Liberty coach calls out WNBA officiating following Game 4 loss to Lynx: ‘All we want is fair’
The Minnesota Lynx pulled off a Game 4 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night, 82-80, to even the WNBA Finals two games apiece and force a deciding Game 5 for Sunday.
Lynx forward Bridget Carleton was fouled attempting a putback shot on an offensive rebound over Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu. She sank two free throws and gave Minnesota the lead and the win.
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New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out from the bench during the second half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
After the game, New York head coach Sandy Brondello took officials to task over foul disparity. Minnesota shot 20 free throws, while New York shot nine. The Liberty were called for 14 fouls and the Lynx were called for nine.
“If (we) are getting hit, it’s a bloody foul,” Brondello said, via ESPN.
Brondello added she believed her team was getting called for “ticky-tack” fouls.
“All we want is fair, OK. So if we are getting hit, that’s a foul. You know, I’m one of the nicest bloody coaches in this league, but this pisses me off. Just be fair,” she said.
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New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) reacts after missing a shot at the buzzer, as Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates during the second half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Minneapolis. The Lynx won 82-80, forcing a Game 5 in the series. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said after Game 3 she felt the officials called a different game for the Liberty, given they had two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart on the floor.
Reeve said on Friday that she hadn’t gotten a response from the league over her complaints from Wednesday night.
On Friday, Kayla McBride led Minnesota with 19 points. Each of the Lynx starters were in double-figures. Carleton and Alanna Smith each had 12 points. Courtney Williams scored 15 and Napheesa Collier had 14 points.
Jonquel Jones led New York with 21 points. Stewart had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
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Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) celebrates their victory over the New York Liberty after Game 4 of the WNBA basketball final playoff series, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Game 5 will tip off on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET.
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