The WNBA Finals have officially tipped off, and what an exciting start it was! Game 1 turned out to be a nail-biter, captivating even those who aren’t typically basketball fans. With the clock winding down and the game on the line, the Minnesota Lynx emerged victorious, clinching a narrow one-point lead over the New York Liberty after a thrilling five minutes of overtime.
While the Lynx have gained a significant advantage with their victory on the road, there are still four games left to play, and fans can expect plenty of surprises along the way. After all, both teams boast a rich history of Finals appearances and are led by two of the most accomplished coaches in the league: Cheryl Reeve and Sandy Brondello. Today, let’s take a closer look at the impressive coaching records of these two basketball legends.
Cheryl Reeve and Sandy Brondello’s coaching journey: Walking through their record books
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Both Reeve and Brondello bring a wealth of experience to the table, having made their mark in the league long before taking on their current roles. Interestingly, both coaches also have playing backgrounds, though their experiences differ. Reeve played college basketball in the 1980s, while Brondello had the chance to showcase her skills in the WNBA from 1998 to 2004. But it was their coaching career that actually gave them the limelight.
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Both Cheryl Reeve and Sandy Brondello started their coaching careers as assistant coaches. Reeve’s journey began in 2002 when she joined the now-defunct Charlotte Sting as an assistant coach. She dedicated eight years to that role, moving between franchises to serve with the Cleveland Rockers and Detroit Shock along the way.
On the other hand, Brondello’s coaching path started with the San Antonio Silver Stars, where she also held the assistant position for nine years, making a switch to the Los Angeles Sparks during her tenure. Interestingly, she stepped into the head coach role for one year with the Stars, guiding them to the playoffs, although they fell short of advancing further.
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MAY 06: Head coach Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx looks on in the second half against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on May 06, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In a fascinating twist, both coaches found themselves in pivotal roles during the same season. The year Brondello took the reins as head coach of the Silvers was also the moment Reeve stepped into her first head coaching position with the Lynx, who were still searching for their first title after 13 seasons. While Reeve’s inaugural season was primarily about gaining experience, she quickly turned things around in her second year as the Lynx clinched their first championship, marking the beginning of a remarkable dynasty.
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Can Brondello finally break her championship drought, or will Reeve's dynasty continue to dominate the WNBA?
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Not long after, Brondello stepped into a full-time head coaching role, this time with the Arizona-based Phoenix Mercury. Armed with a year of coaching experience from her time with the Silver Stars, she quickly found her footing. In fact, she led the Mercury to a championship in her very first season in 2014, a title that still stands as their last to date. Brondello remained with the Mercury for seven more seasons, despite the challenges of not adding another trophy to their collection.
In 2022, Brondello embarked on an exciting new chapter in her coaching career with the New York Liberty. Since taking the helm, she has guided the team to the playoffs every season, and this year, she has led them to back-to-back Finals appearances. With 408 regular-season games under her belt as a head coach, Brondello boasts an impressive record of 244 wins, translating to a winning percentage of 59.8%. Her playoff performance is commendable as well, with 36 victories out of 64 games, giving her a solid playoff record of 56.3%.
On the flip side, Reeve has been with the Minnesota Lynx since she stepped in as head coach, marking her 15th season with the franchise. With over 100 more games of experience than Brondello, Reeve has coached 510 regular-season games, securing 330 victories. This impressive record gives her a winning percentage of 64.7%, significantly higher than her counterpart. In the playoffs, she’s also made her mark, coaching 72 games and winning 47 of them, further solidifying her track record that outshines Brondello’s.
While these statistics highlight Reeve’s winning edge, it’s worth noting that both coaches come with championship experience. However, that legacy also leans more toward Reeve and the Lynx.
Championship Aspirations of Cheryl Reeve and Sandy Brondello
Brondello’s first year as head coach with the Mercury was a dream come true, as she guided her team to a championship. However, since then, the WNBA title has slipped through her fingers. Even after a decade, she hasn’t captured another title, although she did lead the Liberty to the finals last year. But don’t count her out just yet—Brondello has a trophy to show for her efforts, having secured the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup with the Liberty before falling short in the championship finals.
Reeve certainly has a lot to celebrate in her coaching career. She not only put the Lynx on the WNBA map by securing their first championship in 2011, but she also followed it up with three more titles in just six years. Her last championship win was back in 2017, marking her fourth WNBA title in only eight seasons of coaching. And just like Brondello did last year with the Liberty, Reeve has added to her accolades by guiding the Lynx to this season’s WNBA Commissioner’s Cup.
This way, Reeve stands out in the trophy department, boasting a remarkable five titles compared to Brondello’s one, especially when we factor in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. But her achievements don’t stop there. Reeve also brings a wealth of experience from her time as both an assistant and head coach with Team USA. This year, she led the team to a glorious run in Paris, securing their eighth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics.
As the finals heat up, the two coaches find themselves in very different situations. Brondello is focused on leading the Liberty to their first championship in the franchise’s 28-year history, while Reeve is aiming to etch the Lynx’s name in the record books as the first team to secure five WNBA titles. The stakes couldn’t be higher for either coach, each with their own ambitious goal in sight. It would be interesting to see if Brondello’s battalion bounces back in Game 2 or if Reeve’s unit will conquer Liberty and hijack the final series.
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Can Brondello finally break her championship drought, or will Reeve's dynasty continue to dominate the WNBA?