Lynx Stun Liberty in Thrilling Overtime Victory to Take Game 1 of WNBA Finals

In a breathtaking opener to the WNBA Finals, the Minnesota Lynx pulled off a staggering comeback against the New York Liberty, winning Game 1 by a score of 95-93 in overtime on October 10, 2024. The game, held at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, showcased the Lynx's resilience as they overcame an 18-point deficit early on and a 15-point deficit with just five minutes remaining in regulation.

Napheesa Collier emerged as the hero of the night, hitting a tiebreaking jumper with only 8.8 seconds left in overtime. Alongside her was Courtney Williams, both of whom played instrumental roles in rallying their team from the brink of defeat. This dramatic victory marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time in WNBA Finals history that a team has won despite trailing by 15 points within the last five minutes of the game.

“This victory defines what our team is all about: mental toughness and resilience,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. “We’ve been talking about believing in each other and getting through tough moments, and tonight we showed we can do that.”

Despite a rough start where they surrendered a staggering 32 points in the first quarter, the Lynx tightened their defense, allowing only 61 points over the remaining 35 minutes of play. New York’s early shooting was proficient, hitting 50% of their first 24 attempts, but they struggled significantly afterward, finishing with just a 37.3% shooting percentage.

Standout performances came from Collier and Williams, who combined to score 21 points during a crucial 23-10 run that propelled the Lynx into overtime. Kayla McBride also played a significant role, adding 22 points to support the Lynx's offensive efforts.

In the final moments of the game, the Lynx finished regulation on a powerful 12-1 run, underscoring their ability to perform under pressure. "We’ve been in these situations before," said Collier. "Getting stops and scoring is what we needed to do."

Despite their earlier dominance, the Liberty found themselves on the losing side, despite enjoying advantages in key statistical categories. They outshot the Lynx in field goals, grabbing 19 more shots and out-rebounded Minnesota 44-32. The Liberty's strong lineup saw four starters reach double figures in scoring, with Jonquel Jones leading with 24 points.

"That’s what it came down to," stated Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. "We executed well early, but then the Lynx out-hustled us and made the plays when it mattered most."

The game captured the attention of many, including former Lynx star Lindsay Whalen, who was present cheering for her old team and even texting bench members during the intense match.

As the Lynx look to carry their momentum into Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, they aim to secure another win and inch closer to another championship title. Fans can expect electrifying performances as both teams gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested series. Stay tuned!