NEW YORK, NY — The Minnesota Lynx extended the WNBA Finals to a decisive Game 5 after a nail-biting 89-85 win over the New York Liberty on Friday night. The victory marked a turning point in the series as the Lynx, powered by stellar performances from Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier, overcame a late surge from the Liberty to keep their championship hopes alive.
Lynx’s Resilience Shines Through
The Lynx came into Game 4 needing a win to avoid elimination, and they delivered under pressure. Kayla McBride led Minnesota with 28 points, including several crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Napheesa Collier, a consistent force throughout the series, contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, helping to secure the team’s victory.
“We knew we had to come out with everything we had tonight,” said Collier after the game. “This team has so much heart, and we weren’t ready for the season to end.”
Liberty’s Star Power Falls Short
Despite a standout performance from Breanna Stewart, who finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds, the New York Liberty struggled to find rhythm in the final moments. Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points and 7 assists, but the Liberty couldn’t overcome a determined Lynx defense. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Jonquel Jones also contributed to New York’s offense, but turnovers and missed opportunities in the clutch moments proved costly.
“We had our chances but couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most,” said Ionescu. “We’ll regroup and be ready for Game 5.”
Key Matchups: McBride vs. Ionescu
The duel between Kayla McBride and Sabrina Ionescu has been one of the most exciting storylines of the WNBA Finals. Both players have led their respective teams throughout the series, but it was McBride’s sharpshooting and poise under pressure that made the difference in Game 4.
The Liberty, led by coach Sandy Brondello, will need to make adjustments heading into the winner-take-all Game 5. While the Liberty had home-court advantage, they’ll face immense pressure from a Lynx team that has proven its resilience.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
With the series tied at 2-2, the WNBA Finals now head to a decisive Game 5 for the first time since 2019. Both teams will be vying for the championship, with the New York Liberty aiming for their first-ever WNBA title and the Minnesota Lynx looking to add to their dynasty.
Fans can catch the highly anticipated Game 5 on ESPN and ABC, with the tip-off scheduled for Tuesday. Both teams will have a few days to rest and prepare for the final showdown.
For those wondering where to watch the Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty, the game will be broadcast live on ABC, and fans can also stream it through the WNBA app and ESPN+.
This Finals series has captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere, proving that the WNBA is in a new era, with dynamic players and thrilling matchups taking center stage.