The Minnesota Lynx edged out the New York Liberty 82-80 in a thrilling Game 4, setting the stage for a decisive Game 5—the first since 2019. With just two seconds left on the clock, Minnesota's clutch performance left the Target Center buzzing. Sabrina Ionescu's off-balance 3-point attempt to clinch the championship for the Liberty fell short, sealing the Lynx's victory.
Results
Game 1 - Lynx defeated Liberty 93-95
Game 2- Liberty defeated Lynx 80-66
Game 3 - Liberty defeated Lynx 80-77
Game 4 - Lynx defeated Liberty 82-80
Lynx all-round show
This win showcased a well-rounded effort from the Lynx, combining offensive prowess with tenacious defense. All five Lynx starters scored in double figures, led by Kayla McBride's 19 points. Diamond Miller contributed 15 points and seven assists, while MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier delivered a stellar all-around performance with 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals, effectively containing Breanna Stewart.
The game was a tight contest, with neither team managing to pull ahead by more than six points. The Liberty had multiple chances to secure their first championship but struggled to find their rhythm down the stretch, resulting in a flurry of turnovers and missed shots. Jonquel Jones led New York with 21 points, including a hot 4-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Decider Game 5
Now, the highly anticipated winner-takes-all Game 5 awaits at Barclays Center on Sunday. This matchup features the league’s top two teams: the Lynx, boasting the best defensive rating in the West, and the Liberty, who excelled offensively in the East. It’s a fitting conclusion to a landmark year for the WNBA.
Cheryl Reeve, who previously led the Lynx to championships in 2015 and 2017—both going to five games—expressed her excitement for this upcoming challenge. "I feel very blessed in my career to have been a part of so many (finals)... I'm so excited this group gets to experience Game 5... We so wanted them to be in the finals and to be in a spot to win a championship," she said.
With home teams historically winning 5 out of 7 times in Game 5s of the WNBA Finals, all eyes will be on Brooklyn for this thrilling conclusion.
