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Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve criticized the officiating in Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, stating that her team was “robbed” of the title after a thrilling 87-82 overtime loss to the New York Liberty in the decisive game on Sunday.
“I witnessed a very physical and aggressive New York team,” Reeve said. “We understand that in the game, being physical and aggressive can sometimes go unnoticed by officials, and that’s exactly what happened. It’s disappointing that the officiating played such a significant role in this series. Today was truly disappointing.”
Reeve was particularly frustrated with the controversial call at the end of regulation, where Alanna Smith was called for a foul on Breanna Stewart (despite arguments that Stewart traveled). The Lynx challenged the call, but it was upheld. Stewart made two free throws to tie the game at 60-60 and force overtime.
“The challenge,” Reeve emphasized. “There needs to be a change in our challenge rules. The officiating crew should have an independent third party during the game to review such calls. That was not a foul. That call should have been overturned on the challenge… If we had submitted that clip for review, we would have been told that it was marginal contact, not a foul. Absolutely. Absolutely.
“So when you review, the parameters should be consistent. The officials during the game need an impartial third party to make these crucial decisions, as it ultimately decided the game. It decided the game.”
Despite a similar number of fouls called on both teams (21 for the Lynx and 17 for the Liberty), the Liberty attempted 25 free throws compared to the Lynx’s eight. Napheesa Collier fouled out in overtime as well.
Toward the end of her press conference, Reeve escalated her criticism further.
“I know the headlines will read ‘Reeve Cries Foul.’ Let them come. Because this was unjust. Let them come.
“We discussed it. We could have made different decisions, but you shouldn’t have to overcome such adversity. Officiating should not be this challenging. It should be consistent. If a hold is not called at one end, it shouldn’t be called at the other. Every team asks for consistency. Sandy requested it in the last game. In three of the games in this series, it’s the same issue.
“So I tell these players, for whatever reason, it didn’t work out. It just doesn’t sit right to lose a series with such a significant gap. We are not a team that complains and whines. Sometimes, maybe it hurts us. Maybe we should be more assertive. But with a player like Phee, I just can’t understand. I don’t see how she can be held and get hit going to the basket, while a marginal call sends their star player to the free throw line. It’s difficult. It’s hard to accept.”
Previously in the series, Reeve had criticized the officials after the Lynx’s Game 3 loss. The team then won Game 4 with a significant difference in free throws (20 for Lynx, 9 for Liberty). Similarly, New York coach Sandy Brondello also tried to influence the refs with public comments after their Game 4 loss. “Just be fair,” Brondello pleaded. The impact of these remarks on officiating may never be fully understood, but the Liberty certainly had an advantage at the free throw line in Game 5.
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