New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello criticized the officiating and the disparity in foul calls after her team’s 82-80 loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4 on Friday.
“If [we] are getting hit, it’s a bloody foul,” she emphasized.
Brondello’s remarks followed Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve raising concerns about officiating after Game 3. With the Lynx’s victory on Friday, the series returns to Brooklyn for a winner-take-all Game 5.
“I know Cheryl talked about it last time, but we got no calls today,” Brondello stated. “Do I need to speak out in a press conference? They were getting ticky-tack calls while we got nothing for being hit.”
The foul count was 14-9 in favor of the Liberty, and Brondello insisted, “All we want is fair. If we are getting hit, that’s a foul. I’m one of the nicest coaches in this league, but this pisses me off. Just be fair.”
Ultimately, the Lynx had 20 free throw attempts compared to the Liberty’s 9, winning the game with Bridget Carleton sinking her free throws with just 2.0 seconds left after a foul from Sabrina Ionescu.
Throughout the series, Minnesota has committed 58 fouls while New York has had 56. There was also a five-foul difference in Game 3, with Minnesota being called for 18 and New York for 13.
This playoff series is notable as it marks the second time in WNBA history that three games have been decided by three points or fewer.
“In the end, close game. Things we could have done better,” Brondello reflected. “Including me, for not getting that timeout — excuse me, don’t repeat it,” she said, referring to a timeout she tried to call with 30 seconds remaining that the referees did not acknowledge.
After Game 3, Reeve had issues with the officiating differences between New York’s Breanna Stewart and her star player, Napheesa Collier. In that game, Stewart shot 10 free throws, whereas Collier attempted only four.
“The game is called differently for Phee than it is for Stewie for sure,” Reeve commented. “You look at the same level of activity and contact around the rim. For whatever reason, we struggle to get to the foul line in this series.”
In response to Brondello’s comments, Reeve said, “I didn’t get a response from the league [after Wednesday]. I have a text to prove it. I think Phee has some things to prove about the fouls not being called. That’s unfortunate.”
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