Cheryl Reeve regrets not being able to coach in Game 4 of the WNBA’s Western Conference semifinals Sunday, an 86-81 loss to the Mercury in Phoenix that ended the Lynx’s season.
But she doesn’t necessarily regret the outburst that led to the suspension that had her watching the game on TV from her hotel room.
“That’s not life,” Reeve said Tuesday.
After a Phoenix steal led to an ankle injury to star forward Napheesa Collier in Game 3, Reeve stormed the court and had to be held back by assistant coaches while berating the game’s referees.
Collier said Tuesday she has torn ligaments in her left ankle, and that her calf muscle was pulled away from her shin.
Afterward, Reeve told reporters the quality of officiating in the WNBA is “malpractice.” The comments earned her a $15,000 fine and a suspension that ended her season one game before her team was knocked out by Phoenix.
“I will never apologize for being me,” Reeve said. “I do think it’s important to grow and understand consequences of actions, for sure. But I will always stand up for our players’ health and safety, and the fair treatment of our organization.”
It was a disappointing end for the Lynx, who matched a WNBA record for regular-season wins with 34 and advanced to semifinals with a first-round victory over Las Vegas. Last season, the Wild lost to New York in Game 5 of the finals.
“Sixty-four wins in two seasons is pretty incredible,” Reeve said.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve stands on the court during a timeout in the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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