“[Liberty] Should’ve Lost That Game”: Lakers Legend Responds to Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve’s Post-Game Outburst

First WNBA title for New York Liberty, but dissatisfactions linger. There have been no questions about the abilities of the team or the Liberty stars but the officiating in the Finals series. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve went to the extent of stating the title was “stolen” from them. Responding to the same was Robert Horry on a recent episode of Big Shot Bob Podcast. And the 7x NBA champ somewhat seems to agree with Reeve’s opinion.

The discussion on the podcast started with both Rob Jenner and Brandon Harper agreeing on questionable officiating in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. Horry, however, went on to state that Liberty should not have won the title. “Liberty should. They should’ve lost that game…” 

Horry’s critique zeroed in on Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu’s performance, questioning how the team managed to secure the win despite her struggles. “… 1 for 19… But even with that said, they still won.” The former Lakers star, however, acknowledged the determination shown by the Minnesota Lynx. Especially their star Napheesa Collier.

“Think about what the Minnesota Lynx had to go through this [stuff] and how they just fought and fought and fought… Collier, who should be MVP, should have been MVP. You know, she just carried that team back. And I just feel bad for Lynx because they pretty much got, you know, pulp fictioned,” Horry said.

Horry’s comments obviously come after a dramatic finish to Game 5, where a controversial foul call against Lynx center Alanna Smith with just 5.2 seconds left in regulation sent Breanna Stewart to the line. The Liberty was trailing 60-58, and Stewart had previously missed two crucial free throws.

This time, however, Stewart made both shots, forcing the game into overtime. Despite a challenge by the Lynx, the call was upheld after video review, and the Liberty went on to win 67-62. Subsequently, Coach Reeve didn’t hold back in her post-game remarks, expressing her frustration. “All the headlines will be ‘Reeve cries foul.’ Bring it on… Bring it on. Because this [stuff] was stolen from us.” 

It’s not just Cheryl Reeve who had issues with officiating in the Finals series

Yes, Reeve didn’t hold back after Game 3. Imagine watching Breanna Stewart get ten free throws while your entire team only gets 12. That’s exactly what happened, and Reeve was vocal about how differently things were called for her star, Napheesa Collier. “The game is called differently for Phee than it is for Stewie,” she pointed out. But then came Game 4, and the roles reversed.

The Lynx got 20 free throws to Liberty’s nine, and this time it was Sandy Brondello’s turn to speak up. “I know Cheryl talked about it last time, but we got no calls today. So do I need to talk up in a press conference? All we want is fair, okay?”

What’s interesting is that both coaches, after losing games, seemed to be saying the same thing—consistency is key. Even Horry’s comment that Liberty should not have won is mostly about the questionable call than the team’s capability.