No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Episode: Liberty Prevail in Game 5, Reeve 'Cries Foul'
Release Date: October 22, 2024

Introduction and Episode Overview

In this pivotal episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita, Ben Pickman, and Sabrina Merchant delve deep into the dramatic conclusion of the 2024 WNBA Finals. With the New York Liberty clinching their first-ever championship, the conversation navigates through game intricacies, controversial officiating decisions, team dynamics, and the broader implications for both the Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx.

Game 5 Highlights and Key Statistics

The hosts commence by dissecting the monumental Game 5 held at the Barclays Center, highlighting the New York Liberty's strategic adjustments and the Minnesota Lynx's valiant efforts.

• Final Score:

  • New York Liberty: 67
  • Minnesota Lynx: 62 (Overtime)

• Liberty's Performance:

  • Three-Point Percentage: 8.0%
  • Free Throws: 21 of 25
  • Key Players:
    • Jonquil Jones: 17 points, six rebounds
    • Niara Sabali (Bench): 13 points, seven rebounds (07:26

• Lynx's Performance:

  • Three-Point Percentage: 15.8%
  • Free Throws: 8 of 25
  • Key Players:
    • Nafisa Collier: 22.7 rebounds, two assists
    • Kayla McBride: 21 points, five assists, four steals (08:09

Zena Keita remarked at [06:14]:
"The energy was unbelievable. People were on time. The arena was really, really full."

Controversial Calls and Refereeing

A significant portion of the episode centers around the disputed officiating in the final moments of Game 5, where Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx's coach, expressed strong dissatisfaction.

• Final Play Breakdown:

  • Brianna Stewart's Foul: With six seconds left in regulation, Stewart was fouled during a critical play, leading to two free throws that tied the game.
  • Referee Decision: The call was controversial, with dissent over whether Alanna Smith had established a proper guarding position.
    Ben Pickman detailed at [13:22]:
    "It's a play that will be replayed over and over and over again."

• Post-Game Reactions:

  • Cheryl Reeve criticized the officiating, likening the final call to past controversial moments in WNBA history.
  • Referee Roy Gobanion was spotlighted for his role in multiple tight calls throughout the series.

Sabrina Merchant added at [16:55]:
"There is an accumulation of things that trail Reeve is referring to that just culminates in this one Atlanta Smith foul."

Team Adjustments and Strategies

The Liberty's victory was influenced by strategic lineup changes, particularly the introduction of a previously unused jumbo lineup.

• Jumbo Lineup Implementation:
  • Key Players in Lineup: Brianna Stewart, Jonquil Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, Niara Sabali, and Leonie Fevich.
  • Impact: This unexpected shift disrupted the Lynx's defense, providing the Liberty with newfound offensive momentum.

Ben Pickman observed at [30:33]:
"They threw out a lineup you've never used ever during the regular season during Game 5. It's so funny..."

Leadership and Team Dynamics

A standout moment discussed was Brianna Stewart's pivotal leadership role. Following a disappointing regular-season loss, Stewart orchestrated a raw and honest team meeting that fostered accountability and unity.

• Team Meeting Highlights:
  • Stewart's Address: Emphasized the need for genuine commitment and self-accountability.
  • Outcome: Enhanced team cohesion and trust, setting the stage for their championship run.

At [44:38], Zena Keita reflected:
"Kudos to Brianna Stewart for being able to have that conversation and for the New York Liberty to respond in that way."

Player Performances and Evolution

The episode highlights exceptional performances and growth, particularly focusing on Brianna Stewart and Nafisa Collier.

• Brianna Stewart:

  • Game 5 Stats: 14 rebounds, four assists, three blocks.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated resilience and adaptability, contributing beyond scoring.

  Ben Pickman praised Stewart at [40:30]:
  "She was the lone player who went the distance... she did it all."

• Nafisa Collier (Lynx):

  • Impact: Dominant rebounding and defensive prowess, earning finals MVP honors despite the loss.
  • Future Outlook: Positioned as a rising star, poised for significant recognition and impact in subsequent seasons.

  Sabrina Merchant noted at [55:53]:
  "This is what she needed to become a superstar."

Minnesota Lynx Future and Legacy

The discussion extends to the Lynx's trajectory post-finals, examining player contracts, potential roster changes, and the team's capacity to rebound.

• Contract Status:

  • Most of the Lynx's rotation is under contract for the next season, ensuring continuity.
  • Natisha Heideman's Future: Expected to re-sign, maintaining core defensive strength.

• Expansion Draft Considerations:

  • Possibility of acquiring new talent from other teams, potentially enhancing depth.

Sabrina Merchant elaborated at [51:28]:
"Everything's in play. They're all coming back, and you would imagine another year of continuity..."

Celebrations and Historical Significance

The New York Liberty's championship marks a historic milestone, being their first title after 28 years in the league. The episode captures the euphoria surrounding this achievement and the broader cultural impact.

• Celebratory Plans:
  • Parades: Scheduled in Manhattan and Brooklyn, aiming to unify diverse communities.
  • Public Recognition: Mayor Eric Adams announced the celebrations, underscoring the team's significance to New York City.

Ben Pickman shared at [64:25]:
"This is the first major professional basketball championship in New York City in 40 plus years."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the series' intensity and the promising future of women's basketball. They tease upcoming discussions on the draft and highlight the growing popularity and viewership of the WNBA.

Zena Keita emphasized at [67:01]:
"This was a special one. This felt like an energy shift around the W. So many people with their eyeballs on it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Zena Keita ([07:26]):
  "I absolutely noticed that about the fans. The energy was unbelievable."

• Ben Pickman ([13:22]):
  "It's a play that will be replayed over and over and over again."

• Sabrina Merchant ([16:55]):
  "There is an accumulation of things that trail Reeve is referring to that just culminates in this one Atlanta Smith foul."

• Ben Pickman ([30:33]):
  "They threw out a lineup you've never used ever during the regular season during Game 5."

• Zena Keita ([44:38]):
  "Kudos to Brianna Stewart for being able to have that conversation..."

• Sabrina Merchant ([55:53]):
  "This is what she needed to become a superstar."

• Ben Pickman ([64:25]):
  "This is the first major professional basketball championship in New York City in 40 plus years."

This episode not only celebrates a historic victory for the New York Liberty but also critically examines the factors that led to their triumph and the challenges that lie ahead for both the Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. Through insightful analysis, engaging discussions, and heartfelt reflections, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of this landmark moment in women's basketball.