“If they foul you, embellish it”- Liberty coach Sandy Brondello’s sly tactical instructions before Breanna Stewart foul leaked by ESPN.

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello’s instructions were loud and clear amid New York’s dramatic 2024 WNBA championship-winning Game 5 on Sunday. The second half was marred by controversial calls that favored the home team.

Liberty coach Brondello may have something to contribute to it after ESPN leaked her tactics before the questionable whistle in Breanna Stewart’s favor, which flipped the game.

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello’s sly tactical instructions before Breanna Stewart foul leaked by ESPN (Source: Getty)

The Liberty were up 60-58 with 5.8 seconds left when Brondello made it clear to Stewart that she had to elaborate on a potential foul call to secure a pair of free throws.

“If they foul you, embellish it, to get the foul, okay?” Brondello can be heard telling Stewart on ESPN’s mic.

Stewart didn’t exaggerate when she got in contact with Alanna Smith, but the refs ruled in her favor. She made the game-tying free throws, sending the game to overtime. The Liberty managed to retain the lead and sustain it to win 67-62 and claim their first-ever WNBA championship.

Stewart finished with 13 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, shooting 4 of 15. She went 5 of 8 from the free throw line but ensured to hit the most crucial ones of the night, which saved the Liberty from losing the title.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve blasts officiating over Breanna Stewart call

Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back over the officiating influence in the WNBA Finals Game 5. She pointed out the final foul in regulation on Alanna Smith, which led to Breanna Stewart’s game-tying free throws.

“Sometimes you get away with stuff when you’re physical and aggressive, & they certainly did … It’s a shame that officiating had such a hand in a series like this,” Reeve said.

Reeve claimed the league should have a “third party” for the officials to end the game while explaining why the foul shouldn’t have been called.

“The officials to end the game should have a third party, because that was not a foul. That call should’ve been reversed. If we would’ve turned that clip in, they would’ve told us it was marginal contact, no foul. Guaranteed. The three people that are on the game need a third party to let them know, that decided the game.”

Reeve dropped the most controversial comments in the presser shortly after, claiming that the game was ‘stolen’ from the Lynx by the officials.