"Refs called this game like they knew the assignment in the 2nd half" - Damian Lillard and LeBron James slam officiating in WNBA Finals

The New York Liberty's title-clinching 67-62 win over the Minnesota Lynx in the deciding Game 5 of the WNBA Finals had its fair share of controversy, especially surrounding a foul call with only 5.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the pulse-pounding game.

With the Liberty trailing by two, 60-58, New York star Breanna Stewart bobbled the inbound pass. He appeared to have committed a traveling violation before driving to the lane and drawing a foul from Minnesota's Alanna Smith.

The foul itself was also controversial, as replays showed marginal contact on the play. Nevertheless, Stewie made two free throws to tie the game and send it to overtime, where the Liberty put away the Lynx to win their first-ever WNBA crown.

Numerous NBA stars and media personalities tuned in to the thrilling match. However, superstars like Damian Lillard and LeBron James weren't thrilled with the officiating.

Questionable foul calls

Lillard, an All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks, has been in his fair share of big-time games, so he knows how officiating can make or break the game. In this game's case, it certainly broke the Lynx's drive for a fifth title in the league in crushing fashion. The Liberty shot 25 free throws while the Lynx attempted only eight.

Meanwhile, "The King" expressed his thoughts on the foul Smith was whistled for in the dying moments of regulation, voicing out on the social media platform X that players, not referees, must dictate the game's outcome.

"I'm sorry, but that wasn't a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game," the NBA great stressed .

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Low-key cheated

Former All-Star Isaiah Thomas was more blunt with his criticism of the officiating, expressing , "They lowkey cheated for NY, but I get it."

A common narrative in professional sports is how referees favor teams from bigger markets, and this instance adds fuel to that fire. Popular journalist and podcast host Bill Simmons also offered his harsh take on Game 5's officiating.

As incredible as the WNBA Finals between the Liberty and Lynx was, part of it will always be remembered for the poor officiating. It's a shame that this incredible series had to end on such a controversial note, given how thrilling it was from the opening tip of the series opener to the finale.

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