MINNEAPOLIS — Facing elimination, the Minnesota Lynx managed to secure a critical victory, defeating the New York Liberty 82-80, and setting up a decisive Game 5 in the WNBA Finals.
Bridget Carleton sealed the win with two free throws just seconds before the final buzzer. The teams will clash again on Sunday night in New York, marking the first Game 5 in the Finals since 2019.
Kayla McBride, the Lynx’s leading scorer with 19 points, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming showdown. “The last 40 minutes of the season could go anywhere, but we’re ready and energized for the challenge,” she said.
Courtney Williams contributed 15 points for Minnesota, which successfully challenged Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who struggled with their shooting throughout the game. Ionescu’s final shot attempt failed to even touch the rim.
“It’s a Game 5 of the Finals, and there’s a lot of excitement,” said teammate Napheesa Collier, stressing the need for the Lynx to execute their game plan.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve, experienced in high-stakes situations, noted her appreciation for being part of such pivotal games. “I feel lucky to have coached in so many of these moments, and I’m thrilled this group gets to experience a Game 5,” she stated.
This matchup was markedly different from the previous three games in the series, characterized by a series of lead changes and ties. Throughout the match, both teams were closely matched, with neither jumping ahead by more than six points.
“Both sides were trying to fight for the win, and it was always going to be a tough game,” said Jonquel Jones, who led New York with 21 points.
In a tense ending, with the score tied at 80, Williams attempted a jumper but missed. Carleton secured the offensive rebound and was fouled by Ionescu, allowing her to score the decisive free throws.
“I was confident; I’m a strong free-throw shooter,” Carleton remarked after the game.
Leonie Fiebich scored 19 points for New York, while Stewart struggled with only 11 points on 5-of-20 shooting, and Ionescu finished with 10 points from 5-of-16 shooting.
With this win, the Lynx are one step away from claiming a record fifth WNBA title, which would place them ahead of the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm. The Liberty are still seeking their first championship and have reached the Finals five times without a victory.
New York was defeated by Las Vegas in the previous season’s Finals, and the current game coincidentally marked the anniversary of that Game 4 clincher for the Aces.
The Lynx last reached the Finals in 2017, where they won their fourth title in a span of seven years.
After a late surge from the Lynx established a 77-72 lead, New York rallied, tying the game at 80 with a three-point play from Jones. In the closing moments, both teams had chances to score before Carleton’s free throws proved pivotal.
Stewart expressed her anticipation for the upcoming match in New York, emphasizing the importance of their fan support: “Our fans are fantastic, and knowing they have our backs will motivate us. We can’t wait for Sunday.”