Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Suspended One Game for Postgame Outburst

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has been suspended for one game and fined following her conduct after the team’s 84–76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals. The incident occurred in the final minute of the game when Lynx star Napheesa Collier suffered a leg injury after a controversial no-call.

Reeve was ejected with 21.8 seconds remaining after aggressively confronting a referee. She was later restrained by assistant coaches Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson, and was seen shouting at fans while exiting the court. In her postgame press conference, Reeve sharply criticized the officiating, calling it “f***ing malpractice” and demanded a change in the league’s leadership regarding referee development.

The National Basketball Referees Association defended the no-call, stating it was consistent with league standards. Assistant coaches Thibault and Brunson were also fined for separate violations related to their conduct during and after the game.

Reeve will serve her suspension during Game 4 of the series, which Phoenix leads 2–1. The Lynx face elimination if they lose the upcoming game.