The 2024 WNBA Finals have undoubtedly been one of the most electrifying and unpredictable championship series in recent memory. With a thrilling Game 4 that saw the Minnesota Lynx edge out the New York Liberty with an 82-80 victory, we are now headed to a winner-take-all Game 5. The Barclays Center will be rocking on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN), and there's no doubt that fans are in for a nail-biter to see who will be crowned champions.
Unlike the comeback-fueled drama of Games 1 and 3, Game 4 was a tense, back-and-forth battle that featured a staggering 14 lead changes and 13 ties. Neither team was able to build a lead larger than six points, showcasing just how evenly matched these two squads are. It was anyone's game right until the final buzzer, with New York having several chances to take control but failing to capitalize.
In the final minute of the game, the Liberty had not one, not two, but three shots to take the lead, only to come up empty-handed. After a missed shot by Courtney Williams, Minnesota's Bridget Carleton swooped in to grab an offensive rebound and was fouled with just 2.0 seconds left on the clock. Cool under pressure, Carleton drained both free throws, sealing the win and sending the series back to New York for what promises to be a thrilling finale.
A Tactical Masterclass in Slowing Down Breanna Stewart
One of the key storylines emerging from Game 4 is how the Lynx managed to contain Liberty superstar Breanna Stewart. Stewart has been a dominant force throughout the season and the playoffs, but the Lynx found a way to slow her down when it mattered most. After putting up 30 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3, Stewart was held to just 11 points on 5-for-21 shooting in Game 4. And let's not forget—she missed all four of her attempts from beyond the arc.
So, how did Minnesota manage this? It was a combination of savvy coaching and relentless defensive execution. The Lynx didn’t allow Stewart any easy looks inside the three-point line. They sent multiple defenders her way the moment she touched the ball, effectively cutting off both her shooting and driving lanes. Napheesa Collier, the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year, played a huge role in making life difficult for Stewart, constantly hounding her on every possession. Credit also goes to Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, whose game plan worked to perfection.
But let's not overlook the fact that Stewart, despite the tough defense, still had some open looks—she just couldn’t knock them down. Bad shooting nights happen to even the best players, but for the Lynx, it was all about disrupting her rhythm. And they did just that, ensuring there will be a Game 5.
Did Officiating Play a Role?
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello was not happy with the officiating in Game 4, claiming, "We got no calls." However, it’s hard to point to officiating as the sole reason for the Liberty's loss. While Minnesota did have more free-throw attempts, the real story was New York's poor shooting, particularly from Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. The two stars combined for just 10-for-36 from the field and went 0-for-9 from three-point range. Those shooting struggles were more to blame than any foul disparity.
The Liberty also had a major turnover issue that plagued them throughout the game. They coughed up the ball 16 times, leading to 19 points for the Lynx. That’s a stat that should concern Brondello far more than the officiating as the Liberty prepare for Game 5.
Role Players Stepping Up in the Clutch
While Game 4 will be remembered for its thrilling finish, it's important to highlight the contributions of the role players who stepped up when it mattered most. Remarkably, the Lynx pulled off their biggest win of the season without any points from Collier or Williams in the fourth quarter. Instead, it was Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton who took over down the stretch.
McBride led the team with 19 points but was mostly quiet in the second half. That’s when Smith and Carleton came to the rescue, scoring seven of Minnesota's last nine points. Their contributions were huge, especially considering that Minnesota was without some of their primary scorers at key moments in the game. Even Dorkha Juhasz, who had played just two minutes in the previous three games, provided some crucial defensive minutes, showing how deep this Lynx team really is.
On the Liberty side, Leonie Fiebich was the standout role player. She contributed 19 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, almost willing New York to victory despite Stewart’s off-night. Cecilia Zandalasini also played a pivotal role for the Lynx. The only remaining player from Minnesota’s 2017 championship team, Zandalasini returned to the WNBA this season after a five-year hiatus and has been a solid contributor in the Finals.
What to Expect from Stewart in Game 5?
If history is any indication, Breanna Stewart is due for a major bounce-back performance in Game 5. Throughout her career, Stewart has shown an uncanny ability to rebound from subpar outings with explosive games. For instance, after scoring just eight points in a regular-season game this year, she followed it up with a 31-point, 10-rebound performance in the next. Similarly, after a 13-point showing against Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs, she exploded for 34 points in the very next game.
Stewart may not drop 30 in Game 5, but it’s almost a given that she will be much more effective than she was in Game 4. The Liberty will certainly need her to be at her best if they want to claim their first WNBA championship.
Who Has the Edge in Game 5?
As we head into Game 5, it's hard to say which team has the upper hand. Both the Lynx and the Liberty have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the series, and each has reasons for optimism heading into the final game.
For Minnesota, the confidence boost from slowing down Stewart and the clutch performances from their role players will be key. They know they can win without Collier having a monster game, and their defense has proven capable of stifling New York’s top offensive weapons.
On the other hand, New York has the luxury of returning to their home court. And despite Stewart’s struggles in Game 4, the Liberty came within a few missed shots of securing the championship. They know Stewart is likely to bounce back, and they’ll be looking to clean up their turnovers and get more from their supporting cast.
Final Thoughts: Buckle Up for a Thrilling Finale
The 2024 WNBA Finals have delivered drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments, and it’s only fitting that the series will be decided in a Game 5. Momentum seems to be slightly in Minnesota’s favor after their Game 4 win, but New York will have the advantage of playing at home. In a series this close, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
So, what should fans expect on Sunday? Probably more of the same—close finishes, big-time plays, and no shortage of drama. It's going to be a game for the ages, and no matter who lifts the trophy, this Finals series will be remembered for years to come.
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