Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back after her team’s tough playoff loss to the Phoenix Mercury. Just minutes after being ejected, she made a passionate statement about the officiating in the WNBA, calling for significant changes.
The Lynx lost 84-76, and Reeve’s frustration peaked when a crucial no-call allowed Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas to steal the ball from Lynx star Napheesa Collier. This led to a critical score, while Collier suffered an injury and left the game in tears.
Reeve felt the officiating was unacceptable. “If this is what our league wants, then OK, but I want to call for a change of leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating,” she said, clearly upset. She believed the officials were not up to the standard required for playoff games.
Interestingly, throughout the playoffs, there’s been a noticeable uptick in complaints from coaches regarding the physicality allowed by the officials. After a previous game, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon echoed similar frustrations, stating the physical play was “out of control.”
In this match, Reeve earned her first technical foul for arguing a missed call on Collier, and things escalated, leading to her ejection with another technical foul late in the game. Lynx assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson also shared her disbelief over the officiating, tweeting about the impact on their key players.
Collier, who was a runner-up for the MVP this season, finished the game with 17 points, but didn’t score in the fourth quarter. She didn’t attempt a single free throw, which Reeve found frustrating given her crucial role in the game.
The disparity in free throw attempts was evident—Minnesota had 11, while Phoenix shot 22. As playoffs continue, this issue of officiating could be a significant theme, affecting how teams adapt and strategize.
The Lynx entered the playoffs with hopes of redemption after last year’s finals loss. But now they’re facing a potential elimination, and Reeve’s call for change reflects not only her frustration but also a growing sentiment among WNBA coaches about the need for improved officiating standards.
With playoff momentum in play, it will be interesting to see how the league addresses these concerns moving forward. As they aim to prevent such frustrations from overshadowing the game, fans and players alike are keen on a smoother playoff journey.
Source link
Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury, WNBA
