Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve throws major shade on Aces and Liberty after dream run - "Didn’t circumvent the cap or fly illegally"

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve did not hold back when taking a shot at newly-minted WNBA champions New York Liberty, and the Las Vegas Aces who ended their run in the playoffs. The Lynx lost 67-62 in a hard-fought Game 5 vs NY, and Reeve, in the aftermath not only lambasted the questionable refereeing but also took a dig at two of the top teams in the league.

Speaking to the media during the postgame press conference, Reeve spoke of the roster moves from both sides that eventually translated to winning championships. The Aces won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Liberty swung for big names in Breanna Stewart (2022) and Jonquel Jones (2023).

“We gave hope to teams that didn’t circumvent the cap or fly illegally over the last five years.”

On the game front, the 2024 WNBA Finals marked the Lynx's first championship appearance since their 2017 title, and they made it tough on Liberty as both teams went 2-2 ahead of the marquee Game 5 matchup.

Napheesa Collier led with a game-high 22 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Kayla McBride had 21 points, five rebounds, and as many assists, but the rest of the Minnesota unit couldn't offer much on the scoring front. They were one of the clinical sides in the regular season and put away the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun en route to the finals.

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"Bring it on": Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve says she's ready for flak after complaining about officiating in WNBA Finals

Questionable officiating was the talking point throughout the game as the Lynx found themselves in a slew of foul calls. This saw the Liberty head to the free-throw line frequently. Reeve lashed out at the referee during the postgame presser.

"I know all the headlines will be 'Reeve cries foul.' Bring it on. Right? Bring it on. Because this shit was stolen from us. Bring it on"

Reeve also added that a third party officiating the game would have told her that the contact was marginal at best and she "guaranteed" that would be the response. The officiating also drew flak from Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard.

At the time of writing, there is no confirmation whether the Lynx head coach will be fined for her comments. For now, Minnesota will take heart from the fact that they were one of the best teams in the league this season.