The Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx played Game 3 of their WNBA semifinal series on Friday. Apparently there was even more tension behind the scenes.
During a game between the two teams, The Athletic’s Ben Pickman and Shams Charania report that Lynx coach Sheryl Reeve confronted Sun players near the locker room Sunday after Connecticut won Game 1. It was reported. Reeve is a four-time WNBA champion and Coach of the Year. There was a problem with the way the Sun celebrated its victory.
A source said Reeve “ran up” to Sun players and Target Center security had to intervene to defuse the situation.
If there’s anything that particularly surprised Reeve, it’s hard to spot in on-court replays. After Napheesa Collier attempted a game-tying 3-point buzzer-beater and heard a clatter on the backboard, DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas let out a cry of victory, but it was directed at a specific Lynx player. It wasn’t something I was looking for.
The team then assembled, and Reeve shook hands with Sun coach Stephanie White and walked toward the tunnel by the Sun huddle. Of course, not everything gets caught on camera, especially away from the court.
The reported showdown may be the reason why Game 2 was so uncertain. In a heated and physical match, the Lynx won the second game with strong defense. It was their first home win against the Sun in eight games.
Reeve is the WNBA’s longest-tenured coach. After Reeve was hired in 2009, the next closest coach was Noel of the Seattle Storm, who was hired in May 2021. Mr. Reeve has had tremendous influence in the emerging league, most recently coaching the U.S. national team to gold medals at both the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup.
Thomas played for both teams.
Cheryl Reeve is a member of the WNBA. (Photo by Steven Maturen/Getty Images)
All eyes may be on the WNBA Finals rematch series between the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and WNBA powerhouse New York Liberty, but the Sun Rinx series is by no means a dud. These two teams ranked first and second in the WNBA in defensive rating during the regular season and are loaded with veteran talent like Collier, Thomas and Bonner.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Connecticut, time to be determined.
