As the athletes have expressed all through this remarkable series, this is the WNBA Finals that fans have been waiting for.

Everything is set for an exhilarating Game 5, a decisive face-off at Barclays Center.

The New York Liberty are aiming to secure their first WNBA championship. This marks their sixth appearance in the Finals over nearly thirty years, and it’s their ambition to finally clinch the title after assembling a powerhouse team. Will this be their moment?

On the other hand, the Minnesota Lynx, who have celebrated four championships under the leadership of coach Cheryl Reeve, are looking to make history with this group. Reeve has constructed her team around the outstanding forward Napheesa Collier, complemented by a mix of role players and underrated talents, all while demonstrating impressive coaching skills. Can Minnesota also make history by winning a fifth championship?

What we can be sure of is that this series is poised for an intense finish. Of the four games played so far, three were determined by a mere point, with the first game going into overtime.

As Collier noted during Sunday’s shootaround, “this is such good basketball.”

“If you’re cheering for a team, it’s quite stressful,” Collier added. “And if you’re on a team, it’s even more nerve-wracking. But looking at it from an outsider’s perspective, this series is incredibly exciting.”

The sentiment resonates.

Stay tuned with YSL News Sports for continuous updates and highlights during Game 5:

Timing for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals

Game 5 of the WNBA championship battle between the Liberty and the Lynx is slated for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Where to watch Game 5 of the WNBA Finals

The game will be aired on ESPN, featuring Ryan Ruocco as the play-by-play announcer, Rebecca Lobo as the analyst, and Holly Rowe reporting from the sidelines.

Is there a live stream for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals?

You can stream the game live on ESPN+, the ESPN app, or through Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial.

Watch the WNBA Finals with a subscription to Fubo

Betting odds for Liberty vs. Lynx

The New York Liberty are currently favored to win against the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals matchup according to the latest BetMGM odds. If you’re considering placing a bet, check out the top betting apps for the best promos and bonuses available in 2024.

• Spread: Liberty (-5.5)
• Moneyline: Liberty (-275); Lynx (+225)
• Over/under: 157.5

Matchup in the WNBA Finals

The New York Liberty, boasting a 32-8 record this season, face the four-time champion Minnesota Lynx. A victory this season would grant the Liberty their first championship title.

2024 WNBA Finals schedule, results, and bracket

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, Minnesota Lynx 82, New York Liberty 80
• Game 5: Sunday, Oct. 20: Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

2024 WNBA playoff scores and 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 leads 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 wins 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

Streaming options for the 2024 WNBA Finals

The 2024 WNBA Finals will be aired on ABC or ESPN, depending on the game. You can also stream these games via Fubo, Sling, and the WNBA League Pass.

A heartwarming narrative: Sabrina Ionescu and Mila

NEW YORK — Here’s an unexpected but delightful storyline: Napheesa Collier’s 2-year-old has an adorable favorite player in the WNBA — it could very well be Sabrina Ionescu of New York.

Shortly

After the Lynx secured a victory in Game 4 in Minneapolis, forcing a decisive Game 5 in Brooklyn, a heartwarming video surfaced on social media featuring a jubilant Mila embracing Ionescu and her spouse, Hroniss Grasu.

It turns out that Ionescu and Mila quickly formed a close bond in Paris during the Olympics, spending time together at the USA Basketball hotel.

“We were inseparable,” Ionescu shared with YSL News Sports, her grin wide. “We had breakfast together every morning. (Following Game 4) as I was heading to the bus — it was the first time I had seen her since Paris — I heard this little voice calling my name, and I just lit up. It was a joyful reunion for us both; I had been looking forward to it.”

Ionescu was a favorite among the kids associated with USA Basketball during the Olympics, even earning the title of “player you would hire to be your nanny” from Team USA. Mila was her biggest admirer, often asking others, “Where’s my Sab?” whenever she could not locate Ionescu.

Collier mentioned that Mila often shouts “Sabrina!” whenever she spots Ionescu on screen. However, Collier is certain about Mila’s preferences — she is often seen around Minneapolis’ Target Center sporting a mini No. 24 jersey, clearly showing support in this Finals series.

“She’s friendly to everyone, but she’s rooting for us,” Collier chuckled. “It’s Mama over everyone.”

-Lindsay Schnell

Possible New York Liberty Lineup

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