BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — When Courtney Williams joined the Minnesota Lynx as a free agent in February, the seasoned guard anticipated needing to adjust her playing style, prioritizing assists over scoring.

With one of the league’s top talents, Napheesa Collier, on the team—a versatile forward known for her scoring ability and defensive prowess—Collier is usually the primary option when the Lynx require a clutch basket.

However, the 5-foot-8 Williams has proven she can also step up as a leading offensive force—especially when her team is in need.

In an electrifying Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, Williams nailed two incredible three-pointers—one with just 5.5 seconds remaining in regulation and the other with 1:16 left in overtime—playing a pivotal role in the Lynx’s remarkable comeback, defeating the New York Liberty 95-93 at Barclays Center.

With this victory, Minnesota takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Game 2 will take place on Sunday at Barclays before shifting to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4, if necessary. Game 5, if required, will return to New York.

Williams led her team with 23 points, with Kayla McBride contributing 22 and Collier adding 21 points, along with 8 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 3 steals, solidifying her title as Defensive Player of the Year.

According to coach Cheryl Reeve, Williams’ crucial late-game efforts were due to her understanding that “the team needed her to be more assertive.”

When the Lynx trailed by three with just 18 seconds left, Williams made a crucial three-pointer, drawing a foul from Sabrina Ionescu for a possible four-point play. Following her initial missed free throw, an offensive rebound from Alanna Smith enabled Williams to take another shot, where she successfully converted, putting the Lynx ahead by one point for the first time all night. New York head coach Sandy Brondello described this moment as a “backbreaking” series of events.

In a dramatic finish, Breanna Stewart had a chance to tie the game at the foul line with just .8 seconds left but missed her second free throw, leading to overtime despite New York once leading by 18 points.

In overtime, Williams struck again with another long-range three-pointer at the 1:16 mark, boosting the Lynx’s lead to four points. She later scored at the rim, and it was Collier who ultimately secured the game with a difficult, turnaround jumper with just 8.8 seconds left.

Together, Williams and Collier accounted for 22 of the Lynx’s final 24 points.

Stewart had a great opportunity to tie the game as time expired but was unable to convert.

This comeback marked one of the largest in WNBA Finals history; back in 1999, the Liberty previously rallied from an 18-point deficit to defeat the Houston Comets.

Williams, who hails from Georgia and is known for her cheerful Southern accent, expressed pride in her late-game scoring as “a testament to our belief in one another. We have so many talented three-point shooters, and it’s touching to see my teammates working hard to get me the ball—truly amazing. I love it.”

“The confidence we have in each other is incredible. I’m just thankful to be here.”

In stark contrast, the Liberty appeared shocked in the aftermath of their loss.

Stewart, who ended with 18 points and nine rebounds, stated, “we take it on the chin.”

“We had a significant lead, experienced a chaotic final sequence in the fourth quarter, and didn’t start overtime well. I had a great look at the end, but missed it,” Stewart reflected. “The important aspect is that this is a series. We wanted to win, and we will be ready for the next game on Sunday.”

When asked about her four-point play and its ranking among her favorite shots, Williams laughed.

“Where does that rank? I’m not sure. It’s number one right now, considering the context—we’re leading 1-0!” Williams exclaimed.

Reeve humorously added, “I’m just thrilled she made that clutch free throw.”

The pair exchanged playful banter, indicative of the chemistry that Reeve noted postgame after Minnesota’s semifinal win against Connecticut, expressing, “I wasn’t entirely sure what we would get from Courtney. I’ve watched her play for years, but I didn’t know the person or her coachability until now. You can share anything with her, and I love that aspect.”

During their postgame discussion, as they reviewed the game stats, Reeve noted Williams’ five assists and jokingly questioned, “Does that one you threw to Sabrina count?”

This comment evoked laughter from everyone, especially Williams, who found it particularly amusing.