No one would ever claim that the WNBA’s games are prearranged.

Unlike other leagues where conspiracy theories abound — with theories like the NFL manipulating outcomes for the Kansas City Chiefs or LeBron orchestrating the NBA — the current Finals illustrate that there’s no one controlling the narrative in the WNBA. Notably, Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson won’t be participating as they watch from home. The highly anticipated clash between the super teams, the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty, unfolded during the semifinals.

Instead of following a predictable storyline, the contest between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty highlights the league’s variety and the excitement it offers from all angles.

The Lynx took Game 1 with a surprising comeback, as Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier turned what seemed like a dull game into an unforgettable moment. In Game 2, Breanna Stewart dominated, thwarting another Lynx surge and leveling the best-of-five series in front of a record audience.

“The true winner,” remarked Liberty coach Sandy Brondello after Game 2 on Sunday, “is women’s basketball. The WNBA.”

This season has marked a significant change for the WNBA. Following consistent growth in previous years, Clark’s entrance has dramatically boosted interest in the league. ESPN’s regular season ratings surged by 170%, with 27 games drawing over a million viewers—almost double the past record. Attendance increased by 48%, and with 154 sellouts, there was a staggering 242% rise compared to last year. Sponsors are eager to get involved.

Yet, it was not solely Clark who catalyzed the change. Wilson had an extraordinary season, becoming the W’s first player to score over 1,000 points and breaking the single-season rebounding record while securing her third MVP title.

What stands out the most, however, is the overall strength of the league.

When the Liberty formed a super team last season by signing Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot to counter the dominant Wilson and Aces, many expected a competitive imbalance. The fact that both the Aces and Liberty reached the Finals last year only reinforced that belief.

This season, especially during the Finals, that assumption was challenged.

This year, discussions about the league’s intensity picked up, but physical play has always been a hallmark of the WNBA. Since women’s basketball isn’t played predominantly above the rim, emphasizing fundamentals, particularly defense, becomes essential.

Having skilled scorers is impressive, but possessing players who can excel in stopping those scorers is even more crucial.

Few, if any, foresaw the Lynx’s postseason success at the start of the season. Despite this, they showcased the league’s second-best defense, and Collier claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award, having bested Wilson for the title. The Lynx’s comeback in Game 1?

Williams and Collier’s offensive prowess was made possible by the Lynx’s defensive efforts. Despite being down by 15 points, Minnesota restricted the Liberty to just three points in the final 5:20 of regulation. In that span, Collier recorded two blocks and a steal, while Natisha Hiedeman secured another steal, leading to a shot-clock violation against the Liberty.

This exemplifies what Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon meant when she stated after the semifinals that her Aces were a strong team with exceptional talent, whereas the Lynx were a remarkable team with solid talent. The competition is so intense now that any team can pose a threat if structured correctly.

Every team has the potential to disrupt expected stories.

“There are various paths to success,” said Cheryl Reeve, who serves as both coach and president of basketball operations for the Lynx, after the semifinals. “We might not be a super team, but we are an excellent basketball team.”

Now the Lynx, a team many predicted would land in the middle of the standings, heads home with an opportunity to reclaim their first championship since 2017.

It genuinely doesn’t get any better than this.