LeBron James angers WNBA referees over controversial decision in Liberty’s Finals win | WNBA

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said the WNBA championship was “stolen” from the Lynx while complaining about the officiating Sunday night.

The New York Liberty defeated the Lynx 67-62 in overtime in Game 5, clinching the win after a controversial foul gave Breanna Stewart two free throws that tied the game with 5.2 seconds left in regulation.

“We know we could have done some things right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome yourself to this extent,” said Reeve. “This shit ain’t that hard. Officiating is not that difficult.”

Reeve, who led the Lynx to four WNBA championships and coached the U.S. women to an Olympic gold medal in Paris this summer, said she was aware there would be headlines about her complaints.

“Do it,” she said, “because this shit was stolen from us.”

Reeve wasn’t the only one unhappy with the administration.

LA Lakers star LeBron James shared his frustration with X, writing, “I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a hard-fought, tested game.”

Eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard also chimed in, suggesting that the WNBA favored the stronger team in New York: “The refs called that game like they knew the assignment in the second half, boy.”

The Liberty shot 25 free throws while the Lynx shot 7-for-8. Minnesota was assessed 21 fouls and New York was assessed 17, with All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, committing one foul.

Reeve had particular trouble with the foul on Alanna Smith that gave Minnesota a 60-58 lead. Stewart drove onto the roadway and appeared to fire the shot before contact occurred. The Lynx appealed the call, but it was granted after video review.

Reeve called the contact “marginal at best.”

“This sucks,” she said after mentioning the misdirection in Minnesota’s loss in the 2016 WNBA Finals. “This is a championship for both teams. Let them decide. What contact is legal should be the same for both teams.”