The No. 2-seed Minnesota Lynx got here again from down 18 factors to steal Sport 1 on the street from the No. 1-seed New York Liberty, profitable 95-93 in additional time.
The Lynx received a MVP efficiency from Napheesa Collier, who ended the night time with 21 factors, eight rebounds and 6 blocks. Collier additionally had the game-winning basket and defended Breanna Stewart on the sport’s remaining possession.
Courtney Williams was integral on this Lynx victory, scoring a team-high 23 factors, together with an enormous four-point play that helped power additional time.
Given the collapse, Liberty followers won’t need to hear about how properly their workforce performed, however they did have some standout performances. Jonquel Jones was excellent, with 24 factors and 10 rebounds. Leonie Fiebech introduced her elite protection and added 17 factors. Whereas Stewart can be remembered for lacking the game-winning free throw in regulation and the game-tying layup in additional time, she nonetheless contributed 18 factors within the defeat.
The Lynx have dominated this matchup this yr. They beat the Liberty 2-1 within the regular-season collection, defeated them within the Commissioner’s Cup Championship and now, most significantly, lead the WNBA Finals 1-0.
The Lynx wouldn’t let the Liberty put them away
It was all good three quarters in the past for the Liberty. They got here out roaring, outscoring the Lynx 32-19 within the opening body. Collier struggled to get going offensively, as Stewart’s dimension gave her hassle. After a Betnijah Laney-Hamilton layup, New York led 39-21 with 6:24 left within the first half. It began to appear to be the Liberty would cruise to victory at residence.
Nonetheless, Minnesota had different plans, occurring a 10-0 run to chop the deficit right down to seven factors. Sabrina Ionescu rattled in a 3-pointer to cease the run and kill Minnesota’s momentum. On the break, New York was forward by eight.
Within the third quarter, the Lynx went on an 8-2 run to make it a one-possession sport. Instantly, Minnesota was in management. Williams was yapping to the group, her Dad was jawing with followers and Kayla McBride had a menacing smile on her face as Liberty coach Sandy Brondello known as timeout, grabbed her clipboard and tried to attract one thing up that may proper the ship.
After the timeout, the Liberty got here out and had a 24-second shot clock violation. Within the remaining minute of the third, New York lastly discovered some rhythm because of a pair of Nyara Sabally free throws and an enormous Courtney Vandersloot 3-pointer.
The Lynx got here via in probably the most essential moments
Up by seven at residence, coming into the fourth, the Liberty had a chance to shut the door on the Lynx. New York went on an 8-0 run and prolonged their lead again as much as a dozen.
Minnesota, nonetheless, refused to go away. Williams transformed a pull-up jumper, McBride hit a 3-pointer and Natisha Hiedeman added one other make from behind the arc. Jones scored for New York, however the Lynx responded with six unanswered factors, and immediately, with 42.1 seconds left, it was an 83-80 sport.
The next Liberty possession ended with Collier blocking Jones, regardless of being hooked by the Liberty. The rejection was among the best blocks I’ve ever seen, given the diploma of problem and significance of the second.
To not be outdone, Williams helped her All-Star by hitting a clutch 3-pointer, which, with Ionescu fouling her, resulted in a four-point play chance. Williams hit the free throw, and the comeback was full. Lynx had been up one with 5.1 seconds left.
Stewart received a great have a look at the basket for the Liberty, however Collier blocked it, leaving one second on the clock for New York to try to inbound the ball and win the sport. The Liberty received the ball to Stewart. She was snarled within the paint and fouled on what would’ve been the final play of the sport. After overview, it was upheld as a foul, and Stewart went to the road to shoot two free throws. She made the primary to tie the sport however missed the second. Minnesota tried to get a game-winner off with 0.5 seconds left, however Williams missed, and we headed to additional time.
The sport remained tight after regulation, however the Lynx stayed in management. Collier transformed on a layup and Alanna Smith scored on a Williams dime and Minnesota lead by 4. Jones hit a 3-pointer for New York to shrink the lead down to 1, however Williams responded with a 3-pointer for Minnesota. With 28 seconds left, the rating was even at 93, and Collier scored to offer the Lynx the sting.
New York had 8.1 seconds left and yet another probability to tie or win the sport. Collier defended Stewart and she or he blew proper previous her. Collier shouted for her teammates to not foul, and Stewart received a clear have a look at the basket however missed the basket, ending the sport and giving the Lynx a historic victory straight away basic.
Closing ideas from a loopy Sport 1
There’s a lot to unpack, however credit score to the Lynx for by no means quitting and combating again into his one. Collier proved why she was the Defensive Participant of the 12 months. We talked about Williams needing an enormous sport for Minnesota to win, and she or he delivered.
New York’s loss is devastating, but it surely’s first to a few wins, to not one. Jones performed properly, and Ionescu might be higher. Stewart was nice for many of the sport, however the satan is within the particulars, and lacking that free throw was a dying knell.
This loss is a lesson for the Liberty. If they’re stronger in 2024 than they had been in 2023, they’ll reply and be prepared for Sport 2 on Sunday. This collection is way from over.
