Minnesota Lynx keep their championship hopes alive, securing victory over New York Liberty in thrilling final moments
MINNEAPOLIS — We’re headed to Game 5.
The New York Liberty, the top-seeded team, will have the opportunity to claim their first WNBA championship on their home turf after the Minnesota Lynx triumphed in a must-win Game 4 at Target Center, setting up a decisive Game 5 on Sunday at Barclays Center.
Unlike the previous three games that saw few changes in leads or ties, this matchup was full of excitement, with 13 ties and 14 lead changes. Ultimately, the Lynx made the last significant move when Bridget Carleton hit two free throws with just 2 seconds remaining, sealing the game at 82-80.
The pivotal foul was called on Sabrina Ionescu as Carleton attempted to score off a missed 19-foot shot from Courtney Williams. With the score knotted at 80-80 and 18.3 seconds on the clock, the Lynx cleared the court for Williams to take a shot, which she missed. Ionescu’s final attempt failed to even touch the rim.
Every Minnesota starter contributed substantially, with Kayla McBride leading the way at 19 points. Williams added 15 points, while Napheesa Collier contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Alanna Smith, despite battling a painful lower back, delivered a remarkable performance with 12 points and seven rebounds, going up against Jonquel Jones in the paint and consistently putting her body on the line for the team’s victory.
October 18 is a date the Liberty would prefer to erase from memory. Last year, New York lost the Finals Game 4 on this date as well, in a match that handed Las Vegas their second consecutive title.