After two games, the WNBA Finals are proving to be just as thrilling as anticipated.

In an unexpected turn, Minnesota stunned the Liberty with an overtime victory, overcoming an 18-point deficit in Game 1.

Then, in Game 2, Breanna Stewart delivered what many consider the best defensive performance of her career, recording seven steals to help New York secure a vital win.

With the series now tied 1-1, the action shifts to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4. During the regular season, these teams met only once at the Target Center, where the Lynx emerged victorious. If the Liberty can replicate Minnesota’s success on the road, a Game 5 will return to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

WINNERS

The League

This season has drawn in many new viewers, and the Finals have certainly not disappointed, especially with Game 1’s excitement. The shocking comeback by the Lynx was exhilarating – even Napheesa Collier had to revisit the game later to comprehend the craziness of it all.

Fans have shared in this excitement, which is beneficial for the league as it illustrates the substantial talent within it. The Liberty also set a new attendance record on Sunday, with 18,046 fans, leading New York’s coach Sandy Brondello to declare, “the winner is women’s basketball.”

The Lynx

Though the series is currently tied at 1-1, winning on the road during the playoffs is notably challenging. Returning to Minnesota after disrupting the Liberty’s home advantage is significant. In their single meet-up at home, Minnesota triumphed over New York, suggesting the possibility of clinching the title on home turf.

All-WNBA Defense

In Game 1, Collier demonstrated why she earned the Defensive Player of the Year award with six blocks and three steals, significantly affecting the Lynx’s surprising 95-93 overtime victory, something her coach Cheryl Reeve described as “incredible.”

Game 2 was dominated by the exceptional performance of Stewart, another first-team All-Defense pick, who snatched a career-high seven steals, facilitating the Liberty’s 80-66 win. New York’s lineup is recognized for its impressive wingspans that create defensive chaos, reflected in their 13 steals during Game 2, including two by Jonquel Jones, another All-Defense honoree.

Additionally, Lynx forward Alanna Smith, also All-Defense, has been effective in defending Jones throughout the series despite an evident size disadvantage.

Betnijah-Laney Hamilton

Though not at full strength due to knee surgery earlier this season, she displayed her skills during Game 2, hitting 4-of-4 in the beginning and finishing with 20 points, which matched her best for the season.

LOSERS

Officiating

It was surprising that not long after commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the league’s efforts to enhance officiating, the referees mishandled the crucial moments at the end of Game 1.

More specifically, the situation arose when the ball went out of bounds during the Liberty’s possession, and the officials could not determine the last touch. It was an embarrassing moment when New York was awarded free throws with only 0.8 seconds remaining, especially considering Collier had endured a foul moments earlier without a whistle. Fortunately, Stewart missed the second free throw, pushing the game to overtime, allowing the players to decide the outcome.

Similar officiating inconsistencies were noted in Game 2, where an apparent imbalance in foul calls shifted significantly from the first half to the second, becoming a parade of fouls and free throws.

All fans are looking for is a level of consistency – and for officials to stay out of the spotlight. Fairly straightforward expectations.

Minnesota’s First Halves

Just two days after stunning the Liberty with a comeback from an 18-point deficit in Game 1, the Lynx again faced a challenging start in Game 2, trailing by as much as 17 points in the first half.

When Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve was asked about the team’s inability to score late in the game, even after closing the gap twice, she expressed her frustration candidly.

“I’m disappointed that we let it escalate to 17, and I’m more disappointed about that,” she stated. “I’m beyond disappointed. I’m furious that it happened again.”