Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier appeared to slip in a subtle jab at the referees after a “gut-wrenching” 67-62 overtime loss to the Liberty in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday.
Collier, who averaged 23.8 points in the postseason, shared a collage of photos commemorating this past season on Instagram — but the last three snapshots showed plays that had caused controversy over officiating.
The last photo in particular was the moment that got the most buzz, when refs called a foul on Lynx center Alanna Smith while she was guarding Liberty star Breanna Stewart with 5.2 seconds left in regulation.
The call set up Stewart’s two made free throws to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The other snapshots showed a non-call when Kayla Thornton appeared to hit Collier’s face as she was driving to the hoop — and another play with Smith standing in front of Liberty big Jonquel Jones, who won the WNBA Finals MVP award.
“Gut wrenching end to an incredible season,” Collier wrote. “I have loved every minute of being around this team, I love you guys sm you have made this the most incredible year. Huge thank you to our coaches and staff, you guys are so amazing. And thanks to all the fans for supporting us this season, we’ll be back.”
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said the 2024 WNBA title was “stolen” from the Lynx due to officiating and she believes the foul call decided the game.
“That call should’ve been reversed on that challenge … If we would have turned that clip in, they would have told us that it was marginal contact, no foul,” she said. “Guaranteed. Guaranteed.”
Many NBA stars and past and present WNBA players weighed in, with some calling out the refs on social media.
The Liberty secured their first WNBA title in franchise history and will celebrate with a parade down New York City’s “Canyon of Heroes” on Thursday.
Collier and Stewart are business partners in the Unrivaled League, a new 3-on-3 league they founded last summer, which will take place in Miami during the WNBA offseason.
Unrivaled League begins in January 2025 and runs through March, and both Collier and Stewart are playing in the inaugural season.
