BROOKLYN, New York — Just before the New York Liberty discovered they would face off against the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals, Sabrina Ionescu remarked on the Liberty’s achievements—making it to the Finals for two consecutive years—by saying, “I don’t see a trophy in our locker room.”

That observation still holds true—and now it’s even more challenging to add some hardware to the locker room.

Despite dominating the Lynx in the first quarter and building an impressive 18-point lead, the Liberty ended up losing Game 1, 95-93, in overtime. The Lynx now lead the best-of-five series 1-0, with Game 2 scheduled for Sunday at Barclays Center.

Napheesa Collier made the decisive shot, a challenging turnaround jumper with just 8.1 seconds left. Breanna Stewart missed a layup attempt as time expired.

Courtney Williams was the standout for the Lynx, scoring 23 points, while Kayla McBride contributed 22 points and Collier added 21 points alongside eight rebounds and six blocks.

Jonquel Jones topped all scorers with 24 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Collier, who had just one day off—spent traveling to New York—after the Lynx eliminated the Connecticut Sun in a Game 5 at home, emphasized that they couldn’t dwell on their fatigue or the challenging situation.

“We’ve been in that position before. Just stay strong,” Collier stated in a post-game interview about facing an 18-point deficit.

When asked about their tiredness?

“You can’t think about that. This is the Finals.”

Game 1 highlights: Lynx 95, Liberty 93, OT

Lynx snatch Game 1 from Liberty in overtime

The Lynx kicked off overtime with a surge, scoring four quick points while the Liberty struggled to find their rhythm. New York started the extra period shooting 0-for-6 and committed three turnovers before Jonquel Jones finally got the Liberty on the scoreboard with 1:38 left, stealing the ball and making a layup to tie the scores at 93-93 with 28.1 seconds to go. Breanna Stewart then blocked a layup attempt from the Lynx’s Courtney Williams. However, the Lynx secured an offensive rebound, and Collier clinched the game with a difficult fadeaway jumper to regain the lead at 95-93 with 8.1 seconds on the clock. Stewart had a chance to win it for the Liberty in the final moments but missed the layup attempt.

The Lynx’s remarkable comeback marked the completion of an 18-point turnaround, matching the record for the largest comeback in WNBA history. With this defeat, the Liberty now hold an unfortunate 0-6 record in Game 1s of the Finals. – Cydney Henderson

Q4: Liberty 84, Lynx 84

The Lynx launched a 14-2 run, closing the gap to just three points, 83-80, with 42.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Napheesa Collier blocked a layup by Jonquel Jones with 24.1 seconds left, marking her fifth block of the game. The Liberty managed to grab another offensive rebound but then committed a shot clock violation with 18.1 seconds left. While attempting a three-pointer on the Lynx’s next possession, Courtney Williams missed but managed to secure an offensive rebound. Williams then took another shot and was fouled by Sabrina Ionescu during the three-point attempt. She converted the ensuing free throw, granting the Lynx their first lead of the match at 84-83.

The situation escalated quickly, leading to a chaotic moment. As the Liberty worked to inbound the ball, both Breanna Stewart and Collier swatted at it, resulting in the ball going out of bounds. A jump ball was called with 3.2 seconds left, granting possession to the Liberty. However, Williams was later called for a jump ball violation, allowing New York to inbound the ball from the sideline. Stewart received the pass but had her shot blocked. New York retained possession, and Stewart drew a foul under the basket with only 0.8 seconds on the clock. Stewart made the first free throw but missed the second, which would have secured the win for the Liberty. – Cydney Henderson

Dramatic sequence takes Game 1 to OT

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A wild turn of events that unfolded in less than six seconds of game time, but felt like an eternity, brought the game to overtime tied at 84-84.

The drama began with a stunning three-pointer from Courtney Williams, who was fouled on the shot by Sabrina Ionescu. Williams converted the free throw. After numerous possessions that felt painstakingly prolonged and—of course—a long review, Breanna Stewart stepped up to the line, managing to make one out of two free throws to even the score.

Can the Liberty bounce back? Or are the Lynx in a winning groove? – Lindsay Schnell

Lynx take late lead with a wild three-pointer

Courtney Williams sunk a three-pointer from the top right of the key and added a free throw after being fouled, giving the Lynx their first lead of the game with just 5.5 seconds remaining, 84-83. – Heather Tucker

Leonie Fiebich faces foul issues

New York’s Leonie Fiebich picked up her fourth foul with 6:47 left in the fourth quarter after colliding with a screen set by Minnesota’s Alanna Smith. Fiebich, who had contributed 17 points and five rebounds, stayed in the game despite the foul trouble. – Cydney Henderson

3Q: Liberty 68, Lynx 61

Heading into the fourth quarter, New York maintains a 68-61 lead.

After trailing by as much as 18 points in the first half, Minnesota made a strong comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to just two points with 5:29 left in the game. However, New York quickly responded, extending their lead back to 10 points before Minnesota managed to bring it down to less than ten again.

