In a dramatic Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, the Minnesota Lynx edged out the New York Liberty 82-80, setting up a decisive winner-takes-all Game 5 on Sunday. The intense matchup, held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, saw the Lynx survive a last-second shot from Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, keeping their championship hopes alive.
A Narrow Escape for the Lynx
With two seconds left in regulation, the Lynx were clinging to a two-point lead, and the Liberty had the ball. Sabrina Ionescu, who had struggled throughout the game, found herself with a chance to repeat her Game 3 heroics, where she sank a game-winning three-pointer.
As Ionescu launched the potential game-winner, the packed crowd at the Target Center held their breath. Minnesota guard Kayla McBride, reflecting on the moment after the game, admitted her thoughts were simple: “Please don’t go in.”
This time, luck was on Minnesota’s side. Ionescu’s shot overshot the basket, securing the Lynx’s victory and forcing a Game 5 in Brooklyn on Sunday.
Stellar Performances and Team Resilience
Minnesota’s victory was the result of a total team effort, highlighted by standout performances from Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride. Williams, the team’s fiery point guard, scored 15 points and contributed seven assists. Her energy was infectious, and she led the post-game celebrations with a lively dance that had the Target Center buzzing.
McBride, who led the Lynx in scoring with 19 points, was instrumental in keeping the team afloat in crucial moments. However, it was Bridget Carleton who made the game-deciding play. With the score tied at 80, Carleton calmly sank two free throws with less than five seconds remaining, giving Minnesota the edge they needed to close out the game.
Coming into Game 4 down 2-1 in the best-of-five series, the Lynx were no strangers to high-pressure situations. The team had a 4-2 record in Finals elimination games and added to that legacy with Friday night’s win, improving to 5-2 in such scenarios. Their resilience and refusal to fold under pressure once again shone through.
Jonquel Jones Shines for Liberty
While New York struggled to get their biggest stars going, Jonquel Jones, the Liberty’s standout center, was a force on both ends of the floor. Jones, a former league MVP, led all scorers with 21 points and was a dominant presence inside. Unfortunately for the Liberty, even Jones’ stellar performance wasn’t enough to secure a victory, as her teammates Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled to find their rhythm.
Stewart, the 2023 WNBA MVP, and Ionescu, who has been pivotal to New York’s success this season, both faced challenges in Game 4. Their inability to make a significant impact ultimately hurt the Liberty, who now find themselves in a do-or-die Game 5 situation at home.
The Mental Toughness of the Lynx
Following the game, Kayla McBride spoke to the mental toughness that has defined this Lynx team throughout the season and particularly during this playoff run.
“I feel like we’re very strong-minded—mentally, physically, we have a lot of belief within our group,” McBride said. “When things get hard, we come together even more. Everybody’s tired. We’re playing every other day now, so we’re leaning on each other and we gain energy from each other.”
McBride’s words reflect the core identity of this Lynx squad, which has refused to back down in the face of adversity. They have relied on their collective belief and problem-solving ability to navigate tough situations, a trait that will be crucial as they head into the final game of the season.
A Historic Showdown Awaits
The stage is set for what promises to be an epic Game 5 in Brooklyn. Minnesota, already one of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, is seeking a record-breaking fifth championship. The Liberty, on the other hand, are chasing their first-ever WNBA title, hoping to make history on their home court.
For Minnesota, another championship would further solidify their legacy in the league. For New York, winning would mark a significant moment for the franchise and its fanbase, who have long awaited this opportunity. The game will be played at the Barclays Center, where a raucous crowd is expected to cheer the Liberty on in what could be the culmination of a remarkable season.
With both teams fully aware of the stakes, the winner-takes-all finale will be a clash of wills, talent, and determination. Regardless of the outcome, Sunday’s game will leave a lasting mark on the WNBA’s storied history.
