In a showdown between the top two regular-season finishers, the Minnesota Lynx are set to face off against the New York Liberty in the opening game of the 2024 WNBA Finals on Thursday in Brooklyn.
Headlining the matchup are former UConn teammates and 2024 Olympic gold medalists Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Stewart’s top-seeded Liberty will aim to capture their first-ever WNBA championship in their sixth Finals appearance.
Collier and the revamped Lynx will bring back a former dynasty to the grand stage, making their first Finals appearance since winning the championship in 2017.
The journey to the 2024 WNBA Finals
New York, with a league-leading 32-8 regular-season record, eliminated the No. 8-seed Atlanta Dream in the first playoff round to secure their spot in the Finals. They avenged their 2023 Finals loss by defeating Las Vegas in the semifinals, ending the Aces’ bid for a three-peat in four games.
Minnesota, finishing second in the regular season, swept the Phoenix Mercury in the first round and went the distance in five games against the Connecticut Sun to advance to their seventh Finals appearance.
Liberty’s quest for the title meets Lynx’s underdog story
The Liberty and Lynx not only hold the top spots in their respective conferences but also boast the league’s best offense (New York) and second-best defense (Minnesota).
The 2024 WNBA Finals will showcase a star-studded Liberty team against a Minnesota squad that defied expectations this season.
New York’s roster features superstars like MVP Jonquel Jones and sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu, while Minnesota, led by Coach of the Year Cheryl Reeve, has developed a resilient team with key additions making significant contributions.
Regardless of the outcome, history will be made in the 2024 WNBA Finals, with either the Liberty securing their first championship or the Lynx becoming the first franchise to win five titles, breaking the tie with the Seattle Storm and the Houston Comets.
An unprecedented WNBA Finals on the horizon
Although the sports books favor the Liberty, the Lynx hold a 3-1 record against New York in 2024, including a victory in the Commissioners Cup final.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 WNBA Finals promise to be a historic event, with both teams looking to etch their names in the league’s record books.
How to watch Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals
The Lynx and Liberty will tip off at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center at 8 PM ET on Thursday, with live coverage available on ESPN.