The Liberty excelled on the boards, out-rebounding the Lynx 30-20, with an impressive 15 of those being offensive rebounds. Four of New York’s five starters scored in double digits: Jonquel Jones led the team with 17 points and nine assists, closing in on a double-double. Breanna Stewart contributed 14 points, Sabrina Ionescu had 13, and Leonie Fiebich scored 12 points, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.

For Minnesota, Kayla McBride topped the scoring charts with 19 points (3-of-4 from 3-point range) while Napheesa Collier tallied 13 points and three assists.

This could mark the first time New York wins Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, as they had previously been 0-5 in Game 1s historically. – Cydney Henderson

Halftime: Liberty 44, Lynx 36

The Lynx seemed to find their rhythm after a shaky start. They allowed New York to score 32 points in the first quarter but then restricted the Liberty to just 12 points in the second quarter. Thanks to a 10-0 run, they managed to cut down New York’s double-digit lead to eight by halftime.

Kayla McBride stood out for the Lynx with 10 points and two assists, while Napheesa Collier added eight points and two rebounds. The Lynx managed a field goal percentage of 43.3% and made 3-of-10 from three-point range.

Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 13 points and four rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu contributed 11 points, two steals, and three boards. The Liberty shot 40.5% overall, making 6-of-20 shots from beyond the arc, and out-rebounded the Lynx 21-14, including 10 offensive rebounds. – Cydney Henderson

Liberty draw on experience while Lynx struggle for cohesion

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — The New York Liberty look sharp and experienced, contrasting with the Minnesota Lynx, who are still adjusting to the WNBA Finals atmosphere. Even though the scoreboard shows New York ahead by eight, it feels more like 18 due to their dominant performance.

Although the Lynx are slowly finding their footing, they are not operating at full potential. Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve will surely address the 18 fast-break points scored by New York during halftime.

One of the standout stats from the first half is Jonquel Jones’ impressive performance with no fouls to her name. The Lynx have struggled to contain her, especially when Breanna Stewart is also active on the court. Keeping Jones out of foul trouble could be crucial for the flow of the series. – Lindsay Schnell

Q1: Liberty 32, Lynx 19

The Liberty burst out of the blocks with energy, quickly establishing a 16-point lead in the first quarter, whereas the Lynx appeared to be a bit sluggish. New York benefitted from having three days off after finishing their semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces, while Minnesota only had one day of rest following their five-game series against the Connecticut Sun leading into Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

“Fatigue doesn’t matter; we need to press on,” said Napheesa Collier, who scored four points in the first quarter.

Jonquel Jones made an immediate impact for New York with 10 points and three rebounds, while teammate Sabrina Ionescu added eight points (2-of-4 from three-point range). The Liberty showcased their size advantage in the series, dominating the boards early with a 12-5 rebounding margin that included six offensive rebounds. They also scored 14 points in the paint and converted three turnovers from the Lynx into eight points.

Both Minnesota’s Courtney Williams and New York’s Breanna Stewart found themselves in early foul trouble, each with two fouls. – Cydney Henderson

Celebrities in attendance in New York

Filmmaker Spike Lee has been a regular presence throughout the New York Liberty’s playoff journey, and Game 1 of the WNBA Finals was no exception. He was joined by a host of celebrities at Barclays Center, including actor and “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis. Both have been avid basketball fans, attending various games this season and postseason, including those featuring Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The audience also included notable figures like NBA commissioner Adam Silver, rapper Meek Mill, television host Gayle King, actress Aubrey Plaza, and sports agent Jill Smoller, who manages Serena Williams. – Cydney Henderson and Heather Tucker

Three UConn Huskies in the 2024 WNBA Finals

This year’s WNBA Finals feature three players from UConn: Breanna Stewart from the Liberty, and Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhász from the Lynx.

“No matter the outcome, we are proud,” tweeted UConn women’s basketball ahead of Game 1 on Thursday.

When asked about who UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma is cheering for in this championship series, Collier humorously noted that he should be rooting for the Lynx since “we’re representing two of his players.” – Cydney Henderson

Who is competing in the WNBA Finals?

The teams facing off are the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx.

When does Game 1 of the WNBA Finals take place?

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Liberty and Lynx is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center located in Brooklyn, New York.

Where to watch Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

Viewers can catch Game 1 on ESPN, with Ryan Ruocco providing play-by-play commentary, Rebecca Lobo serving as analyst, and Holly Rowe reporting from the sidelines.

How to stream Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

You can stream Game 1 on ESPN+, through the ESPN app, or on Fubo.

WNBA Commissioner: Finals will expand to seven games next season

Are you excited for more women’s basketball? The good news is here!

Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, has revealed that the Finals will transition to a best-of-seven series starting next season, mimicking the format used in the NBA. This announcement comes just before the kickoff of Game 1 of the 2024 Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, which will be the final best-of-five championship series.

