The New York Liberty clinched the 2024 WNBA title, but Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve believes her team was robbed of a championship due to a controversial call. Reeve criticized the officiating over a challenge ruling in the final seconds of regulation, leading to her team losing to the Liberty in overtime. She expressed frustration over the disparity in free throws and the officiating of star player Napheesa Collier compared to Breanna Stewart. This came after a series of games in the Finals where officiating was heavily scrutinized by both coaches.
The criticism of the officiating reached a peak in Game 5, where Reeve claimed the title was “stolen” from the Lynx. New York coach Sandy Brondello disagreed, stating that the refs were fair. The series of tightly contested games and controversial calls led to a decision by the WNBA Players Association to opt out of the current CBA with the league, potentially leading to a work stoppage after 2025.
The WNBA made headlines not only for the exciting basketball in the Finals but also for the controversy surrounding the officiating, raising questions about transparency and consistency in calls. The fallout from the 2024 season may have long-term implications for the league and its relationship with players.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcconnecticut.com