Aussie coach’s classic reply to ‘stolen’ claim after lifting WNBA title

Australian coach Sandy Brondello has given a classic response to concerns over the officiating in the WNBA finals after leading the New York Liberty to their maiden title.

After multiple failed attempts over the years, the Liberty emerged with a 67-62 overtime win in game five to clinch the series over the Minnesota Lynx.

“I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Breanna Stewart said post-game.

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“Credit to Minnesota they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city.

“It’s going to be bonkers.”

However, in the midst of the jubilation for the New York franchise, rival coach Cheryl Reeve vented her frustrations about the refereeing during the series.

“We know we could have done some things, right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome to that extent,” she said. “This shit ain’t that hard. Officiating is not that hard.”

Reeve’s comments come after Stewart was awarded a foul with 5.2 seconds remaining in regulation time, nailing the free throws to send it into overtime.

When told she would cop backlash for the comments, Reeves wasn’t fazed.

“Bring it on … because that shit was stolen from us,” she said.

“This sucks. This is for a championship, for both teams. Let them decide it. What contact is legal should be the same for both teams.”

In a jovial post-game press conference, Brondello – who has coached the Opals national team since 2017 – gave her own assessment of the officials.

“I thought they were pretty fair,” she said to laughter from the reporters.

“That’s what you’re gonna get, give and take – game number one we should have won.

“I have so much respect for Cheryl and that Minnesota Lynx team. That was ugly, but we found a way to win.”

Brondello has been in charge at the Liberty since the 2022 season.