The 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx has been a series for the ages. With the championship on the line in Sunday’s Game 5, the basketball world is wondering: could this be the greatest WNBA Finals matchup ever?
A Historic Series Goes the Distance
After a thrilling Game 4 victory by the Lynx, the series returns to New York tied at 2-2. Game 5 will decide it all at the Barclays Center, where a raucous crowd awaits. Home teams are 5-2 all-time in Finals Game 5s, but the Lynx already snagged a win in Brooklyn in Game 1.
For the Liberty, a win would bring the first title in franchise history. As one of the WNBA’s original teams, New York has endured heartbreak in their five prior Finals appearances. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are determined to finally hoist that elusive trophy.
The Lynx, meanwhile, are seeking a WNBA record fifth championship. Head coach Cheryl Reeve has guided Minnesota to four titles already, with a 2-1 record in Finals Game 5s. Napheesa Collier has been sensational all series, carrying the weight of Lynx history on her shoulders.
An Instant Classic
What makes the 2024 Finals a contender for the greatest ever? The level of competition has been unparalleled. Consider these series highlights:
- Three of the four games decided by three points or fewer
- Game 1: Lynx 18-point comeback win in OT
- Game 3: Ionescu’s 28-foot buzzer beater
- Game 4: 14 lead changes, Carleton’s late free throws
No matter the outcome, the basketball has been scintillating. Alanna Smith powering through a back injury. Playoff intensity ratcheted up to an all-time high. Superstars shining under pressure. According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, who has covered more WNBA playoffs than anyone: “There’s a case to be made for this series as the best ever.”
All four games have been close late. For sheer viewing pleasure, few series in basketball history have been better.
– Charlie Creme, ESPN
X-Factors for Game 5
What will ultimately decide the 2024 champions? Here are the key factors to watch for in Sunday’s Game 5:
For the Liberty, their fate likely hinges on the performances of their two superstars. Stewart and Ionescu combined for a dreadful 10-for-36 shooting in Game 4, an anomaly compared to their efficiency the rest of the series. “Sure, Jones and Fiebich were outstanding in Game 4, but we have seen that that isn’t enough,” noted ESPN’s Creme. “New York needs its stars, at least one of them, to be just that to win.”
The Lynx will counter with their stifling team defense, which has made life difficult for New York. If Collier can neutralize Stewart as she did in Games 1 and 4, the onus falls on Minnesota’s perimeter threats – Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, and Bridget Carleton – to knock down shots. Carleton, the Game 4 hero, seems to relish the big moment.
Officiating will also be under the microscope after coaches Sandy Brondello and Cheryl Reeve expressed frustration with the refs. How tightly Game 5 is called could influence which stars stay on the floor and who is forced to the bench with foul trouble.
Predictions: Liberty or Lynx?
Most ESPN experts are leaning towards a New York Liberty championship in Game 5. The combination of home court advantage and the brilliance of Stewart and Ionescu is hard to bet against.
The Liberty earned home-court advantage by being the best team in the league all season. This is what it is for, and the Barclays Center crowd that will almost assuredly be more than 18,000 will provide just enough of a boost for New York.
– Charlie Creme, ESPN
However, counting out a Cheryl Reeve coached team is always a risk, especially with a title on the line. The Lynx already proved they can win at Barclays and have the championship pedigree to draw upon.
It’s two great teams. Who knows?
– Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Head Coach
Ultimately, Game 5 may simply come down to which team has one more clutch shot in them. If it’s anything like the first four games, basketball fans are in for an absolute treat. Years from now, we may look back at the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx as the greatest championship series the league has ever seen. Don’t miss it.
