WNBA Finals Game 1: Lynx pull off 18-point comeback, down Liberty in OT

BROOKLYN, New York — Shortly before the New York Liberty learned they’d be playing the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals, Sabrina Ionescu said of the Liberty’s accomplishments — reaching back-to-back Finals — “I don’t see a trophy in our locker room.”

Well, that remains true — and now it gets even harder to get some hardware in the locker room.

After blitzing Minnesota in the first quarter and building as much as an 18-point lead, the Liberty blew Game 1, losing 95-93 to the visiting Lynx in overtime. Minnesota leads the best-of-five series 1-0. Game 2 is Sunday, also at Barclays Center.

Napheesa Collier hit the game-winner, a tough, turnaround fadeaway with 8.1 seconds to go. Breanna Stewart missed a layup at the buzzer.

Courtney Williams led the Lynx with 23 points, Kayla McBride scored 22 and Collier had 21 (plus eight rebounds and six blocks).

Jonquel Jones led all scorers with 24 points, also grabbing 10 rebounds.

Collier, whose team had just one day off - used to travel to New York - since it eliminated the Connecticut Sun in a Game 5 at home, said they could not focus on how far behind they were or how tired they might be.

“We’ve been in that position before. Just stay strong,“ Collier said in an on-court interview after the game of being down 18.

As for how tired they might be?

“You can’t think about that. This is the Finals.“

MORE:WNBA Finals will go to best-of-seven series next year, commissioner says

Game 1 highlights: Lynx 95, Liberty 93, OT

Lynx steal Game 1 from Liberty in OT

The Lynx opened overtime with a burst of energy and put up a quick four points, while the Liberty started slow. New York opened the extra quarter 0-for-6 and surrendered three turnovers before Jonquel Jones got the Liberty on the board with 1:38 remaining. Jones got a steal and broke away for a layup to tie it up 93-93 with 28.1 remaining. The Liberty’s Breanna Stewart blocked a layup attempt from the Lynx’s Courtney Williams on the other end of the court. The Lynx secured an offensive rebound and Napheesa Collier knocked down a difficult fade-away jumper to retake the lead, 95-93 with 8.1 seconds remaining. Stewart had a good look at the basket in the final seconds of the game, but missed what would have been the game-winning layup. 

The Lynx completed an 18-point comeback, tied for the largest in WNBA history. With the loss, the Liberty move to 0-6 all time in Game 1s of the Finals. – Cydney Henderson

Q4: Liberty 84, Lynx 84

The Lynx went on a 14-2 run to come within three points, 83-80, with 42.1 seconds left. The Lynx’s Napheesa Collier denied Jonquel Jones’ layup with 24.1 seconds remaining, her fifth block of the game. The Liberty secured another offensive rebound, but New York turned the ball over on a shot clock violation with 18.1 seconds remaining. Courtney Williams missed a three-point attempt the Lynx’s next possession, but she got the ball right back after an offensive rebound. Williams took another and was fouled by Sabrina Ionescu on the three-point shot. Williams converted the and-1 to give the Lynx the first lead of the game, 84-83. 

What unfolded next was pure chaos. While the Liberty were trying to inbound the ball, Breanna Stewart and Collier both swatted at it as it went out of bounds. A jump ball was called with 3.2 seconds remaining and the Liberty got possession. Williams was called for a jump ball violation, giving New York a sideline inbound. Stewart got the ball but her shot was blocked. New York maintained possession. Stewart drew a foul under the basket with 0.8 remaining. Stewart hit her first free throw, but missed the second one that would have won the game for the Liberty. – Cydney Henderson

Crazy sequence leads to OT in Game 1

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — After a wild sequence of events that took less than six seconds of game time but many minutes in real time, the game is headed to overtime, 84-84.

It started with a crazy 3 from Courtney Williams and an inexplicable foul on that 3 from Sabrina Ionescu. Williams stepped to the line, drained the shot and, after numerous possessions on the other end and — what else? — an agonizingly long review, Breanna Stewart stepped to the line and hit one of two free throws to tie the score.

Can the Liberty recover? Or are the Lynx finally in a game-winning groove? – Lindsay Schnell

Lynx take lead late off crazy 3-pointer

Courtney Williams hit a 3-pointer from the top right of the key and the ensuing free throw after being fouled to give the Lynx their first lead of the game with 5.5 seconds remaining, 84-83. – Heather Tucker

Leonie Fiebich in foul trouble 

New York’s Leonie Fiebich picked up her fourth foul with 6:47 remaining in the fourth quarter after running into a screen set by Minnesota’s Alanna Smith. Fiebich, who has 17 points and five rebounds, remained in the game. – Cydney Henderson

3Q: Liberty 68, Lynx 61

New York has a 68-61 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Lynx trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half, but Minnesota fought its way back in the third quarter and came within two points of the Liberty with 5:29 remaining. New York instantly responded and pushed its lead back to 10 points before Minnesota closed it back to single digits. 

