MINNEAPOLIS — The stage is set for a thrilling Game 5 of the WNBA Finals this Sunday, as the Minnesota Lynx edged past the New York Liberty with a nail-biting 82-80 victory on Friday night. This win not only kept the Lynx alive but marked the first Game 5 of the Finals since 2019, igniting excitement among fans and players alike.
Bridget Carleton was the hero of the evening, sinking two free throws with just two seconds remaining, sealing the fate of the Liberty and forcing this decisive matchup. The atmosphere was electric at the Target Center, where over 19,000 fans witnessed a closely contested battle, one marked by grit and intensity.
It’s no surprise the game was tight throughout; there were 14 lead changes and 13 ties, reflecting the fierce competition on the floor. Each team managed to establish situational leads, but neither could extend their advantage beyond six points. Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 19 points, with Courtney Williams contributing 15, as they were pivotal in limiting the effectiveness of Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
Stewart, who has historically performed well, was held to just 11 points, shooting 5-of-20 from the floor. Meanwhile, Ionescu struggled even more, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-16 shooting, including her desperation heave at the buzzer, which fell well short of the mark. This was a dramatic shift from Ionescu's spectacular 28-foot three-pointer just days prior, which had propelled New York to victory and put them up 2-1 in the series.
With the game tied at 80-all and just 18 seconds left on the clock, the pressure reached its peak. Williams attempted to run down the clock but missed her jump shot. Fortunately for Minnesota, Carleton was there to grab the rebound and was fouled by Ionescu. "She got the shot off and missed it perfectly for me," Carleton remarked, reflecting on the pivotal moment. With unwavering nerves, she made both shots, giving the Lynx the lead and the win.
The matchup will now shift to Brooklyn, where the Lynx will face off against the Liberty for the championship on their home turf. This sets the stage for what could be another monumental event as both teams eye glory. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who has been at the helm during five of the last seven Game 5s, has experienced the adrenaline and emotion of such high-stakes situations.
“Last 40 minutes of the season could be anywhere,” Reeve stated. “We’re going to be out there going to war and I’m pumped.” This culmination of the Finals also offers the Lynx the potential for their fifth WNBA title, which would surpass the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm, who are currently tied with Minnesota for the most championships.
On the flip side, the Liberty are on the lookout for their first title and carry the weight of not having clinched one since the league began its tenure. Historically, they have been the only original franchise still without championship hardware, having lost five times in the Finals. The pressure is palpable, and their storied history complicates their pursuit of victory.
Looking to Sunday, both teams are aware of what’s at stake and the need to bounce back from previous performances. Stewart, who had shone brightly throughout the series until now, will seek to reclaim her spot among the elite, aiming to make significant contributions this time around. Ionescu, too, will aim to shake off her off-night and come through for her team when they need it most.
Notably, the bench play will be another factor to watch. Minnesota's depth has proven invaluable, and players like Ceci Zandalasini, Natisha Hiedeman, and Dorka Juhász have shown they can significantly impact tight games. Lynx’s Carleton has also emerged as the unsung hero, who isn’t afraid to step up when it counts, as her key free throws demonstrated.
While the stars are key to each team's success, sometimes it's the unexpected players who provide the spark needed for victory. For New York, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton played pivotal roles earlier this series, and her energy could lend itself to providing stability and creativity on the floor. Similarly, Leonie Fiebich has made strides for the Liberty, becoming integral to their strategy.
Brondello and Reeve each conveyed their thoughts on the officiation, hinting at potential strategies to maximize their calls. With the Liberty taking fewer free throws than the Lynx during Game 4, there appeared to be some hitches in the whistle-blowing. "I know Cheryl talked about it last time, but we got no calls today,” Brondello criticized, emphasizing the importance of fair officiation. Meanwhile, Reeve noted the necessity for patience and being able to adapt gameplay based on how the referees were handling the encounter.
With all factors considered, the anticipation for Game 5 remains palpable. Fans and players alike are ready for this high-energy finale. Under the glaring lights of the arena, strategies will be put to the test, and resilience will separate the winners from the losers. The last game will decisively take place, promising to offer another spectacle befitting the Finals.
Those tuning in can expect high drama, star performances, and perhaps some unexpected turning points as both franchises vie for the title. Regardless of the outcome, the WNBA Finals wrapped for both teams, but only one can walk away with the championship—a fitting end to the season of risks, rewards, and relentless dedication.
