the U.S. women to an Olympic gold medal this summer in Paris, said she was aware there would be headlines about her complaining.
“Come on,” she said, “because that shit was stolen from us.”
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Reeve wasn’t the only one dissatisfied with the officiating officer.
LA Lakers star LeBron James shared his frustration with X, to write: “I’m sorry, but that wasn’t a violation! Let those damn players dictate the outcome of a closely fought, tested game.
I’m sorry, but that wasn’t a violation! Let those damn players dictate the outcome of a closely fought, tested game. 🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 21, 2024
Eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard also chimed in, suggesting the WNBA favored the bigger market team in New York: “Refs called this play like they knew the assignment in the second half.”
The referees called this play as if they knew the assignment in the 2nd half as a boy. Great game.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 21, 2024
The Liberty shot 25 free throws, while the Lynx went 7 for 8. Minnesota was called for 21 fouls to New York’s 17, with All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, fouling out.
Reeve had particular problems with the foul on Alanna Smith, with Minnesota holding a 60-58 lead. Stewart drove into the lane and appeared to take the shot before there was any contact. The Lynx disputed the call, but it was upheld after video review.
Reeve called the contact “marginal at best.”
“This sucks,” she said, after reporting poor officiating in Minnesota’s loss in the 2016 WNBA finals. “This is for a championship, for both teams. Let them decide. What contact is legal must be the same for both teams.”