The New York Liberty have reached the WNBA Finals five times but have yet to win a championship. Now, they are one victory away from securing their first-ever title.

However, the Liberty remain focused and aren’t celebrating prematurely.

“The job’s not done,” said Breanna Stewart, who had a stellar game with 30 points and 11 rebounds during the thrilling Game 3 victory against the Minnesota Lynx. “We’re aware that we’re just one game from winning the championship, and we expect them to give it their all. We will too.”

The Lynx have a similar mindset. “It’s do or die for us now,” noted Napheesa Collier, who has made history by becoming the postseason’s top scorer with 249 points, surpassing Dianna Taurasi’s mark of 245 from 2009. “We need to approach this with aggression.”

Stay tuned with YSL News Sports for live updates and highlights from Game 4:

Analysis: Jonquel Jones is Crucial for Liberty’s Triumph

I have always believed that Jonquel Jones is essential for the Liberty to clinch the championship. While Stewart will perform as expected and Sabrina will create both for herself and teammates, Jones is a unique challenge for opponents with her size and versatility. Her ability to shoot from the three-point line adds another layer of difficulty. In just eight minutes, she has already scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds. If she excels tonight, the Liberty may be celebrating their championship. — Lindsay Schnell

Breanna Stewart Struggles Early

After her outstanding performance in Game 3, Breanna Stewart encountered difficulties at the start of Game 4, going 0-for-7 from the field and missing all three of her three-point attempts.

Mascot Twitter Feud

Mascots Ellie the Elephant (Liberty) and Prowl (Lynx) engaged in some playful banter on Twitter ahead of Game 4.

Updates on Alanna Smith

Reporter Lindsay Schnell provides insights about Lynx forward Alanna Smith:

Courtney Williams Scores First for Lynx

Courtney Williams kicks off the game’s scoring with a pull-up jumper, giving Minnesota a quick 2-0 lead. She also assisted Napheesa Collier, who made a layup to extend their lead to 4-0.

Game 4 Timing

Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, featuring the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time) at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Watching Game 4

You can catch Game 4 live on ESPN, featuring Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst), and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter).

Live Streaming Game 4

The game will also be available for live streaming on ESPN+ or the ESPN app, as well as on Fubo, which is providing a free trial option.

Liberty vs. Lynx Betting Odds

The New York Liberty are favored to win against the Minnesota Lynx in today’s WNBA Finals, according to BetMGM. Interested in betting? Check out the best apps for betting promotions and bonuses in 2024.

• Spread: Liberty (-2.5)
• Moneyline: Liberty (-150); Lynx (+125)
• Over/Under: 158.5

*Odds current as of Thursday evening

Teams in the WNBA Finals

The New York Liberty, coming off a 32-8 season, are set to face the four-time champions, the Minnesota Lynx. Winning this season would mark the Liberty’s first championship.

2024 WNBA Finals Schedule and Results

Best-of-5 Series; All times Eastern

• Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 10, Minnesota Lynx 95, New York Liberty 93
• Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 13, New York Liberty 80, Minnesota Lynx 66
• Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16, New York Liberty 80, Minnesota Lynx 77
• Game 4: Friday, Oct. 18, New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Game 5: Sunday, Oct. 20: Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty, 8 p.m. (if necessary) (ESPN)

2024 WNBA Playoffs: Semifinal Results

All times Eastern

Sunday, Sept. 29

• Game 1: New York 87, Las Vegas 77, Liberty lead series 1-0
• Game 1: Connecticut 73, Minnesota 70, Sun lead series 1-0

Tuesday, Oct. 1

• Game 2: New York 88, Las Vegas 84, Liberty leads series 2-0
• Game 2: Minnesota 77, Connecticut 70, Series tied 1-1

Friday, Oct. 4

• Game 3: Minnesota 90, Connecticut 81, Lynx lead series 2-1
• Game 3: New York 81, Las Vegas 95, Liberty leads series 2-1

Sunday, Oct. 6

• Game 4: New York 76, Las Vegas 62, Liberty win series 3-1
• Game 4: Connecticut 92, Minnesota 82, Series tied 2-2

Tuesday, Oct. 8

• Game 5: Minnesota 88, Connecticut 77 Lynx win series

Where to Stream the 2024 WNBA Finals

The 2024 WNBA Finals will be available to watch on ABC or ESPN, depending on the specific game. You can also stream the series via Fubo, Sling, and the WNBA League Pass.

