September 27, 2025 – Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back her frustration after star forward Napheesa Collier was injured in the team’s 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, leaving the Lynx on the brink of elimination in their WNBA Playoffs semifinal series. The loss put Phoenix ahead 2-1 in the best-of-five series, with Minnesota now facing an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Reeve was visibly upset with the referees’ handling of a physical game. She was ejected with 23.8 seconds remaining in the match after vehemently arguing a call where Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Collier. The play ended with Thomas scoring a layup, putting the Mercury up by six points. Reeve was given her second technical foul of the night, resulting in her ejection.
Reeve’s Explosive Postgame Reaction
After the game, Reeve unloaded on the officiating, using strong language to express her dissatisfaction. “This is the look that our league wants, for some reason,” Reeve said. “One of the best players in the league (Collier) shot zero free throws. Zero, and she had five fouls. Zero free throws. Got her shoulder pulled out and finished the game with her leg being taken out, and probably has a fracture.”
Reeve continued, accusing the league of tolerating poor officiating standards. “I want to call for a change in leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating. It’s bad for the game,” she stated, before adding that the officiating crew was “(bleeping) malpractice.”
Collier’s Injury and the Refereeing Controversy
Collier, who has been a standout player for Minnesota and was the runner-up for WNBA MVP for the second season in a row, scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the game. However, her performance was marred by injuries sustained during the physical contest. Reeve expressed concern that Collier may have suffered a fractured leg, after already experiencing a pulled shoulder during the game.
The Lynx also had complaints about no calls on several other fouls, including one on Maria Kliundikova, who was allegedly hit while fighting for a rebound. Reeve criticized the officiating crew for not taking responsibility for these missed calls.
The Mercury shot 22 free throws, hitting 18, while the Lynx were limited to just 11 attempts, converting 10. Reeve suggested the disparity in free throw attempts played a significant role in the result.
Looking Ahead
With the Lynx now facing elimination, Reeve’s outburst adds more fuel to the fire of the ongoing controversy over officiating in the WNBA. Whether the league will take any action or address the issues raised by Reeve remains to be seen, but it’s clear the frustration among coaches and players is mounting as the playoffs intensify.
If Collier’s injury is severe, it could further impact Minnesota’s chances of making a comeback in the series. With a Game 4 looming, Reeve and the Lynx will be hoping for a change in both officiating and fortune as they fight to stay alive in the postseason.
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