In a heart-pounding Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, the Minnesota Lynx kept their championship hopes alive with a nail-biting 82-80 victory over the New York Liberty. The win forces a decisive Game 5 in New York, setting the stage for an epic showdown between these two powerhouse teams.
Carleton’s Clutch Free Throws Seal the Win
With the game tied at 80 and just 2 seconds remaining on the clock, Minnesota’s Bridget Carleton found herself at the free-throw line with the weight of the season on her shoulders. In a moment that will go down in WNBA history, Carleton calmly sank both free throws, giving the Lynx the lead and ultimately the victory.
“I just tried to stay focused and trust my routine,” Carleton said after the game. “I knew how important those shots were, but I didn’t want to overthink it. I’m just glad they went in and we get to play another day.”
– Bridget Carleton, Minnesota Lynx forward
Lynx Stars Rise to the Occasion
Kayla McBride led the way for Minnesota with 19 points, while Courtney Williams added 15 of her own. The Lynx’s stifling defense also played a crucial role, holding New York stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu to uncharacteristically poor shooting nights.
Stewart, the regular season MVP, struggled from the field, shooting just 5-of-20 for 11 points. Ionescu, the hero of Game 3 with her buzzer-beating three-pointer, also had a tough outing, going 5-of-16 for 10 points.
A Series for the Ages
This WNBA Finals series has been one for the record books, with neither team able to build a substantial lead. Game 4 was no different, featuring 27 ties and lead changes, the fourth-most in WNBA Finals history.
- Game 1: Liberty 77, Lynx 74
- Game 2: Lynx 84, Liberty 79
- Game 3: Liberty 85, Lynx 84
- Game 4: Lynx 82, Liberty 80
The back-and-forth nature of the series has captivated fans and showcased the incredible talent and competitiveness of both teams. With everything on the line in Game 5, expect another intense battle from start to finish.
History Awaits in Game 5
Game 5 will mark the first time the WNBA Finals have gone the distance since 2019 when the Washington Mystics defeated the Connecticut Sun. It will be just the eighth Game 5 in league history, with the home team holding a 5-2 advantage in the previous seven instances.
For the Liberty, a win would mean the first championship in franchise history and a storybook ending to a season defined by resilience and the emergence of Stewart and Ionescu as the league’s most dynamic duo. The Lynx, meanwhile, are seeking their fifth title and a return to the top of the WNBA mountain after several years of retooling.
“This is what basketball is all about,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. “Two great teams, laying it all on the line, with everything at stake. We’ve worked all season for this moment, and we’ll be ready. It’s going to be a battle, but that’s the way it should be.”
– Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx head coach
As the WNBA world turns its attention to New York for the decisive Game 5, one thing is certain: History will be made, legends will be forged, and fans will be treated to an unforgettable night of basketball. The only question that remains is which team will rise to the occasion and etch its name in the annals of greatness. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the basketball world is watching. It’s time for Game 5.
