MINNEAPOLIS — Honestly, this is the ending we were all hoping for.

This incredible playoff series — indeed, the entire season — merits an exciting finale, and that’s what we got when the Minnesota Lynx narrowly overcame the New York Liberty with an 82-80 victory on Friday night.

The Lynx delivered an impressive performance. While Napheesa Collier is recognized as the standout player, the team secured their Finals spot as a result of collective effort. Each player contributes and gives their all.

And nobody ever backs down.

“This team, from the start of the season up until Game 4, has shown a remarkable ability to have faith in themselves and each other,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve.

Collier had a commendable performance on Friday, falling just short of a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. However, the Lynx also received stellar performances from Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams, who was simply on fire — a Birkin, as she would explain, not something from Target.

Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton both contributed 12 points, ensuring all starters for Minnesota reached double figures.

“With all the ups and downs, this group is just capable of managing it,” Reeve remarked. “It’s remarkable.”

The series will conclude fittingly, marking the first WNBA Finals to extend to a full five games since 2019.

Here’s a rundown of the winners and losers from Game 4:

WINNERS

Alanna Smith

What a brave showing.

Just 48 hours after suffering a tough fall in Game 3, Smith battled through significant lower back discomfort to post 12 points, seven rebounds, a block, and multiple steals and assists. Her defensive efforts may not be fully captured in the stats, but she was formidable in the paint, especially when matched against Jonquel Jones.

“All season long, Alanna’s stepped up for us,” remarked Reeve. “I value her resilience and commitment to do what the team needed from her. It is crucial for her to be on the court with us.”

Despite visibly struggling, Smith managed to play 30 minutes. Reeve mentioned that they didn’t impose any minutes limits on her, treating the game as if Smith was completely fine. “We would adjust if Alanna needed to rest, but beyond that, we weren’t worried,” Reeve noted.

Bridget Carleton

It was fitting that one of the Lynx’s lesser-known heroes made the decisive shots. As Reeve often puts it, Carleton is a “hustle play player.”

Her determination was highlighted in the dying seconds when Carleton charged into the paint to attempt to rebound a missed shot from Williams with just four seconds left in a tie game at 80-80. She managed to tip the ball, drawing a foul from Sabrina Ionescu and earned her trip to the free-throw line, where she confidently scored both shots — a challenge Collier dubbed “the hardest shot in basketball.” Carleton racked up 12 points and made numerous impactful plays, a performance Reeve described as a true testament to her exceptional year.

Spike Lee

The iconic New York fan will have the chance to witness his newly adopted team, the New York Liberty, compete for a championship on their home court, likely with Lee watching from the sidelines. What more could he want?

A Bar of Their Own

Reeve has a distinct game day attire when the Lynx play at home, typically wearing jeans, a blazer, and a graphic tee.

For Game 4, Reeve donned a shirt from “A Bar of Their Own,” a Minneapolis establishment that exclusively screens women’s sports — a fantastic way to promote a young, local business.

“I can’t speak for these players,” Reeve gestured towards Collier and McBride, “but everywhere I go, people are telling me about it. ‘I went to this bar, and they’re showing women’s games! Five years ago, none of the TVs would have had our games on.’ It’s fantastic to see the same atmosphere for this team that the (Timberwolves) generated in their playoff run because they deserve it.”

LOSERS

Players in Foul Trouble

It’s never enjoyable to watch star players stuck on the sidelines, and on Friday night, that was the case with Breanna Stewart.

The Liberty’s key player struggled throughout the game, attributing it to Minnesota’s effective pressure on her offensively. She wrapped up the night with only 11 points and a disappointing 5-of-21 shooting performance, compounded by her struggles with foul trouble, accumulating four personal fouls.

Sandy Brondello’s Wallet

The head coach of the New York Liberty was understandably upset about the officiating, expressing her frustration passionately with colorful language. This reaction was uncharacteristic of Brondello, known for her calm demeanor, making her outburst akin to a breaking point.

“I didn’t receive any calls today. Should I speak at a press conference?” Brondello remarked, referencing Reeve’s grievances after Game 3 about the referees favoring Stewart.

“They were getting the soft calls, while we were getting hit and didn’t get a thing,” Brondello added. “All we want is fairness. If we’re being hit, that’s a foul. I may be one of the friendliest coaches in the league, but this frustrates me. Just be fair. If they’re being hit, it’s still a foul!”

Interestingly, Minnesota was called for only nine fouls, while the Liberty faced 14 fouls, including four on Stewart.

Additionally, it appears the officials overlooked a timeout in the last minute of the game.

Brondello expressed her desire for a timeout during the Liberty’s second-to-last possession—this is where the expletive came into play—but she didn’t get it because the referees didn’t hear her. Consequently, Stewart received a shot-clock violation, leading to a possession for the Lynx, culminating in Carleton being fouled under the basket. She completed both free throws to secure the victory.

“They didn’t catch my call. So that’s on me,” Brondello reflected on the missed timeout. “Perhaps I should run out onto the court next time.”

Seeking Drama

For a brief moment, it seemed like some significant drama was unfolding at UConn, with Geno Auriemma at the center of it.

Post-game, Collier was queried about a message Stewart allegedly received from their former coach, urging her to score 50 points against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4, which could create tension considering Collier, the Lynx’s star, also played for UConn alongside Stewart on a national championship-winning team.

Collier remarked, “Seems like he’s rooting for them. He’s not reaching out to me. Looks like I’ll have to message him about a few things now.”

Considering she contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and four assists, the Lynx’s 82-80 win forced a decisive Game 5.

“Wow, Husky drama,” remarked Lynx teammate McBride, who hails from Notre Dame. “Go Irish!”

Unfortunately, it turned out to be false. There was no message to Stewart or any favoritism shown.

Looks like the annual reunion can proceed as scheduled.