The Minnesota Lynx secured a dramatic 82-80 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. Held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, the win prevented the Liberty from clinching the championship on the road. Now, the series is tied 2-2, forcing a decisive winner-takes-all Game 5 in Brooklyn on Sunday. The game came down to a missed last-second shot from Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, allowing the Lynx to keep their title hopes alive.
A Heart-Stopping Final Moment
With just seconds left on the clock and the Lynx holding a slim two-point lead, the entire season came down to one possession. The New York Liberty had the ball, and it found its way into the hands of Sabrina Ionescu, the hero of Game 3.
The crowd in Minneapolis held its breath as Ionescu launched a potential game-winning shot. Minnesota’s Kayla McBride later admitted her only thought was, “Please don’t go in.”
This time, the shot missed, bouncing off the rim as the buzzer sounded. The Lynx survived the scare, securing the narrow victory and sending the WNBA Finals to a final, thrilling conclusion.
Minnesota’s Balanced Attack Delivers
The Lynx’s victory was a true team effort, with several players stepping up in crucial moments. Point guard Courtney Williams set the tone with her energy, scoring 15 points and dishing out seven assists. Her lively post-game dance captured the team’s excitement and relief.
Kayla McBride led the team in scoring with 19 points, providing a steady hand throughout the contest. However, the most critical play came from Bridget Carleton. With the game tied at 80-80, Carleton calmly stepped to the line and sank two free throws with under five seconds remaining, providing the winning margin for Minnesota.
This win also highlighted the team’s incredible resilience in high-stakes situations. Coming into the game, the Lynx had a strong history in elimination games, and they improved their Finals elimination record to 5-2.
| Lynx Player | Points | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Kayla McBride | 19 | Led the team in scoring |
| Courtney Williams | 15 | Scored 15 points with 7 assists |
| Bridget Carleton | N/A (in context) | Scored the game-winning free throws |
Liberty’s Stars Struggle as Jones Shines
While the Liberty fell short, their center Jonquel Jones delivered an outstanding performance. The former league MVP was a dominant force, leading all scorers with 21 points and controlling the paint on both ends of the floor.
Unfortunately for New York, Jones’s effort wasn’t enough to overcome quiet nights from her star teammates. The 2023 WNBA MVP, Breanna Stewart, and sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu both struggled to find their offensive rhythm in Game 4. Their inability to produce at their usual level was a major factor in the loss.
The Liberty will now head home to the Barclays Center for Game 5, hoping their stars can bounce back in the most important game of the season.
The Stage is Set for a Historic Game 5
With the series now tied, the WNBA Finals will be decided in a single game on Sunday in Brooklyn. The stakes could not be higher for both franchises.
The Minnesota Lynx are playing for a record-breaking fifth WNBA championship, which would further cement their status as one of the league’s most successful teams. On the other side, the New York Liberty are chasing their first-ever WNBA title, a historic moment they hope to achieve in front of their home crowd.
- What’s at stake for Minnesota: A record fifth WNBA championship.
- What’s at stake for New York: The franchise’s first-ever WNBA title.
The winner-takes-all game at the Barclays Center promises to be an epic clash of talent and determination, capping off a memorable season for the WNBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Game 4 of the WNBA Finals?
The Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty with a final score of 82-80 in a thrilling Game 4, tying the series 2-2.
Where will Game 5 of the WNBA Finals be played?
The decisive Game 5 will be played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the home court of the New York Liberty.
Who were the key players for the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4?
Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 19 points, Courtney Williams added 15 points and 7 assists, and Bridget Carleton scored the game-winning free throws in the final seconds.
Which player for the Liberty had a strong performance in the loss?
Jonquel Jones was the standout player for the New York Liberty, leading all scorers with 21 points and dominating inside.
What is the historical significance of Game 5 for both teams?
The Minnesota Lynx are competing for a record fifth WNBA title, while the New York Liberty are seeking to win their first championship in franchise history.
