Coach Cheryl Reeve claims the WNBA title was 'stolen' from the Lynx due to officiating issues

Cheryl Reeve Claims WNBA Championship Was "Stolen"

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve criticized the officiating during the WNBA championship game, asserting that the title was “stolen” from her team. The Lynx faced the New York Liberty in a closely contested Game 5, losing 67-62 in overtime. A controversial foul allowed Breanna Stewart to tie the game with two free throws just before regulation ended.

Reeve expressed her frustration, stating, “We know we could have done some things right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome to that extent. This officiating isn’t that hard.” The Lynx were at a disadvantage, taking only eight free throws compared to the Liberty’s 25, and were called for 21 fouls to New York's 17. Notably, All-Star forward Napheesa Collier fouled out during the game.

The coach particularly highlighted a foul called against Alanna Smith when the Lynx were leading 60-58. Reeve argued that the contact appeared minimal and criticized the upheld call following a video review. “This sucks,” she remarked, recalling similar issues during the Lynx's loss in the 2016 WNBA Finals. She emphasized that both teams should have the same standards for what constitutes legal contact in such crucial matches.

Reeve, who has achieved significant success with the Lynx, including four championships, was unapologetic about her complaints, encouraging the media to scrutinize her remarks: “Bring it on, because that s—- was stolen from us.”

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