The Liberty have maintained control of the boards, out-rebounding the Lynx 30-20, including a staggering 15 offensive rebounds. Four of New York’s five starters are in double figures. Jonquel Jones is closing in on a double-double, with a team-high 17 points and nine assists. Breanna Stewart has 14 points, Sabrina Ionescu 13 and Leonie Fiebich (4-of-8 on 3-pointers) 12.  

Kayla McBride has a game-high 19 points (3-of-4 on 3-pointers), while Napheesa Collier has 13 points and three assists. 

New York is on the verge of winning Game 1 of the WNBA Finals for the first time. Heading into Thursday, the Liberty were 0-5 all-time in Game 1s. – Cydney Henderson

Halftime: Liberty 44, Lynx 36

The Lynx has appeared to settle in. After allowing New York 32 points in the first quarter, Minnesota held New York to 12 points in the second quarter and used a 10-0 run to cut the Liberty’s double-digit lead to eight by halftime. 

Kayla McBride is the only Lynx player in double digits with 10 points and two assists, while Napheesa Collier has eight points and two rebounds. The Lynx are shooting 43.3% from the field and 3-of-10 from three. 

Jonquel Jones leads the Liberty with 13 points and four rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu has 11 points, two steals and three rebounds. The Liberty are shooting 40.5% from the field and 6-of-20 from three and out-rebounding the Lynx 21-14, including 10 offensive rebounds. – Cydney Henderson

Liberty rely on experience while Lynx appear out-of-sync

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Goodness, New York looks good — and experienced. While Minnesota feels out the WNBA Finals, which are new to this particular Lynx squad — the Liberty look right at home, and not only because this game is being played in Barclays.

The scoreboard says New York is up eight, but it feels like 18 (and for stretches during the first half, it felt like 80). The Lynx have settled in somewhat since tip, but they’re still not completely in sync.

The fact that New York has 18 fast-break points is not going to sit well with Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve. You can bet that’ll be a talking point at halftime.

The most impressive stat from the first 20 minutes might be Jonquel Jones’ zero fouls. The Lynx have no answer for Jones — especially when Breanna Stewart is also on the floor — and keeping her in the game, when she’s sometimes prone to foul trouble, could make a huge difference this series. – Lindsay Schnell

Q1: Liberty 32, Lynx 19

The Liberty looked energized out of the gate and jumped to a 16-point lead in the first quarter, while the Lynx looked a little sluggish. The Liberty had three days of rest after closing their semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces in four games Sunday, whereas the Lynx came into Game 1 of the WNBA Finals with only one day of rest after winning a five-game series against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday.  

“It doesn’t matter if we are tired, we have to push through,” said Napheesa Collier, who has four first-quarter points. 

New York’s Jonquel Jones immediately impacted the game, scoring 10 points and grabbing three rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu also got started early with eight points (2-of-4 on 3-pointers). The Liberty have a size advantage in the series and controlled the boards early in the game, out-rebounding the Lynx 12-5 in the first quarter, including six offensive rebounds. New York dominated the paint (14 points) and converted three turnovers from the Lynx into eight points.

Minnesota’s Courtney Williams and New York’s Breanna Stewart are both in foul trouble early with two. – Cydney Henderson

Stars on sideline in New York

Filmmaker Spike Lee has been a mainstay during the New York Liberty’s playoff run. Game 1 of the WNBA Finals was no different. Lee is among the star-studded crowd at Barclays Center that also includes actor and “Ted Lasso“ star Jason Sudeikis. Both have been long-time basketball fans and have attended games this season involving Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, as well as postseason action in New York. Also spotted were NBA commissioner Adam Silver, rapper Meek Mill, co-anchor of “CBS Mornings“ Gayle King, actress Aubrey Plaza and sports agent Jill Smoller, who represents Serena Williams. – Cydney Henderson and Heather Tucker

Three UConn Huskies in 2024 WNBA Finals 

The 2024 WNBA Finals feature three UConn Huskies —  the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhász.

“No matter what happens, we win,” UConn women’s basketball tweeted ahead of Game 1 Thursday. 

When asked who UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma is rooting for in the championship series, Collier jokingly declared that Auriemma should be going for the Lynx because “we’ve got two.” – Cydney Henderson

Who is playing in the WNBA Finals?

The New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx.

When is Game 1 of the WNBA Finals?

Game 1 of the WNBA championship series between the Liberty and Lynx is Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

How to watch Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

Game 1 will be broadcast on ESPN with Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) on the call.

How to stream Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

Game 1 can be streamed on ESPN+ or the ESPN App, in addition to Fubo.

Liberty starters

Lynx starters

WNBA commissioner: Finals expanding to seven games next year

Want more women’s basketball? You got it. 

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the Finals will be expanded to a best-of-seven game series, similar to the NBA format, starting next year. Engelbert made the announcement ahead of Game 1 of the 2024 Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, which will mark the last iteration of the best-of-five game championship series. 