New York Liberty Roster

• Breanna Stewart
• Sabrina Ionescu
• Jonquel Jones
• Betnijah Laney
• Leonie Fiebich

Minnesota Lynx Roster

• Napheesa Collier
• Kayla McBride
• Alanna Smith
• Bridget Carleton
• Courtney Williams

Structure of the WNBA Finals

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has revealed that the championship series will shift from a best-of-five format to a best-of-seven format starting in 2025.

Viewing Figures for the WNBA Finals

According to ESPN PR, the New York Liberty’s 80-77 win over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 achieved a record 1.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA Finals game on cable. The peak viewership reached 2 million, reflecting a 112% increase compared to Game 3 of the 2023 finals aired on ABC.

2024 All-WNBA Team Selections

The league announced its All-WNBA teams on Wednesday.

First Team:

• Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
• A’Ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
• Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
• Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
• Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun

Second Team:

• Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
• Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury
• Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm
• Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
• Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty

Sabrina Ionescu’s Winning Shot in Game 3

MINNEAPOLIS — Following Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning shot Wednesday night in Minneapolis, social media erupted with excitement as fans and fellow athletes weighed in on the impressive long-range shot.

A particularly funny response came from Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, who questioned, “Is that what Sandy (Brondello) drew up?!” in apparent disbelief.

The answer was no.

“When it happened — just to clarify, the play was not executed correctly, that was NOT the intended play,” laughed New York forward Breanna Stewart. “After it went in, I wanted to celebrate with a chest bump for Sab, but then I thought, did they call a timeout? There’s one second left, we must remain focused! Hearing the arena go silent was something else.”

Reflecting on the shot afterward—”as many times as it appeared on my phone”—Stewart noted the vast array of reactions she witnessed. She also highlighted how remarkable it was that Ionescu made the shot given the chaotic circumstances surrounding it.

“They fouled (with 10 seconds left), requiring a side switch, which complicates things a bit,” she added with another laugh.

Stewart was not surprised by Ionescu making the shot, stating, “A step-back going left is a money shot for Sab.” — Lindsay Schnell

Alanna Smith’s Injury Update

MINNEAPOLIS — A crucial element for Game 4: Alanna Smith.

The Minnesota forward, recognized on the second team All-Defense, has excelled in guarding New York’s Jonquel Jones, despite Jones having a height and weight advantage. Jones is a leading player for the Liberty, part of the star trio alongside All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

However, during Game 3, Smith fell hard while defending against Jones and landed squarely on her back. She returned to her feet while visibly favoring her lower back and appeared to be moving cautiously during Thursday’s media time.

Smith assured reporters she planned to be ready for Game 4. She had no intention of seeking any injections—often used by athletes to manage injuries—and indicated that her focus would be on a warm-up session. Since Game 3, she has been alternating ice and heat treatment.

During a shootaround on Friday, she humorously noted that staying warm is vital, and she might need to persuade coach Cheryl Reeve to keep her in the game, even if she faces early foul trouble, which occurred in Game 3. Sitting on the bench for too long could lead to stiffness.

“I’m not sure she will (keep me in), but I could give it a try!” Smith joked. — Lindsay Schnell

New York Liberty’s Arrival for Game 4

Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and the New York Liberty have made their entry at the Target Center in Minneapolis ahead of Game 4.

Stewart’s 30-point effort on Thursday stands as the highest scoring performance for the Liberty in the WNBA Finals.

Minnesota Lynx Arrives in Style

Napheesa Collier and the Lynx have also shown up for tonight’s game, ready to defend home court and prolong the series.

ESPN Analysts Share Game 4 Predictions

ESPN’s Andraya Carter and Carolyn Peck offer their insights ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.