Despite trailing by 18 points in the first half, the Minnesota Lynx managed to come back and secure a 95-93 overtime victory in Brooklyn on Thursday, taking Game 1 of the WNBA finals on the road. This comeback ties for the biggest in WNBA history, a record set by the Liberty in the 1999 finals.
The Liberty started strong with 32 points in the first quarter, creating a challenge for the Lynx. However, Minnesota steadily narrowed the gap, reducing New York’s lead to single digits by halftime.
Both teams had their runs in the second half, with New York holding a 15-point lead with 5:20 left in the game. But the Lynx didn’t give up and mounted their own comeback.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve commented on her team’s resilience and mental toughness, emphasizing the importance of pushing through difficult times.
Courtney Williams’ four-point play gave Minnesota a surprising one-point lead in the final seconds, sending the game into overtime. Napheesa Collier’s game-winning shot in overtime sealed the victory for the Lynx.
The Liberty’s Jonquel Jones scored 24 points, but strong performances from Collier, Williams, and Kayla McBride propelled the Lynx to victory.
New York’s chance to bounce back
Having lost Game 1, the Liberty look to regroup for Game 2 on Sunday. The pressure is on them to avoid falling behind in the series, as history shows teams struggle to come back from a 2-0 deficit.
Following Game 2, the series moves to Minnesota for Game 3, with New York eager to extend the series.
WNBA announces draft, postseason changes for 2025
Prior to Game 1, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed plans for the 2025 draft and changes to the postseason structure. The 2025 draft lottery is set for Nov. 17, with new postseason changes aimed at more games in home markets.
Expansion team the Golden State Valkyries will have the fifth pick in all three rounds of the 2025 draft and introduced Natalie Nakase as their inaugural head coach.
Starting in 2025, the finals will be a best-of-seven series instead of best-of-five, and the first round will adopt a 1-1-1 structure for postseason home games.
