2024 WNBA Finals: Officiating Controversy Overshadows Historic Series
NEW YORK — The 2024 WNBA Finals featured one of the most memorable series in league history. Even as they competed fiercely against each other, players from the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty acknowledged the exceptional atmosphere of competition, showcasing a season that achieved record viewership and enthusiasm for the league.
However, the finals also highlighted issues within the WNBA’s officiating. Critics argued that the referees did not meet the high standards set by the players, compromising the integrity of the league’s product.
“It’s a shame that officiating had such a hand in a series like this,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve remarked after her team’s 67-62 overtime loss to the Liberty. “Obviously there’s always going to be a team that’s going to be a little more disappointed than the other. I thought today was incredibly disappointing.”
“This (expletive) ain’t that hard,” Reeve added. “Officiating, it’s not that hard.”
The spotlight should have focused on the remarkable talents of Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, two of the world’s best players. Instead, post-game discussions were overshadowed by complaints about officiating and hints of a bias toward the team with the more prominent media market.
The Lynx’s frustrations were particularly directed at a critical call late in regulation. Alanna Smith was penalized for a foul on Stewart with just 5.2 seconds left, a decision that followed a challenge, despite apparent travel by Stewart prior to the foul. Reeve expressed concern that had the play been reviewed remotely, the call might have been overturned.
Breanna Stewart just traveled worldwide in this play 😭😭😭#WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/pK2YlNWRNV
— 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒅🖤💫 (@DaviddLovesSosa) October 21, 2024
Additionally, Collier faced several incidents of contact around the rim that went uncalled. During overtime, Leonie Fiebich tangled with Collier, obstructing her ability to catch a pass from Natisha Hiedeman and leading to a Lynx turnover. Notably, Collier attempted 18 field goals in the paint without earning a free throw, a record for her. She eventually fouled out during overtime.
Throughout regulation, the foul count favored the Liberty at 19-12 against the road team, prompting Reeve to assert that the game was “stolen” from the Lynx.
Right before this video starts, Coach Cheryl Reeve says “This s— was stolen from us.” pic.twitter.com/8VanrfiXup
— Zena Keita (@itszenakeita) October 21, 2024
This isn’t the first playoff controversy for Reeve; she has previously claimed that Minnesota lost a championship in 2016 due to officiating errors. Despite her past complaints, it highlights the ongoing concerns regarding WNBA officiating quality.
Coaches from both teams expressed dissatisfaction with officiating throughout the series. After Game 3, Reeve noted a disparity in free throw attempts, while Liberty coach Sandy Brondello brought up similar concerns following Game 4.
Before the finals, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced a routine audit of referees, suggesting that the public’s focus on officiating pointed to passion rather than an urgent need for improvement.
Nonetheless, the repeated public criticism from the league’s longest-tenured coach during the finals raises concerns. High-profile NBA players like LeBron James and Damian Lillard chimed in on social media, further amplifying the narrative that officiating significantly affected the series.
Refs called this game like they knew the assignment in the 2nd half boy. Great game .
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 21, 2024
I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game. 🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 21, 2024
With a record number of spectators tuning in, ensuring the perception of fairness is crucial for keeping fans engaged. They need to feel their teams stand a fair chance against perceived media favorites.
While concerns about officiating are common in sports, the emphasis here is on referees’ overall performance quality rather than just individual calls. Instances such as Game 1, where officials mishandled a clear out-of-bounds call, exemplify the pressing need for higher officiating standards.
The finals will be remembered for more than just the remarkable skills displayed; they should also prompt the league to invest in resource development for officials to meet the heightened expectations. Players deserve high-quality officiating that reflects the competitive spirit of the WNBA.
(Photo of Cheryl Reeve: Elsa / Getty Images)