Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was not fined for criticizing officials and stating that the WNBA Finals were “stolen from us” after their loss to the New York Liberty earlier this month, per ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
Reeve spoke out against the officiating following the Liberty’s 67-62 overtime victory in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, which marked the franchise’s first championship.
While Reeve highlighted various officiating concerns throughout the series, a key moment in Game 5 amplified her frustration. A questionable foul was called on Alanna Smith late in the fourth quarter, allowing Liberty star Breanna Stewart to sink crucial free throws that led to overtime and ultimately secured the win for the Liberty.
Despite the minimal nature of the foul, the Lynx were charged with 21 personal fouls in the game compared to the Liberty’s 17. The Liberty also took 25 free throws, while the Lynx only had eight attempts.
Reeve expressed her dissatisfaction with the officiating post-game, emphasizing the inconsistency and implied bias she observed throughout the series. She also subtly criticized the Liberty organization’s long-awaited championship victory.
Although Reeve escaped a fine for her comments, a standard practice for critiquing officiating in the league, Liberty coach Sandy Brondello similarly avoided being penalized after criticizing the officiating in Game 4, where the free throw differentials were reversed.
Reeve, who has been with the Lynx for 15 seasons, holds four championships and was vying for a record-breaking fifth title. Additionally, she led Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
