Cheryl Reeve blasts officiating, says title 'stolen' from Lynx - ESPN

NEW YORK — Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said the 2024 WNBA title was «stolen» from her team due to what she called «incredibly disappointing» officiating in Sunday's 67-62 loss in Game 5 of the Finals.

Reeve took umbrage in particular with a foul call on center Alanna Smith with 5.2 seconds left in regulation. After missing a pair from the charity stripe a few plays earlier, 2023 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart went to the free-throw line and made both shots to tie the game, effectively sending it into overtime.

«All the headlines will be 'Reeve Cries Foul.' Bring it on.» Reeve said. «Bring it on. Because this s--- was stolen from us. Bring it on.»

The Lynx challenged the call but it was upheld. Reeve said after the game that a third-party should be involved in reviewing challenges.

«At the other end when they challenged it, if we would have turned that clip in, they would have told us that this was marginal contact, no foul. Guaranteed. Guaranteed,» Reeve said. «So when you review, there should be the same parameters that you're reviewing with, but the three people on the game need a fourth party to let them know. Because that decided the game.»

Reeve initially brought up her issues with the officiating at the beginning of Minnesota's postgame news conference when asked about her offense's lack of production in the second half.

«I saw a very physical and aggressive New York team,» Reeve said. «We know this from being a part of the games for so long that sometimes you get away with this stuff when you're physical and aggressive and they certainly did. It's a shame that officiating had such a hand in a series like this.»

The New York Liberty shot 23 free throws to the Lynx's 6. There were 19 foul calls on Minnesota and 12