Minnesota Lynx coach expressed frustration over the officiating during the WNBA championship game against the New York Liberty. The Liberty emerged victorious with a 67-62 win in Game 5, which included a controversial foul call that led to Breanna Stewart's game-tying free throws in the final seconds of regulation.
Cheryl Reeve, a highly successful coach with four WNBA championships under her belt, voiced her discontent with the officiating, stating that the championship was 'stolen' from her team. Reeve highlighted the significant disparity in free throw attempts between the two teams, with the Liberty shooting 25 compared to the Lynx's 8.
The Lynx coach specifically criticized a crucial foul call on Alanna Smith, questioning the validity of the contact made by Stewart during a key play. Despite the Lynx challenging the call through video review, it was upheld, further fueling Reeve's frustration.
Reeve emphasized the importance of fair officiating in a championship game, referencing past instances of contentious calls that impacted the outcome. She called for consistency in officiating standards, urging for a level playing field for both teams.
The game's officiating has sparked debate within the WNBA community, with Reeve's comments drawing attention to the perceived injustices faced by the Lynx during the championship matchup. The controversy surrounding the foul calls and free throw differentials has reignited discussions about the role of officiating in determining game outcomes.
As the WNBA championship concludes with the New York Liberty emerging victorious, the focus remains on the contentious officiating decisions that have left the Lynx feeling aggrieved. The aftermath of the championship game is likely to prompt further discussions on officiating standards and their impact on the integrity of the sport.
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