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"Worst championship game in the history" - Jason Whitlock annihilates referees, calls Liberty's WNBA title a result of 'rigged officiating'
Sports columnist and host Jason Whitlock was not impressed with Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Whitlock criticized the referees for poor officiating and the New York Liberty for their terrible shooting throughout the game. The Liberty knocked off the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime on Sunday night to win their first-ever championship.
Whitlock shared on X (formerly Twitter) his frustration about the "rigged officiating" in the game, held at the Liberty's home floor at Barclays Center.
He said the Liberty's championship should have an "asterisk next to it," following the "worst championship game" in American sports history.
"Thanks to rigged officiating, the New York Liberty won the WNBA title shooting 30% from the field and 2 of 23 from three. They should be embarrassed accepting the trophy. Put an asterisk next to it. Worst championship game in the history of American sports," Whitlock said.
The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx struggled from the field, with both shooting below 40.0%. However, the Liberty went to the charity 25 times, more than thrice the Lynx's seven attempts.
One of the debatable calls happened with five seconds left in regulation and the Liberty were down 60-58. Minnesota's Alanna Smith was called for a foul on Breanna Stewart, who appeared to have traveled as she drove into the paint.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve challenged the call but was unsuccessful as the referees deemed Smith was not in a legal guarding position. Stewart made both free throws and Kayla McBride missed a shot on the other end, sending the game to overtime.
Minnesota could not buy a basket in overtime as the Liberty turned their defense up a notch. New York forced five turnovers in the extra period and held on for the 67-62 win.
LeBron James not happy with WNBA referees in Game 5
LeBron James of the LA Lakers was one of many viewers unhappy with the officiating in Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. James called out the referees for calling the foul on Alanna Smith against Breanna Stewart.
"King James" made his frustrations known on X, saying the referees should not dictate the outcome of the winner-take-all game.
"I'm sorry but that wasn't a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game," James said.
As the WNBA season winds down, all eyes turn to the NBA, which starts its 2024-25 season on Oct. 22 with two games on Opening Night. The Boston Celtics will raise their banner before facing the New York Knicks, while the LA Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
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