Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, a four-time WNBA championship winner, witnessed a remarkable rally by her team in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty. The Lynx made history by overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final 5 minutes to secure a thrilling 95-93 victory.
The game, which went into overtime, saw Napheesa Collier's clutch turnaround jumper with 8.8 seconds left sealing the win for Minnesota. Collier finished with an impressive stat line of 21 points, eight rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.
Courtney Williams led the Lynx with 23 points, including a crucial four-point play in regulation. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings.
Minnesota's resilience was on full display as they mounted a comeback from an 18-point deficit in the first half. The Liberty, despite a strong start, faltered in the closing minutes of regulation, allowing the Lynx to force overtime.
With Game 2 of the series set for Sunday in New York, the WNBA Commissioner announced a significant change for next year, expanding the Finals to a best-of-seven format.
New York, aiming for their first championship, faces a determined Lynx team seeking a record fifth title. The matchup between the top two regular-season teams promises an intense series with both sides hungry for victory.
Notable performances from Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart highlighted the Liberty's efforts, but it was Minnesota's tenacity that ultimately secured the win.
The game drew a star-studded crowd, including celebrities like Spike Lee and Jason Sudeikis, adding to the electric atmosphere of the Finals. As the series unfolds, both teams are poised to deliver more thrilling moments and write their names in WNBA history.
Sources: AP WNBA
