BROOKLYN, New York — Some fans of basketball might already be hoping this series lasts longer than just five games.

The WNBA Finals began on Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, pitting the top-seeded Liberty against the second-seeded Minnesota Lynx for the first two games. If necessary, Games 3 and potentially 4 will shift to Minneapolis, with a potential Game 5 returning to Brooklyn. This highly anticipated showdown brings together the league’s two highest-ranked teams for the 2024 championship.

This marks the Liberty’s second straight Finals appearance and the sixth in the franchise’s history, although they are still seeking their first win after losing all five previous tries. Although reaching the Finals in consecutive years is impressive, players have expressed that they “haven’t achieved anything yet.” Their loss last year left them yearning for a better outcome.

As noted by Sabrina Ionescu in Vegas, “I don’t see a trophy in our locker room.”

This season, the Lynx have had the Liberty’s number, winning three out of four encounters. Coach Cheryl Reeves, a four-time champion during the league’s previous notable rivalry era, knows her team will not be intimidated, even facing a so-called super team in New York. Furthermore, she has star player Napheesa Collier on her roster to rely on.

After clinching their spot in the Finals, Collier expressed her desire to finish the series quickly with her first championship, ideally in three games.

That statement is sure to motivate the Liberty players.

Teams Competing in the WNBA Finals

The contest features the New York Liberty squaring off against the Minnesota Lynx.

Timing for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

Game 1 of the WNBA championship series is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Viewing Options for Game 1

You can watch Game 1 on ESPN, where Ryan Ruocco will handle play-by-play, alongside analyst Rebecca Lobo and sideline reporter Holly Rowe.

Streaming Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

If you prefer streaming, you can catch Game 1 on ESPN+, the ESPN App, or Fubo.

Head-to-Head Statistics: Liberty vs. Lynx

The Lynx have a favorable record in their head-to-head matchups against the Liberty, winning two of the three regular-season games. The last encounter was on September 15, when the Lynx secured an 88-79 victory 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

Schedule for the 2024 WNBA Finals

• Game 1, Thursday: Lynx at Liberty; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Game 2, Sunday: Lynx at Liberty; 3 p.m. (ABC)
• Game 3, Wednesday, Oct. 16: Liberty at Lynx; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Game 4*, Friday, Oct. 18: Liberty at Lynx; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Game 5*, Sunday, Oct. 20: Lynx at Liberty; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
• (All times Eastern; best-of-five series; * – 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

Number of Championships for the New York Liberty

The Liberty are striving for their first-ever championship title. They came close last year, making it to the 2023 WNBA Finals but fell to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. The franchise has reached the Finals six times (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2023, and 2024).

Number of Championships for the Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx have claimed four championship titles. They achieved this remarkable feat between 2011 and 2017, winning four WNBA championships while making six Finals appearances, with notable players like Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Rebekkah Brunson, and Sylvia Fowles leading the charge. The 2024 WNBA Finals will be their first championship appearance since they last won in 2017.

WNBA Finals, Game 1 Betting Odds

The Liberty are favored to win the championship, with BetMGM placing the money line at Liberty (-275) and Lynx (+225).

First Coach Appointed for Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, a new addition to the WNBA, have appointed Natalie Nakase as their inaugural head coach during a press event held on Thursday.

Nakase previously served as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, working under Becky Hammon for three seasons and contributing to the team’s consecutive WNBA championship victories in 2022 and 2023. With this role, she makes history as the first female Asian-American head coach in the WNBA.

Nakase recalls cheering for the Golden State Warriors, the owners of the Valkyries, when they clinched the NBA Finals title in 2015, admiring the joy and excitement around the team. Her dream was to be part of Golden State, and now, she will have the opportunity to lead the WNBA team in their first season. – Jordan Mendoza

Sabrina Ionescu Revives the Floater Technique, Leading Liberty to Finals

Sabrina Ionescu was struggling to score.

Back in Walnut Creek, California, she was a petite sixth-grader on an eighth-grade boys’ team alongside her twin brother, Eddy. The stronger and larger male defenders often disrupted her game, making it hard for her to reach the basket.

Realizing the need to enhance her skills, the guard, who would eventually set an NCAA record with 26 triple-doubles during her college career, decided to perfect a floater shot.

Now, 15 years later, that floater has transformed into one of the most lethal shots in the WNBA playoffs, playing a crucial role in helping the New York Liberty reach the Finals for the second straight year. The Liberty is set to face the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 on Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, competing in a best-of-five series. – Lindsay Schnell

Caitlin Clark Continues to Break WNBA Records

The rookie from the Fever has captivated audiences all summer with her remarkable performances.