The Minnesota Lynx have forced a winner-take-all Game 5 after narrowly defeating the New York Liberty, 82-80, in Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Finals on Saturday (Philippine time) in Minneapolis.
The thrilling contest saw 14 lead changes and 13 deadlocks, with the largest margin at just six points. Kayla McBride led Minnesota with 19 points, including 11 in the first quarter, which ended tied at 23-all.
By halftime, the Lynx were clinging to a 46-45 lead, highlighted by a McBride and-one. Minnesota maintained a slim 64-63 advantage heading into the final quarter, highlighted by this Courtney Williams insane hangtime.Kayla McBride was lights out in Game 4 droppin' 19 PTS, 4-5 from deep, and dishin' out 4 dimes 🔥
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2024
McBuckets delivered, leading the Lynx to tie the series at 2-2, forcing a Game 5!#WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/A0tjhKU5C5
With the game tied at 80 and less than five seconds left, Bridget Carleton was fouled by Sabrina Ionescu and calmly sank both free throws to give Minnesota the lead.Courtney Williams takes flight for the TUFF finish ??🔥#WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/GT6z07i7ZU
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2024
Ionescu, New York’s Game 3 hero, attempted another buzzer-beater but missed, ending the Liberty’s chance to clinch their first title.Bridget Carleton gets fouled on the put back and sinks both free throws to secure the Game 4 WIN for Minnesota 🚨#WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/kXgWlpEu2Z
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2024
Sabrina Ionescu’s heave to win the title is off the mark.
— Underdog WNBA (@Underdog__WNBA) October 19, 2024
The first winner-take-all Game 5 in the WNBA Finals since 2019 is set for Sunday night.pic.twitter.com/a7XyjRu640
All five Lynx starters were in double figures. Kayla McBride made 19 points, two rebounds, and four assists. Courtney Williams had 15 points from 7-of-16 shooting, along with four rebounds, seven assists, and a steal.
Napheesa Collier added 14, while Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith made 12 each.
Jonquel Jones had game-high 21 points for Liberty along with eight rebounds. Breanna Steward had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Sabrina Ionescu, after Game 3 game-winner from the logo, struggled on the floor with 10 points from 5-for-21 shooting.
Liberty are looking for their first-ever WNBA title, while the Lynx aim to return to the top for the fifth time and their first since 2017.
Game 5 is set for Monday, October 21 (Philippine time) in Brooklyn.
