Controversial foul call decides WNBA championship as two Australians play a key role in the chaos

LeBron James took to social media to lash out at a controversial foul by Opal Alanna Smith in the dying minutes of the WNBA Finals which cost Smith’s Minnesota Lynx their fifth championship.

Basketball’s modern day great LeBron James has taken to social media to defend Opals star Alanna Smith, who was hit with a controversial foul in frantic finish to the WNBA Finals between Minnesota and New York.

Smith’s Minnesota side looked destined to win the franchise’s fifth championship, leading by two points with just seconds remaining.

The game was then turned on its head when the Australian forward was slapped with a foul on New York guard Breanna Stewart.

Smith put her body in a vertical position with her hands in the air as she attempted to guard Stewart driving to the basket.

The Opals’ two-time Olympian didn’t appear to make contact, but officials deemed she wasn’t in the ‘legal guarding position’.

This call should get overturned which will give the title to the Lynx pic.twitter.com/cUHw9IYDWO

— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) October 21, 2024

Stewart received the foul and sunk the two free throws to send the game into overtime before New York went on to win 67-62.

The contentious call on Smith dominated the post-game discussion, including James who made his feelings on the decision clear.

“I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul,” James said on X. “Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game.”

Adding another layer of contention, New York coach Sandy Brondello, who doubles as Smith’s Australian national coach, was heard on the game microphone prior to the final play in regular time urging her Liberty players to amplify any contact.

I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game. 🤦🏾‍♂️

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 21, 2024

“If they (Minnesota) foul you, embellish it,” Brondello said.

It comes as Brondello blasted the referees after New York’s two-point loss in Game 4. The legendary Australian player turned coach didn’t hide her disappointment after the defeat.

“If [we] are getting hit, it’s a bloody foul,” she said.

“It was 14-9 [Liberty fouls to Lynx fouls]. No. All we want is fair, OK. So if we are getting hit, that’s a foul. You know, I’m one of the nicest bloody coaches in this league, but this pisses me off. Just be fair.”

Liberty coach said “if they foul you, embellish it” and ESPN cut her mic 😭pic.twitter.com/3af9XEeAJz

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) October 21, 2024

Unfortunately for Minnesota, a foul was called on the final play of regular time and they failed to fire in overtime to lose in an epic Game 5 deciding clash.

Brondello has now collected two WNBA championships as a coach, adding to the title she claimed with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014.

Originally published as Controversial foul call decides WNBA championship as two Australians play a key role in the chaos