Stephen A. Smith’s Strong Response to Minnesota Lynx Coach’s WNBA Finals Rant
In this story:
Start Conversation
The New York Liberty won their first-ever WNBA title on Sunday after a 67-62 win over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the Finals. It was an undeniably monumental feat for the franchise, which, of course, also meant utter heartbreak for their opponents.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve did not take the loss gracefully. In her post-game interview, the veteran shot-caller did not hold back in slamming the referees for their role in her team’s defeat.
In particular, Reeve was referencing a crucial foul call on Lynx forward Alana Smith late in the game. The Minnesota coach clearly did not agree with the decision.
“It’s a shame that officiating had such a hand in a series like this,” Reeve stated. “I thought today was incredibly disappointing. We have got to change our challenge rules… That was not a foul. That call should’ve been reversed… That decided the game.”
Unsurprisingly, Reeve’s unfiltered tirade quickly blew up online. So much so, that it caught the attention of ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith, who could not help but issue a strong response to Reeve’s WNBA Finals rant.
“Well, cry me a river,” Smith said. “… [Reeve] was absolutely right, that was not a foul. … I’m not disputing the veracity of her statement. I’m simply saying I don’t give a damn.”
Smith then pointed out that this was not the first time Reeve blamed the referees for losing a title, referencing a controversial moment during the 2016 WNBA Finals between the Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks.
“Maybe if y’all had handled your business in Minnesota in Game 3, it wouldn’t have been Game 5 for you to be in that position,” Smith continued. “… [The officiating] didn’t stop you from having one of the best records in the sport. It didn’t stop you from getting to the WNBA Finals. So why all of a sudden did it cost you a championship?
“You’ve got to understand what the obstacles are in every particular situation, and champions know how to answer the call.”
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen A. reiterated the fact that he agrees that a foul should not have been called on the Lynx during that particular juncture. Smith noted that the quality of officiating in the WNBA has been put into question over the past several years and that this is nothing new.
In his mind, Smith believes that Reeve and the Lynx have no right to blame one particular incident for losing the championship, especially considering the fact that they allowed the Liberty to force a series-deciding Game 5 showdown in New York.
“That’s the environment you walked into,” Smith said. “You’ve got to know how to answer the call. And Coach Reeve, respectfully, you didn’t. That’s the bottom line.”
