“That call was kinda iffy”: LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson gives her 2 cents on WNBA Final ‘controversy’

Flau’jae Johnson joined in the conversation surrounding the controversial call from Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. Many believe that the call was the main reason for the New York Liberty's win over the Minnesota Lynx.

When discussing the finals on her "Best of Both Worlds with Flau'jae" podcast on Thursday, Johnson briefly mentioned the call, saying:

"I don't bro, that call was kind of iffy. Some of them calls was kind of iffy. I don't know, I thought I seen maybe a little bit of a travel but hey, the game over with, you got to just go." (24:28)

The controversial call happened in the final six seconds of the game when Minnesota was up 60-58. Officials called a foul on Lynx forward Alanna Smith for having minimal contact with Liberty forward Breanna Stewart when she was driving to the hoop, attempting a shot.

Although the Lynx challenged the call, the decision remained unchanged even after a video review. The foul gave Stewart two free throws, which brought the game to overtime. Liberty eventually won 67-62 and secured their first championship in franchise history.

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve was not happy with the call as she told reporters after the game:

“The officials during the game should have a third party because that was not a foul. That call should have been reversed on that challenge.

“Unfortunately, I have experience in this. I have a lot of feelings about it,” Reeves said. “I think probably today would want to focus on the players and the season because I think something like this is soiling the amazing season that we had."

After recovering from the loss, Lynx forward Napheesa Collier spoke about the call during the end-of-season media availability on Tuesday.

“That loss is something I’ll never get over, to have it end that way, where it just feels super unjust,” Collier said. “I don’t think that is something to get over. It’s different if you feel like you lose a game.”

---

Flau’jae Johnson prepares for her junior season with the Tigers

After an Elite Eight exit last season, Flau’jae Johnson and the LSU Tigers are preparing for another shot at the championship. The guard is expected to take on the leadership role with senior Aneesah Morrow.

While the odds may not be in their favor right now, with teams like South Carolina, UConn and USC having a better shot at the championship, the Tigers cannot be written off entirely. Flau’jae Johnson and LSU will begin their season on Nov. 4 against Eastern KY.

What are your predictions for Flau’jae Johnson and the Tigers? Let us know in the comments section below.

​