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In a year that has seen the WNBA reach new heights in terms of visibility, viewership, and influence, the opening game of the Finals between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx was nothing short of epic. The matchup not only encapsulated the storylines of the season but delivered the kind of drama and excitement that will echo in WNBA lore for years to come. The Lynx, through grit, determination, and a historic comeback, pulled off a stunning 95-93 victory in Brooklyn, stealing Game 1 of the series and homecourt advantage from the heavily favored Liberty.
From a jaw-dropping four-point play to a defensive masterclass from Napheesa Collier, the game was everything fans could have hoped for and more. The final moments of regulation and overtime were filled with tension, emotion, and, in some cases, confusion. With celebrities like Spike Lee watching courtside, the stakes couldn’t have felt higher. And if this game sets the tone for the rest of the series, we could be in for a WNBA Finals for the ages.
Collier’s DPOY Was No Participation Award
For the Minnesota Lynx, the road to this moment has been anything but easy, but their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most has long been a hallmark of their franchise. This was on full display in Game 1, with star forward Napheesa Collier leading the way on both ends of the floor.
Collier’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award has been a topic of much debate this season, especially in comparison to Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, whose season-long dominance garnered significant praise. However, to suggest that Collier’s DPOY was a consolation prize would be a disservice to what has been an outstanding defensive campaign. Collier has been relentless in her approach, anchoring Minnesota’s defense with poise, intelligence, and effort.
In Game 1, she once again proved why she is deserving of the accolade, delivering a stunning all-around defensive performance. Collier ended the game with three steals and six blocks, none bigger than a crucial rejection on New York’s Jonquel Jones in the final minute of regulation. With Jones, who towers five inches above Collier, looking to score in the post, Collier’s perfectly timed block not only prevented the Liberty from extending their lead but led to a shot clock violation, setting up the Lynx for a game-tying possession.
Her versatility on defense was evident throughout the game as she seamlessly switched between guarding Jones and Breanna Stewart, two of the most physically dominant players in the league. Despite this heavy workload, Collier still found the energy to contribute offensively, finishing with 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including the game-winning basket in overtime. With the Lynx trailing by one, Collier hit a tough, contested turnaround jumper over Jones, a move that left the crowd stunned and the Liberty reeling.
Collier’s impact is undeniable, and with her leading the way, the Lynx are proving that they are more than capable of competing with the Liberty’s star-studded lineup.
Inefficiency Haunts the Liberty
The New York Liberty entered the Finals as the team to beat. Armed with a roster loaded with superstar talent, including Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty had visions of lifting their first WNBA championship trophy. And for the first half of Game 1, it looked like they were on their way. The Liberty built a 15-point lead, utilizing their size advantage inside to dominate the boards and control the game’s pace.
However, the script quickly flipped, and what was a well-oiled offensive machine became a grind. Despite dominating the boards — particularly on the offensive glass, where they grabbed 20 rebounds to Minnesota’s five — New York couldn’t convert their second-chance opportunities. Their inefficiency was staggering, and it ultimately cost them the game.
Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty’s two biggest stars, struggled mightily. The duo combined for a brutal shooting performance, going 14-for-47 from the field (29.8 percent). Stewart, the former MVP, has been in a shooting slump during the postseason, shooting just 27.3 percent from three in the playoffs, and those struggles continued in Game 1. Ionescu, on the other hand, has been a revelation in the playoffs, hitting an astounding 46.5 percent from beyond the arc coming into the Finals. But on this night, her shot deserted her, as she connected on just 5-of-15 from deep.
The Liberty’s inability to capitalize on their offensive rebounds and second-chance points was glaring. Despite pulling down 20 offensive rebounds, New York only managed to score 11 second-chance points. Meanwhile, the Lynx made the most of their few opportunities, scoring 11 points off their five offensive rebounds.
In the second half, New York’s offensive inefficiency became even more pronounced. As the Liberty’s shots continued to clank off the rim, the Lynx capitalized, executing in transition and finding easy baskets to slowly chip away at the lead. Minnesota outscored New York 27-18 in the third quarter, and by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the momentum had shifted entirely.
Courtney Williams Is the X-Factor
For all the praise that Collier rightfully deserves, it was Courtney Williams who delivered the knockout blow — literally. In a game full of unforgettable moments, Williams’ four-point play late in the fourth quarter might go down as one of the greatest shots in WNBA Finals history.
With the Lynx down by four and just under a minute remaining, Williams caught a pass on the perimeter after an offensive rebound and fired a three-pointer over Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Not only did the shot go in, but Ionescu fouled Williams on the follow-through, sending her to the line for a potential game-changing four-point play. When she hit the free throw, the Lynx had taken their first lead of the game.
Williams’ heroics didn’t stop there. She was Minnesota’s offensive engine throughout the game, finishing with a team-high 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Her 15 points in the fourth quarter and overtime were crucial in keeping the Lynx within striking distance as they mounted their comeback.
What might have gone unnoticed amid Williams’ offensive explosion was her defensive tenacity. Despite standing at just 5-foot-8, Williams gave Liberty point guard Courtney Vandersloot fits all night. She harassed Vandersloot at the point of attack, disrupting New York’s offense before it could get set. Though she didn’t record a steal, her pressure forced the Liberty into multiple turnovers and bad shots, allowing the Lynx to get out in transition.
Williams’ energy and effort on both ends of the floor were infectious, and it’s clear that she relishes the big moments. While Collier may be the Lynx’s heart, Williams is the pulse that keeps them going. If she continues to perform at this level, the Liberty will have their hands full trying to contain her for the rest of the series.
A Gritty Lynx Team Reminds Everyone Who They Are
The Minnesota Lynx have long been one of the premier franchises in the WNBA, with a storied history of success and championships. This year’s team, however, has flown somewhat under the radar, overshadowed by the star power of teams like the Liberty and the Aces. But after Game 1, it’s clear that the Lynx are still very much a force to be reckoned with.
Their performance in Game 1 was a testament to their resilience and experience. Twice in the second half, they trailed by as many as 15 points, but they never panicked. Instead, they methodically worked their way back into the game, relying on their defense, their transition game, and timely shot-making.
The Lynx became the first team in WNBA history to come back from a 15-point deficit with five minutes or less remaining in the game. That alone speaks to their grit and determination.
While the Liberty may have the bigger names, Minnesota has the pedigree and the poise that comes from having been in these moments before. With players like Collier and Williams stepping up in the clutch, and a supporting cast that knows its role, the Lynx have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat to win the title.
What Comes Next?
For the New York Liberty, Game 1 was a gut punch. They were in control for most of the night, only to see the game slip away in the final moments. Now, they face the difficult task of regrouping and defending homecourt in Game 2.
For the Lynx, the confidence boost from this victory cannot be overstated. They have proven that they can not only compete with but beat the Liberty, even in the most daunting of circumstances. Game 2 will undoubtedly be another intense, hard-fought battle, but the Lynx have already shown that they thrive in these moments.
Can the Liberty recover from this setback, or will the Lynx continue their magical run? One thing is for sure: if Thursday’s game was any indication, this Finals series is shaping up to be one for the ages. Can you dig it?
