"If they foul you, embellish it"- Liberty coach Sandy Brondello's sly tactical instructions before Breanna Stewart foul leaked by ESPN 

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello's instructions were loud and clear during New York's dramatic Game 5 win that clinched the 2024 WNBA championship on Sunday.

The second half was marred by controversial calls, including one in Breanna Stewart's favor, which flipped the game.

With the Liberty leading 60-58 with 5.8 seconds left, an ESPN mic picked up Brondello's message to Stewart. The coach made it clear that Stewart had to exaggerate potential fouls to secure free throws.

"If they foul you, embellish it, to get the foul, okay?" Brondello could be heard telling Stewart on ESPN's mic.

Stewart didn't exaggerate when she made contact with Alanna Smith, but the refs ruled in her favor. She made the free throws, sending the game to overtime. The Liberty managed to pull away in the extra period and win 67-62 to claim their first-ever WNBA championship.

Stewart finished with 13 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, shooting 4 of 15. She went 5 of 8 from the free throw line but hit the most crucial ones of the night.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve blasts officiating over Breanna Stewart call

Cheryl Reeve didn't hold back as she addressed the officiating in the WNBA Finals Game 5. She pointed out the final foul in regulation on Alanna Smith, which led to Breanna Stewart's game-tying free throws.

"Sometimes you get away with stuff when you're physical and aggressive, & they certainly did ... It's a shame that officiating had such a hand in a series like this," Reeve said.

Reeve claimed the league should have a "third party" for the officials to end the game while explaining why the foul shouldn't have been called.

"The officials to end the game should have a third party, because that was not a foul. That call should’ve been reversed. If we would’ve turned that clip in, they would’ve told us it was marginal contact, no foul. Guaranteed. The three people that are on the game need a third party to let them know, that decided the game."

Reeve later controversially claimed that the game was 'stolen' from the Lynx by the officials.