Full Breakdown
Cheryl Reeve's Outburst Over Officiating After Lynx's Game 3 Loss
9/27/2025, 12:42:28 PM
Controversial Ending in Game 3
In a heated Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals, the Minnesota Lynx fell to the Phoenix Mercury 84-76, leaving the Lynx trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series. The game concluded dramatically with Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve being ejected in the final seconds after a controversial no-call on a play involving Lynx star Napheesa Collier. With 23.8 seconds remaining, Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Collier, who subsequently fell to the ground clutching her left ankle. No foul was called, and Thomas scored a layup that effectively sealed the victory for Phoenix.
Reeve's Criticism of Officiating
Following the game, Reeve expressed her outrage at the officiating, labeling it "f---ing malpractice." She criticized the league for allowing excessive physicality, which she argued led to injuries like Collier's. "One of the best players in the league shot zero free throws... and probably has a fracture," Reeve stated, highlighting that Collier had five fouls without attempting a single free throw. Reeve called for a change in leadership regarding officiating in the WNBA, asserting that the crew officiating Game 3 was unfit for playoff duties.
Collier's Injury and Game Impact
Napheesa Collier, who finished the game with 17 points, did not score in the fourth quarter and was seen in distress as she left the court. The Lynx did not provide an immediate update on her injury status, but Reeve suggested it could be serious. The game was marked by a physical style of play, with both teams combining for only 11 free throw attempts for Minnesota compared to 22 for Phoenix.
Broader Implications of Officiating Concerns
Reeve's comments reflect a growing concern among WNBA coaches regarding officiating standards, particularly in the playoffs. Other coaches, including Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces, have also voiced similar frustrations about the physicality allowed in games. Reeve emphasized that the current officiating approach is detrimental to player safety and the integrity of the game.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
In response to the officiating controversy, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts stated, "We haven’t talked about the officiating all playoffs. We just play." The Lynx face a critical Game 4 on Sunday, where they must win to avoid elimination from the playoffs. The outcome of Collier's injury will be pivotal for Minnesota's chances moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The officiating crew that we had tonight, for the leadership to deem those three people semifinals playoff worth is f---ing malpractice,” — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx
- “One of the best players in the league shot zero free throws. Zero,” — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx
- “When you let the physicality happen, people get hurt, there’s fights, and this is the look that our league wants for some reason…” — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx's situation underscores the ongoing debate about officiating standards in the WNBA, particularly as the playoffs intensify.
