"That s**t was stolen from us" - Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve fires away at refs for Breanna Stewart foul in dramatic WNBA Finals Game 5 finish

Breanna Stewart’s free throws with 5.0 seconds left in regulation sent Game 5 of the WNBA Finals to overtime. The New York Liberty superstar received the ball near the 3-point and seemingly took too many steps as she drove into the paint, but the referees ruled that Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith committed a foul after Stewart collided with her while attempting a jump shot.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve challenged the foul called on Smith but was unsuccessful. After the game, Reeve expressed her frustration with the officiating in the do-or-die, where the Liberty had a 25-8 advantage in free throws attempted.

"I know all the headlines will be 'Reeve cries foul.' Bring it on. Right? Bring it on. Because this s**t was stolen from us. Bring it on,” she said.

If Stewart's traveling violation had been called, the foul on Smith would not have occurred. Instead of having possession and a 60-58 lead, Stewart tied the game at the line. Lynx had another chance with 5.0 ticks remaining, but Kayla McBride missed the potential game-winning 3-pointer.

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Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty stifled Cheryl Reeve’s offense in overtime

After regulation, Kayla McBride’s two free throws with 1:51 in overtime were the only points the Minnesota Lynx scored. Cheryl Reeve’s offense struggled against the New York Liberty defense led by Breanna Stewart.

With “Stewie” guarding Napheesa Collier, the MVP runner-up managed to attempt only one shot in the extra period. Nyara Sabally, who helped on defense, swatted away the attempt.

New York’s defensive execution was critical when it mattered most. On two occasions, the Lynx successfully tried to move Breanna Stewart off Collier, but Stewart made it challenging for the entry pass to be completed.

Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman both struggled to get the ball to Collier in the post because of Stewart’s length and defensive instincts.

Nyara Sabally and rookie Leonie Fiebich also stepped up in overtime guarding Collier. Collier ultimately exited the game after committing her disqualifying sixth foul without scoring in overtime.

Reeve’s team led by as much as 12 points, but New York prevailed with its strong performance in overtime.