Liberty coach critiques officiating after Game 4 loss to Lynx
- The Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 82-80 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on October 19, 2024.
- Head coach Sandy Brondello expressed frustration over officiating after her team shot only nine free throws compared to Minnesota's 20.
- With the series now tied 2-2, the teams head into a decisive Game 5, raising concerns about the fairness of officiating.
On October 19, 2024, the Minnesota Lynx faced the New York Liberty in a pivotal Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, held in the United States. The Lynx narrowly secured victory with a final score of 82-80, evening the series 2-2 and leading to a decisive Game 5. Lynx forward Bridget Carleton was instrumental in the win, scoring crucial free throws after drawing a foul on a putback attempt. New York's head coach Sandy Brondello criticized the officiating, highlighting a significant disparity in foul calls—Minnesota received 20 free throws compared to just nine for the Liberty. She expressed frustration over what she described as unfair treatment and “ticky-tack” fouls that her team was called for. Brondello’s comments reflect ongoing concerns regarding officiating consistency, particularly related to star players like Breanna Stewart, which Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also noted. The lead-up to Game 5 is filled with tension as both teams and their coaches express dissatisfaction with the officiating, raising questions about the integrity of the competition as they prepare to determine the WNBA champion. The series is set for a thrilling finale on Sunday night, with the stakes high for both teams as they vie for the title.