Trailing by 18 points in the first half, the Minnesota Lynx made an impressive comeback to secure a 95-93 overtime victory in Brooklyn during Game 1 of the WNBA finals. This comeback tied the greatest in WNBA history, a record originally set by the Liberty in the 1999 finals.
Despite the Liberty’s strong start and raucous crowd at Barclays Center, the Lynx steadily reduced their lead and entered halftime with the game within reach.
Throughout the second half, both teams traded runs, with New York initially looking like they would maintain their lead as they were up by 15 points with just over five minutes left. However, Minnesota stayed composed and mounted their own comeback.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve commended her team’s mental toughness and resilience, highlighting their ability to overcome challenges when needed.
The game came down to a final four-point play from Courtney Williams to give Minnesota a slim lead, ultimately sending the game to overtime where Napheesa Collier’s game-winning jumper sealed the victory for the Lynx.
In overtime, Collier’s shot proved to be the difference, securing a 1-0 series lead for Minnesota. This win marked the first time in WNBA postseason history that a team won after trailing by 15+ points in the final five minutes of regulation.
As the teams prepare for Game 2, the Liberty will look to bounce back and avoid falling behind in the series. Despite New York’s disappointment, they are confident in their ability to regroup and perform better in the upcoming game.
Following Game 1, the WNBA also announced changes to the draft and postseason structure for the 2025 season, with plans for a seven-game finals series and adjustments to the playoff format to accommodate more home games for teams.