Next year, the first round will follow a best-of-three format, the semifinals will be best-of-five, and the championship series will stretch to seven games.

“This new format will provide our fans with a championship series setup that aligns with what they see in other sports,” Engelbert stated.

In the new best-of-three opening round, a 1-1-1 home format will allow the lower-seeded team to host a game. The structure for the best-of-five series will remain 2-2-1, while the best-of-seven series will be set up as 2-2-1-1-1. – Cydney Henderson

Head-to-Head: Liberty vs. Lynx

The Lynx have a slight advantage in their overall record against the Liberty. Minnesota secured victories in two out of three regular-season meetings with New York. Their most recent encounter was on September 15, where the Lynx triumphed with an 88-79 win on the road at Barclays Center.

New York Liberty’s journey to the WNBA Finals

First round (best-of-three): No. 1 Liberty vs. No. 8 Atlanta Dream

• Game 1: Liberty 83, Dream 68
• Game 2: Liberty 91, Dream 82

Liberty advance 2-0

Semifinals (best-of-five): No. 1 Liberty vs. No. 4 Las Vegas Aces

• Game 1: Liberty 87, Aces 77
• Game 2: Liberty 88, Aces 84
• Game 3: Aces 95, Liberty 81
• Game 4: Liberty 76, Aces 62

Liberty advance 3-1

Minnesota Lynx’s journey to the WNBA Finals

First round (best-of-three): No. 2 Lynx vs. No. 7 Phoenix Mercury

• Game 1: Lynx 102, Mercury 95
• Game 2: Lynx 101, Mercury 88

Lynx advance 2-0

Semifinals (best-of-five): No. 2 Lynx vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun

• Game 1: Sun 73, Lynx 70
• Game 2: Lynx 77, Sun 70
• Game 3: Lynx 90, Sun 81
• Game 4: Sun 92, Lynx 82
• Game 5: Lynx 88, Sun 77

Lynx advance 3-2

2024 WNBA Finals schedule

• Game 1: Lynx 95, Liberty 93, OT (Lynx lead series 1-0)
• Game 2: Sunday: Lynx at Liberty; 3 (ABC)
• Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16: Liberty at Lynx; 8 (ESPN)
• Game 4*, Friday, Oct. 18: Liberty at Lynx; 8 (ESPN)
• Game 5*, Sunday, Oct. 20: Lynx at Liberty; 8 (ESPN)
• (All times are in Eastern; this is a best-of-five series; * indicates if necessary)

Predictions from YSL News staff

• Nancy Armour: New York in 4
• Scooby Axson: New York in 4
• Cydney Henderson: New York in 5
• Jordan Mendoza: New York in 4
• Lindsay Schnell: New York in 5

What is the Liberty’s championship history?

The Liberty are striving for their first title. They nearly achieved it last year, reaching the 2023 WNBA Finals but lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. The Liberty have made it to the WNBA Finals six times in total (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2023, and 2024).

What is the Lynx’s championship history?

The Lynx hold four championships. Over the course of seven years, the Lynx captured four WNBA titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and made six appearances in the Finals, led by stars like Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Rebekkah Brunson, and Sylvia Fowles. This 2024 WNBA Finals marks the Lynx’s first championship appearance since their 2017 victory.

Odds for the WNBA Finals, Game 1

As per BetMGM, the Liberty are favored to win the WNBA championship, with the money line set at Liberty (-275) and Lynx (+225).

Golden State Valkyries announce their first head coach

The Golden State Valkyries, one of the three new franchises in the WNBA, have appointed Natalie Nakase as the team’s inaugural head coach during a press event on Thursday.

Nakase previously served as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces under Becky Hammon for three seasons, contributing to the team’s back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. She now makes history as the first female Asian-American head coach in WNBA’s history.

Nakase reminisced about watching the Golden State Warriors clinch the 2015 NBA Finals, recalling the joy the team shared under its ownership. Her desire to join Golden State’s organization has now come to fruition as she takes on the role of leading their WNBA team in its first season. – Jordan Mendoza

Sabrina Ionescu revives the floater, leading the Liberty to the Finals

Sabrina Ionescu faced challenges in scoring early on.

As a sixth-grader in Walnut Creek, California, she was often overshadowed, playing on an eighth-grade boys’ team alongside her twin brother Eddy. With defenders larger and stronger than her, challenges in getting close to the basket were common.

To adapt, Ionescu developed her shooting skills, eventually setting an NCAA record in triple-doubles, showcasing the talent that led her to this point.

While playing doubles in college (26), she decided it was the perfect moment to enhance her skills. Thus, she created a floater shot.

Fast forward fifteen years, that floater has evolved into one of the most lethal shots in the WNBA playoffs, playing a vital role in the New York Liberty’s journey to the Finals for the second year in a row. The Liberty will take on the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 on Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, in a best-of-five series. – Lindsay Schnell

Caitlin Clark continues to break WNBA records.

The rookie from the Fever captivated audiences all summer long with her incredible performances.