Next year, the first round will be best-of-three, the semifinal round will be best-of-five and the championship series will be up to seven games.

“This will give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports,” Engelbert said.

The best-of-three opening round will change to a 1-1-1 format to allow the lower-seeded team a chance to play at home. The best-of-five series will remain 2-2-1 and the best-of-seven series will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format. – Cydney Henderson

Liberty vs. Lynx head-to-head

The Lynx have an edge when it comes to their head-to-head record. Minnesota won two of the three regular-season matchups against the Liberty. The teams last faced off Sept. 15, when the Lynx came away with an 88-79 victory on the road at Barclays Center.

New York Liberty's path to the WNBA Finals

First round (best-of-three): No. 1 Liberty vs. No. 8 Atlanta Dream

• Game 1: Liberty 83, Dream 68
• Game 2: Liberty 91, Dream 82

Liberty advance 2-0

Semifinals (best-of-five): No. 1 Liberty vs. No. 4 Las Vegas Aces

• Game 1: Liberty 87, Aces 77
• Game 2: Liberty 88, Aces 84
• Game 3: Aces 95, Liberty 81
• Game 4: Liberty 76, Aces 62

Liberty advance 3-1

Minnesota Lynx's path to the WNBA Finals

First round (best-of-three): No. 2 Lynx vs. No. 7 Phoenix Mercury

• Game 1: Lynx 102, Mercury 95
• Game 2: Lynx 101, Mercury 88

Lynx advance 2-0

Semifinals (best-of-five): No. 2 Lynx vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun

• Game 1: Sun 73, Lynx 70
• Game 2: Lynx 77, Sun 70
• Game 3: Lynx 90, Sun 81
• Game 4: Sun 92, Lynx 82
• Game 5: Lynx 88, Sun 77

Lynx advance 3-2

2024 WNBA Finals schedule

• Game 1: Lynx 95, Liberty 93, OT (Lynx lead series 1-0)
• Game 2, Sunday: Lynx at Liberty; 3 (ABC)
• Game 3, Wednesday, Oct. 16: Liberty at Lynx; 8 (ESPN)
• Game 4*, Friday, Oct. 18: Liberty at Lynx; 8 (ESPN)
• Game 5*, Sunday, Oct. 20: Lynx at Liberty; 8 (ESPN)
• (All times Eastern; best-of-five series; * - if necessary)

USA TODAY staff predictions

• Nancy Armour: New York in 4
• Scooby Axson: New York in 4
• Cydney Henderson: New York in 5
• Jordan Mendoza: New York in 4
• Lindsay Schnell: New York in 5

How many titles does the New York Liberty have?

The Liberty are in pursuit of their first championship. New York got close last year — the Liberty made it all the way to the 2023 WNBA Finals before losing to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. The Liberty have made WNBA Finals appearances six times (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2023 and 2024).

How many titles does the Minnesota Lynx have?

The Lynx have four titles. In a span of seven years, the Lynx won four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and made six Finals appearances, led by the group of Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Rebekkah Brunson and Sylvia Fowles. The 2024 WNBA Finals will mark the Lynx's first championship appearance since their 2017 title.

WNBA Finals, Game 1 odds

The Liberty is the favorite to win the WNBA championship, according to BetMGM, with the money line set at the Liberty (-275) and the Lynx (+225).

Golden State Valkyries name first coach

The Golden State Valkyries, one of three new franchises in the WNBA, named Natalie Nakase as the team's first head coach during a news conference Thursday.

Nakase comes from the Las Vegas Aces, where she was an assistant under Becky Hammon for the past three seasons and was part of the team that won back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023. She now becomes the first female Asian-American coach in WNBA history.

Nakase remembers watching the Golden State Warriors, who also own the Valkyries, win the 2015 NBA Finals and thinking how much fun the team was having under its ownership. She wanted to work for Golden State, and now she'll get the chance to lead the WNBA team in its inaugural season. – Jordan Mendoza

Sabrina Ionescu brought back the floater. It carried the Liberty to the Finals

Sabrina Ionescu couldn’t score. 

In Walnut Creek, California, Ionescu was a short, scrawny sixth-grader playing on an eighth-grade boys team with her twin brother Eddy. Male defenders were considerably bigger and stronger, bumping her and altering her shot. Most days, Ionescu couldn’t get close to the rim. 

So the guard who would set an NCAA record in triple doubles in college (26) figured it was time to add something to her skill set. She developed a floater. 

Fifteen years later, that floater has become maybe the deadliest shot in the WNBA playoffs and a key piece of the New York Liberty’s run to its second consecutive Finals appearance. The Liberty host the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 on Thursday at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn in the best-of-five series. – Lindsay Schnell

Caitlin Clark rewrites WNBA record books. Again. And again.

The Fever rookie made headlines all summer with her head-turning play. Revisit her accomplishments in this graphic.

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