How the Lynx won Game 4, forcing the WNBA Finals to be winner-take-all

Of course he’ll make it to five.

The 2024 WNBA Finals have been a rollercoaster full of close finishes and big plays. So it’s only fitting that one of the most exciting championship series in recent memory will go a long way. The Minnesota Lynx’ 82-80 Game 4 victory Friday over the New York Liberty ensures a winner-take-all showdown on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Barclays Center.

Unlike the historic comeback that defined Games 1 and 3, Game 4 was a back-and-forth affair, with 14 lead changes and 13 ties. No team leads by more than six points.

New York had a chance to take the lead in the final minute but missed three shots on one possession that ended in a shot clock violation. It looked like the second overtime game of these Finals was imminent, but Bridget Carlton fouled out with 2.0 seconds left after getting an offensive rebound off Courtney Williams’ missed shot. The Lynx forward hit both free throws to put Minnesota ahead for good and send the series back to New York.

ESPN explains how the Lynx settled the series and what to expect in what should be a special finish to the Finals on Sunday.

The WNBA Finals Game 4s in a New York uniform were not kind to Stewart. After shooting 3-for-17 from the field a year ago when the Las Vegas Aces clinched the title, Stewart’s night on Friday was just as tough. She scored 11 points on 5-for-21 shooting (and missed all four 3-point attempts) — one game after Stewart was a dominant force on Wednesday with 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Minnesota’s defense is the biggest reason why Game 5 exists. The Lynx sent more defenders to Stewart earlier in possessions on Friday. Whenever she had the ball inside the three-point line, Stewart had to contend with two defenders, one to block a quick jumper, the other to cut off a driving route. It was a case of a veteran coach executing a game plan such that only a smart, team-oriented defense could execute possession after possession.

Stewart got some open looks that she missed, but the Lynx — led by Napheesa Collier, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year — deserve most of the credit. — generous

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Liberty coach Sandy Brondello attacks officials: “Just be fair!”

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello didn’t hold back in the post-game press conference, criticizing the officiating in her team’s narrow defeat.

Sandy Brondello criticized management on Friday, saying, “We haven’t gotten any calls.” Did the refereeing affect the outcome of the fourth match?

Neither team won or lost due to the huge disparity on Friday. Stewart was the only player in foul trouble, lasting 33 minutes. Yes, Minnesota had more chances at the free throw line, but Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu’s shooting struggles (combined 10-for-36 from the field, 0-for-9 from 3) had more to do with the Liberty’s inability to close the line. outside. New York had three shots on its last complete offensive possession and couldn’t convert any of them.

Brondello may have wanted to respond after Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve called out management the night before during interviews, but she’ll be more focused on cleaning things up offensively and helping her team overcome some of their turnover woes — ones that persisted into Friday’s game (16 turnovers for 19 points). — Philip

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Kayla McBride wins Game 4: Everyone gave it their all

Kayla McBride talks about the Lynx’ thrilling Game 4 win over Liberty in the WNBA Finals.

What impact will the players have on Game 4?

Remarkably, Minnesota achieved its biggest win of the season with zero points in the fourth quarter from either Collier or Williams. Kayla McBride had a good night, leading the team with 19 points, but she was quiet in the second half with only five points. Alana Smith and Carlton scored seven of Minnesota’s last nine points and delivered in the clutch. They each finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Lynx even got 10 significant defensive minutes from Dorkha Juhasz, who had played just two minutes in the previous three games.

That New York came so close to leaving Minnesota with the championship despite Stewart’s tough night is a testament to the contributions of Leonie Fibic, who had 19 points, seven of which came in the fourth quarter. — generous

Cecilia Zandalasini delivered another clutch performance. The Minnesota forward finished with a plus-6 plus/minus (with six points and four rebounds in 16 minutes). She is the only player from the Lynx’s 2017 championship team still on the roster, returning to the league after a five-year hiatus.

“Ceci is tough. She had a series of games where maybe she wasn’t contributing as much as she wanted to, and then all of a sudden we saw Ceci shooting the other day, and those last two games, she really helped us out.” Reeve said Friday. “We always tried to bring her back here. The timing was good for this occasion, and it was a perfect fit for us.” — Philip

Stewart has a history of rebounding. What do you expect from her on Sunday?

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Stewart look completely different on Sunday. In the regular season, her lowest point total in a game was eight. Two days later, she had 31 points and 10 rebounds. An 11-point game late in the season was followed by a 38-point game the next game. Stewart’s lowest in the playoffs was 13 in Game 2 against Atlanta in the first round — and then she opened the semifinals against Las Vegas with 34 points.

At this point, the bounce game is almost a calling card. Stewart may not reach 30 points in Game 5, but she will be much better. — generous

Who has the advantage in Game 5?

In a series like this, “who knows” might be the safest answer. Both teams have a lot of positives to take away from Friday. Minnesota won despite not getting a great game from Collier. The Lynx will also have gained confidence in how to contain Stewart. Smith looked healthy after a back injury in Game 3. This would make Reeve more confident in her rotations and bench minutes.

The Liberty can take solace in the fact that they nearly stole one as Stewart had one of the worst games of her career. They also know that she is a counter puncher and often finds a way to rebound. Jones played with more confidence, too.

batch? Edge to Minnesota. Home court? Edge to New York. Flip a coin and hope Game 5 is just as entertaining as the previous four. — generous

New York is supposed to return to its home stadium, but with the way the first four games of the series have gone, I don’t think anything will surprise me at this point. — Philip