WNBA Finals Game 5: Lynx vs Liberty – Score & Highlights
The 2024 WNBA Finals reached its pinnacle with Game 5 between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty, as fans witnessed an intense, winner-takes-all showdown. After a thrilling series that saw momentum swing back and forth, the final game promised to be a battle of wills, talent, and determination. Both teams had everything on the line, vying for the championship and a place in WNBA history.
First Half: Liberty Set the Pace
The game tipped off with high energy, and it was clear from the start that both teams came prepared. The New York Liberty, led by MVP candidate Breanna Stewart and All-Star point guard Sabrina Ionescu, opened the game with a strong defensive showing, forcing the Lynx into tough, contested shots. Stewart dominated early in the paint, scoring a quick eight points and grabbing key rebounds to give New York the early advantage.
Ionescu, known for her sharpshooting and playmaking, ran the offense smoothly, dishing out assists and hitting a couple of timely three-pointers. By the end of the first quarter, the Liberty held a slim lead, 22-19, as their defense disrupted the Lynx’s offensive rhythm.
Minnesota, however, refused to let New York build too much momentum. Napheesa Collier, the Lynx’s star forward, found her stride in the second quarter, scoring back-to-back baskets and bringing her team within striking distance. Lynx’s point guard, Kayla McBride, also started to heat up, sinking a couple of critical threes. Despite these efforts, the Liberty’s tenacious defense and offensive execution allowed them to carry a 42-38 lead into halftime.
Second Half: Lynx Fight Back
Coming out of halftime, the Minnesota Lynx seemed rejuvenated. They quickly went on a scoring run, sparked by Collier’s all-around performance. The Lynx tightened up on defense, holding the Liberty to just 10 points in the third quarter. Jessica Shepard was instrumental in this stretch, crashing the boards and controlling the glass, limiting New York’s second-chance opportunities.
By the end of the third quarter, the Lynx had taken their first lead of the game, 60-52. The momentum had shifted, and the packed arena in Minneapolis was roaring in anticipation of a possible championship celebration.
Fourth Quarter: A Dramatic Finish
The fourth quarter was a showcase of heart and resilience from both teams. The Liberty, down by eight points, stormed back into the game behind a flurry of three-pointers from Ionescu and key baskets from Stewart. With under five minutes to play, New York had tied the game, setting up a dramatic finish.
Minnesota responded with clutch performances from their veteran players. Collier continued to carry the team on her shoulders, making tough shots in the paint and hitting a crucial jumper with just over a minute left to put the Lynx up by two. The Liberty had multiple chances to tie or take the lead, but missed free throws and turnovers proved costly.
In the final possession, with the Lynx holding onto a 74-72 lead, the Liberty had one last opportunity to win or send the game into overtime. Ionescu launched a contested three-pointer at the buzzer, but it clanked off the rim, sealing the victory for Minnesota.
Conclusion: Lynx Claim the Title
The Minnesota Lynx emerged victorious, clinching their fifth WNBA championship in franchise history with a 74-72 win. Napheesa Collier, who finished with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds, was named Finals MVP for her outstanding performance throughout the series.
For the New York Liberty, it was a heartbreaking end to an incredible season. Despite their loss, the team showed tremendous growth and will surely be a contender in future seasons. The 2024 WNBA Finals will be remembered as one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory, a fitting end to a stellar season of women’s basketball.
About The Author
