After stealing Game 1 in Brooklyn, the No. 2-seed Minnesota Lynx fell in Game 2 to the No. 1-seed New York Liberty. Now tied at 1-1, the 2024 WNBA Finals are a best-of- three series as we head to Minnesota for the next two games. The first, Game 3, tips off on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).
In a tight and often jaw-dropping series, there is still a lot of basketball to be played to determine the 2024 champions.
Game 1 was all about the Lynx’s comeback. They were able to bring themselves back into the game and then fluster the Liberty into losing in overtime. Game 2, on the other hand, was all about New York’s defense. In particular, Breanna Stewart had seven steals in the game, while the team forced seven turnovers on Napheesa Collier alone. Although the Lynx were able to come back AGAIN and bring the game within a possession, the Liberty held strong and won it.
The key to a Game 3 win for Lynx, Liberty
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Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx need to come out of the gate with power. They have been flat at the beginning of the previous two games, forcing them to recover and fight their way back into the contests. While it worked in Game 1 and nearly worked in Game 2, they can’t win a series like that. If Minnesota can come out with a bang in Game 3, they will give themselves a much better chance of not only staying with New York, but getting ahead.
New York Liberty
For the Liberty, it’s the opposite. They need to execute better in the second half. In Game 1, they forced overtime on a foul technicality, but then did not score for the first half of the extra period. In Game 2, they performed better, but things still got a little rocky in the second half. Sabrina Ionescu had a huge first half, but failed to get going in the second half. While were able to pull out the win in the end, letting the Lynx come within two was nerve-wracking.
Who will step up for Minnesota, New York?
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Minnesota Lynx
It was a poor shooting night in Game 2 from Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton, only shooting 6-for-18 between the pair. The Lynx are best when these two are firing off shots from everywhere on the court, confusing the opposing defense because they don’t know which player to put more pressure on. If the Lynx are going to try and close this out at home, McBride and Carleton need to shoot the lights out.
New York Liberty
While Leonie Fiebich hit the dagger 3-point shot that helped New York win Game 2, it was her only basket of the night. Fiebich’s defensive power alone makes her a huge asset on the floor, no matter what. But the Liberty also need that extra punch that can come from her offense. They also need to play through Jonquel Jones more. The Liberty often fail to take advantage of the simplicity of running plays through Jones. It is an approach that can be even more beneficial against a Lynx team that does not have anyone who truly can match up with her.
Which team has the edge?
While the Lynx now have homecourt advantage, the Liberty are the team that had the best road record in the WNBA (16-4). Don’t expect New York to get too rattled by the crowd being against them, but the Lynx could surely benefit form being boosted by their fans.
The next team to win will have the elimination advantage for the following two games, so this is THE essential game of the series. I still think this is going five games, but it will be a battle all the way.
Game information
No. 1-seed New York Liberty (1-1) at No. 2-seed Minnesota Lynx (1-1)
When: Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: ESPN
Liberty injury report: none
Lynx injury report: none
