Lynx Triumph in a Thrilling Game 5 to Reach WNBA Finals
The Minnesota Lynx clinched a historic victory in a winner-takes-all Game 5 against the Connecticut Sun, winning 88-77 and earning a spot in the WNBA Finals. This win marks the Lynx’s seventh trip to the finals, setting a record in the league. Their upcoming matchup is against the New York Liberty, promising an intense showdown between two top teams.
A Dominant Start Sets the Tone
The Lynx took charge right from the tip-off, thrilling their home crowd at the Target Center in Minneapolis. They started hot, scoring 31 points in the first quarter, creating a 13-point cushion. Kayla McBride played a key role early on, contributing 10 points in the opening quarter, which gave Minnesota a strong foundation.
Minnesota continued to dominate in the second quarter, leading by as many as 21 points—the most significant margin seen in the series up to that point. By halftime, the Lynx held a 53-34 advantage. Courtney Williams shined in the first half, scoring 15 points with a perfect shooting record, going 6 for 6 from the field.
Connecticut’s Comeback Falls Short
Despite the significant deficit, the Connecticut Sun pushed in the third quarter with a 7-0 run, momentarily closing the gap. However, Minnesota quickly recovered, stretching their lead to 24 points. The Lynx maintained control throughout the rest of the game, making their path to victory smooth.
Napheesa Collier emerged as the standout player of the night, scoring 27 points and achieving a historic milestone. She became the first player in WNBA history to score at least 25 points and grab 10 rebounds in three consecutive playoff games. Collier expressed her pride in the team, saying, “I said from the beginning how special this group is and how we can do big things, and now we’re in the finals. This is the best feeling ever!”
Anticipation Builds for the WNBA Finals
With their decisive victory, the Lynx now face the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals. Although the Liberty finished the regular season with the best record, Minnesota has a psychological edge, having won three out of four regular-season matchups, including a win in the WNBA’s first-ever Commissioner’s Cup.
Collier, however, downplayed the importance of those regular-season wins, emphasizing the challenge ahead: “I think regular season doesn’t mean anything,” she remarked. “They’re an amazing team, number one in the league, but we’re two, you know, we’re right behind them.”
A Battle of WNBA Powerhouses
The Lynx led the WNBA with four championships in their history, the last coming in 2017. Their seventh finals appearance further solidifies their reputation as a powerhouse in the league. On the other hand, Liberty will be making its sixth appearance in the finals, and it is still searching for its first championship title.
The WNBA Finals are set to tip off on Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with both teams eager to make their mark. As Collier mentioned, “I think it’s going to be a great series, great basketball. Two amazing teams, two teams filled with great players competing.”
A Clash of Titans Awaits in the Finals
The stage is set for a thrilling WNBA Finals between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. With both teams showcasing their strengths throughout the season, fans can expect an exciting battle for the championship. As the Lynx look to add a fifth title to their collection, the Liberty aim to secure their first, promising a series full of high-level competition and unforgettable moments.
