“The WNBA Finals Game 5 Meltdown: An Embarrassment or Just a Bad Day on the Court?”

For fans of women’s basketball, the 2024 WNBA Finals promised an epic showdown. Game 5 between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx was supposed to showcase the best of what the league had to offer. It was, after all, the deciding game in a Finals series featuring some of the biggest stars in women’s basketball. Yet, what unfolded was anything but a showcase of elite talent. Instead, Game 5 became a highlight reel of missteps, botched plays, and dubious officiating, leaving fans, NBA players, and sports commentators alike in disbelief. Let’s break down what many are calling the most embarrassing professional basketball game in recent memory.

Setting the Stage

Before the game even tipped off, the stakes were high. The New York Liberty, holding the best record in the Eastern Conference at 32-8, had a stacked roster. They were led by two-time MVP Breanna Stewart, clutch shooter Sabrina Ionescu, and former MVP Jonquel Jones. This was their chance to win their first-ever WNBA title and solidify their place in the history books.

On the other side, the Minnesota Lynx were no strangers to success. With four championships already under their belt and a defense that ranked second in the league, the Lynx were prepared to rely on their tenacious play style. Their head coach, who had already won multiple championships, was aiming for a fifth title, which would have made her the winningest coach in WNBA history. This high-stakes matchup was set to be a battle between superstar-powered offense and disciplined defense. It was the kind of game that fans dreamed about, a battle for the ages—or at least it should have been.

A First Quarter to Forget

The first quarter started, and almost immediately, it was clear something was off. Instead of an intense, high-quality game, viewers were treated to a slew of missed shots, sloppy turnovers, and enough airballs to fill a lowlight reel. Three airballs occurred within the first 10 minutes—more than you’d expect in an entire game. To make matters worse, both teams missed five layups right at the rim in that opening quarter alone.

By the end of the first quarter, Minnesota led 19-10, and fans were already buzzing on social media about the poor quality of play. NBA players like Damian Lillard and LeBron James were soon adding their voices, commenting on the strange officiating and general sloppiness. At this point, fans might have been questioning whether they were watching a Finals-deciding Game 5 or a preseason scrimmage.

The Second Quarter: Slight Improvement or Just Another Low?

The second quarter saw a marginal improvement, with fewer airballs but still plenty of bizarre mistakes. Missed layups and questionable plays continued to be the norm. At one point, a play by Sabrina Ionescu, one of the Liberty’s top stars, left fans laughing rather than cheering. Ionescu, usually a consistent scorer, struggled badly, hitting only one of her nine shots. In fact, her shooting performance was so uncharacteristic that some fans jokingly compared her to NBA star Klay Thompson during a slump.

Throughout the game, the Lynx defense remained solid, but they couldn’t make up for the lackluster offensive output from both teams. The Liberty, despite their firepower, seemed equally disjointed and inconsistent, resulting in a low-scoring and almost painful game to watch. It wasn’t just the players who had an off night—the refereeing was also under the spotlight, as controversial calls stacked up and fueled the fire of an already messy game.

The Free Throw Controversy

The officiating reached a peak controversy when it came to free throw discrepancies. By the end of the game, the New York Liberty had shot 25 free throws compared to just eight for the Minnesota Lynx. This kind of disparity led some viewers to question the fairness of the calls, drawing comparisons to NBA games where superstar players seem to get favorable treatment. The final minutes of the game turned on a critical call that left fans, coaches, and even NBA players like Isaiah Thomas and Damian Lillard shaking their heads.

In a pivotal moment, Minnesota’s best defender, Nafisa Collier, missed a layup that could have sealed the game, leaving New York with a chance to capitalize. In their next possession, New York’s Breanna Stewart drove to the basket. While the play initially appeared clean, the refs called a defensive foul on Minnesota, ignoring an apparent travel by Stewart. The Lynx challenged the call, but after review, the refs upheld their decision, sending Stewart to the free-throw line and shifting the game’s momentum.

Reactions from Around the League

The backlash was immediate. NBA stars and fans alike flooded social media with criticism. Damian Lillard tweeted about how the refs “knew the assignment,” implying bias in favor of New York. Isaiah Thomas commented that New York received some favorable calls, while LeBron James expressed his frustration, tweeting that such close games should be left to the players rather than decided by referees.

But the fans’ reactions were perhaps the most intense. Comments ranged from disappointment in the WNBA’s officiating standards to outright anger over the apparent bias. Many fans argued that the obvious travel should have been called, while others criticized the last-second foul decision, saying it robbed Minnesota of a fair shot at victory.

A Lost Opportunity for the WNBA

The Game 5 meltdown is especially disappointing considering the WNBA’s ongoing struggle to gain broader respect and viewership. This was supposed to be a crowning moment for the league, an opportunity to display the talent and competitiveness of its players on a global stage. Instead, what unfolded was a game marred by errors, questionable officiating, and an underwhelming performance from top players.

In the days following the game, the WNBA faced significant backlash—not just from fans but from basketball analysts who lamented the wasted opportunity. Social media discussions have only intensified, with comparisons to NCAA women’s basketball, which has recently seen incredible success and enthusiasm, partly thanks to players like Caitlin Clark. Fans were quick to note that Clark’s iconic performances set a high standard, one that the WNBA struggled to meet in its own Finals.

Moving Forward

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the WNBA now has a chance to address these issues openly. From officiating inconsistencies to players’ performance under pressure, the league needs to take steps to ensure that its championship games match the quality that fans expect from a professional sports organization. For some, this game may serve as a wake-up call; for others, it’s a frustrating reminder of the WNBA’s ongoing challenges.

For now, though, the Game 5 disaster will remain a blemish on what should have been a defining moment in the WNBA’s history. As fans and players alike look to the future, one can only hope that the league learns from this experience and brings a stronger, more consistent game to the court next season. After all, if this game taught us anything, it’s that the WNBA cannot afford another performance like this.