The New York Liberty won their first WNBA championship in franchise history after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in overtime in the fifth and final game of the Finals. However, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was not happy with the officiating and believed the game was stolen from her team. She criticized the officials for their foul calls and felt that there was a discrepancy in how they were enforcing the rules. Reeve’s biggest issue was a foul called on Lynx center Alanna Smith with seconds left in regulation, which led to the game going into overtime.
Reeve pointed out that the Lynx shot only six free throws in Game 5, while New York went to the line 23 times. She felt that the Liberty were playing a very physical and aggressive game, which allowed them to get away with more fouls. Reeve expressed disappointment in the officiating playing such a significant role in the outcome of the series. She mentioned that their star player, Napheesa Collier, was not getting the same calls as the Liberty’s best player, which made it tough for the Lynx to compete. Despite the efforts of Collier and Kayla McBride, the Lynx fell short in their quest for the championship.
The game was filled with intense moments and emotions, with the Liberty ultimately coming out on top. The team was ecstatic to win their first championship, celebrating on their home court with overwhelming joy and pride. The victory was a significant milestone for the franchise and a moment of triumph for the players, coaches, and fans. While the Lynx put up a strong fight led by Collier and McBride, it was not enough to overcome the Liberty’s determination and physical play. The series will be remembered for the controversy surrounding the officiating and the heated comments made by Coach Reeve in the aftermath of the final game.
The overall discrepancy in foul calls and free throw attempts was a major point of contention for the Lynx, as they believed it played a crucial role in determining the series’ outcome. Coach Reeve’s strong words and frustration with the officiating reflected the team’s disappointment and sense of injustice. Despite their efforts and resilience, the Lynx could not overcome the Liberty’s aggressive play and ability to draw fouls. The championship win was a well-deserved victory for the Liberty, who put on a commendable performance throughout the series.
The intense rivalry between the teams and the drama surrounding the officiating added an extra layer of excitement and tension to the Finals. The Liberty’s historic championship win marked a significant milestone for the franchise and a moment of triumph for the players and coaches. The Lynx’s valiant effort and strong performances by Collier and McBride will not be forgotten, but ultimately, they fell short in their quest for the championship. The controversy and emotions surrounding the series will be remembered for years to come, as both teams gave their all in pursuit of the WNBA title.
