Lynx coach Sheryl Reeve wasn't the only one upset after Sunday's 67-62 overtime loss to Liberty in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.
NBA stars including Lakers forward LeBron James and Bucks guard Damian Lillard called out referees amid online outrage over a foul call on Lynx center Alana Smith with 5.2 seconds left in regulation. . This set up Liberty star Brianna Stewart's two free throw attempts. Tie the game and send it to overtime.
“Sorry, that wasn't a foul! Let's leave it to the players to decide on a close and tested game.” james wrote With X.
“The referees called this game like they knew what the boys were going to do in the second half. It was a great game.” Damien Lillard wrote.
Former NBA guard Isaiah thomas said“They cheated on the low key for New York, but I get it lol.”
Candice Parker, the three-time WNBA champion who announced her retirement from basketball in April, echoed similar sentiments.
'Was that foul call you reviewed a foul? I don't think it was.' she wrote. “Marginal Contact”
hoodie added“That call didn't cost us the game, but whatever.” [woulda] If it was overturned, Proly won against Minnie. ”
Shakira Austin of the Washington Mystic Center also called out the host.
“Referee sold really well…” Austin I wrote At X.
“Any kind of prayer is needed. There was no cap in New York.” she added Another post was accompanied by lots of crying emojis.
Reeve was furious after the game, saying the 2024 WNBA title was “stolen” from the Lynx because of the officiating.
“I saw a very physical, aggressive New York team.” Reeve said At the post-match press conference. “We've been in this game for a long time, so we know that sometimes you can get away with this when you're physical and aggressive, and they certainly did. The hosts were involved in a series like this. It's a shame.''
“…I thought today was incredibly disappointing. Challenge — The rules for a challenge need to be changed. It's not a foul, so the official conducting the match needs to have a third person.
Reeve explained that this call decided the fight.
“On that challenge, that call should have been reversed…If they had turned on that clip, they would have said it was marginal contact and not a foul,” she said. “I guarantee it. I guarantee it.”
