How the Lynx won Game 4, forced WNBA Finals to winner-take-all

After all it may 5.

The 2024 WNBA Finals have been a curler coaster filled with shut finishes and big-time performs. So it is solely becoming that some of the thrilling championship collection in current reminiscence will go the space. The Minnesota Lynx’s 82-80 Game 4 victory Friday in opposition to the New York Liberty ensured a winner-take-all showdown Sunday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Barclays Heart.

Not like the historic comebacks that outlined Video games 1 and three, Recreation 4 was a back-and-forth affair, with 14 lead adjustments and 13 ties. No group led by greater than six factors.

New York had a possibility to take the lead within the last minute however missed three photographs in a single possession, which ended on a shot clock violation. It appeared like a second extra time recreation of this Finals was imminent, however Bridget Carleton drew a foul with 2.0 seconds left after getting an offensive rebound on a Courtney Williams missed shot. The Lynx ahead hit each free throws to place Minnesota forward for good and ship the collection again to New York.

ESPN breaks down how the Lynx evened the collection and what to anticipate in what must be an iconic finish to the Finals on Sunday.

WNBA Finals Recreation 4s in a New York uniform have not been form to Stewart. After she shot 3-for-17 from the sector a yr in the past when the Las Vegas Aces clinched the title, Stewart’s evening Friday was practically as powerful. She scored 11 factors on 5-for-21 capturing (and missed all 4 3-point makes an attempt) — one recreation after Stewart was the dominant drive Wednesday with 30 factors and 11 rebounds.

Minnesota’s protection is the largest purpose there will probably be a Recreation 5. The Lynx despatched extra defenders at Stewart earlier in possessions Friday. At any time when she caught the ball contained in the 3-point line, Stewart needed to cope with two defenders, one to forestall a quick-release jumper, the opposite to chop off a driving lane. It was a case of a veteran coach implementing a recreation plan that solely a savvy and team-oriented protection may execute possession after possession.

Stewart did get some open appears that she missed, however the Lynx — led by Napheesa Collier, the WNBA’s defensive participant of the yr — deserve many of the credit score. — Creme

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Liberty coach Sandy Brondello lashes out at officers: ‘Simply be truthful!’

New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello would not maintain again within the postgame information convention, blasting the officiating in her group’s slim defeat.

Sandy Brondello was important of Friday’s officiating, saying, “We obtained no calls.” Did the officiating have an effect on the result of Recreation 4?

No group gained or misplaced due to the foul disparity Friday. Stewart was the one participant in foul hassle, and he or she nonetheless managed to play 33 minutes. Sure, Minnesota had extra alternatives on the free throw line, however Stewart’s and Sabrina Ionescu’s capturing struggles (a mixed 10-for-36 from the sector, 0-for-9 from 3) had extra to do with the Liberty’s lack of ability to shut it out. New York had three photographs on its final full offensive possession and wasn’t in a position to convert any of them.

Brondello may need wished to reply after Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve referred to as out the officiating the evening earlier than throughout interviews, however she will probably be extra centered on cleansing up issues offensively and serving to her group overcome a few of their turnover issues — these continued into Friday’s recreation (16 turnovers for 19 factors). — Philippou

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Kayla McBride on Recreation 4 win: Everybody gave all that they had

Kayla McBride displays on the Lynx’s thrilling Recreation 4 win over the Liberty within the WNBA Finals.

What influence did function gamers have on Recreation 4?

Remarkably, Minnesota pulled off its largest win of the season with zero factors within the fourth quarter from both Collier or Williams. Kayla McBride had a great evening with a team-leading 19 factors, however she was quiet within the second half with solely 5. Alanna Smith and Carleton scored seven of Minnesota’s final 9 factors and delivered within the clutch. They every completed with 12 factors and mixed for 11 rebounds. The Lynx even obtained an essential 10 minutes defensively from Dorkha Juhasz, who had performed solely two minutes within the earlier three video games.

That New York nearly left Minnesota with a championship regardless of Stewart’s powerful evening is a testomony to the contributions of Leonie Fiebich, who had 19 factors, seven of which got here within the fourth quarter. — Creme

Cecilia Zandalasini delivered one other clutch efficiency. The Minnesota ahead completed with plus-6 plus/minus (with six factors and 4 rebounds in 16 minutes). She is the one participant from the 2017 Lynx championship group nonetheless on the roster, returning to the league after a five-year hiatus.

“Ceci is hard. Goes by way of a stretch of video games the place perhaps she’s not contributing like she desires to contribute, after which hastily we had a Ceci sighting at shootaround the opposite day, and these final two video games, actually serving to us.” Reeve stated Friday. “We have all the time tried to get her again right here. Timing was good for this one, and he or she’s been a fantastic match for us.” — Philippou

Stewart has a historical past of bouncing again. What do you anticipate from her Sunday?

It will be no shock to see Stewart wanting utterly completely different Sunday. Within the common season, her lowest level complete in a recreation was eight factors. Two days later, she had 31 factors and 10 rebounds. An 11-point recreation late within the season was adopted by 38 the following. Stewart’s low for the playoffs was 13 in Recreation 2 in opposition to Atlanta within the first spherical — she then opened the semifinals in opposition to Las Vegas with 34 factors.

At this level, a bounce-back recreation is sort of a calling card. Stewart won’t hit 30 factors in Recreation 5, however she will probably be significantly better. — Creme

Who has the benefit in Recreation 5?

In a collection like this, “who is aware of” may be the most secure reply. Each groups have loads of positives to remove from Friday. Minnesota gained regardless of not getting a fantastic recreation from Collier. The Lynx additionally could have gained confidence on learn how to include Stewart. Smith regarded wholesome after a again harm in Recreation 3. That ought to make Reeve extra sure of her rotations and bench minutes.

The Liberty can take solace within the reality they practically stole one with Stewart having one of many worst video games of her profession. Additionally they know she is a counter puncher who typically finds a approach to bounce again. Jones performed extra confidently as effectively.

Momentum? Edge to Minnesota. House courtroom? Edge to New York. Flip a coin and hope that Recreation 5 is simply as entertaining because the earlier 4. — Creme

It must be New York being again on its house courtroom, however with the best way the primary 4 video games of the collection have gone, I do not suppose something would shock me at this level. — Philippou