The stage is set. The No. 1 seed New York Liberty and No. 2 seed Minnesota Lynx will go head-to-head in the 2024 WNBA Finals, a best-of-five series starting this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in Brooklyn. These two teams, each with contrasting histories and journeys, have battled through the playoffs to stand on the league’s biggest platform.
The Liberty vs.Lynx story
For the Liberty, one of the WNBA's original franchises, the quest for their first-ever championship continues. After falling short in last year’s Finals, the hunger for victory is more intense than ever. The Liberty’s opponents, the Minnesota Lynx, are no strangers to success. With four championships under their belt (2011-2017), the Lynx are back in the Finals for the first time since their last title win in 2017.
The New York Liberty, guided by superstars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, were expected to make it to this stage after a strong Year Two in their “superteam” era. For the Minnesota Lynx, this final appearance is more surprising. After finishing the 2023 season with a record of 19-21, they were not expected to make it to the Finals. However, led by a career-best season from MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier, the Lynx have defied expectations to prove they belong.
Playoff Journey: New York and Minnesota’s Path to the Finals
The Minnesota Lynx required five games to overcome the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals, earning their place in the Finals..The Liberty, on the other hand, had a more simpler path after defeating the Las Vegas Aces, the two-time defending champions, in a 3-1 series in the quarterfinals.. Both teams have earned their place, with the Liberty and Lynx ranking as the top two seeds in the league this year. They last met in the Commissioner’s Cup championship in June, where the Lynx edged the Liberty.
Regular Season Matchups: Liberty vs. Lynx
During the regular season, Minnesota bested New York, winning three out of four matchups, including their Commissioner's Cup victory. However, the postseason is a different battleground. Both teams have made adjustments and evolved over the course of the playoffs.
Liberty’s Playoff Run:
First Round: Swept Atlanta Dream 2-0
Semifinals: Beat Las Vegas Aces 3-1
Lynx’s Playoff Run:
First Round: Swept Phoenix Mercury 2-0
Semifinals: Beat Connecticut Sun 3-2
How They Got Here
The Liberty, after an impressive 2023, revamped their bench to add more depth and defensive versatility. The signing of Leonie Fiebich from Germany and an improved team chemistry saw them finish the regular season with a 32-8 record, without losing consecutive games all year.The team's key players—Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu—have been instrumental in this impressive performance.
For the Lynx, offseason changes brought in key players such as Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith, with a trade securing Natisha Hiedeman. Alongside stellar performances from Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton, Minnesota's defense, anchored by Collier, has been formidable. Collier, despite a bout of plantar fasciitis, was a force on both ends, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and finishing second in the MVP race.
Key Matchups: Liberty’s Offense vs. Lynx’s Defense
Both the Liberty and Lynx have top-four rankings in both offensive and defensive ratings, making this Finals matchup especially intriguing. While Minnesota holds a slight defensive edge, New York has been more potent offensively. Both teams rely on fluid ball movement and excellent 3-point shooting, but New York has an additional advantage in the paint with their towering duo of Stewart (6-foot-4) and Jones (6-foot-6).
Star power will be on full display in this series. These finals will be highly competitive with 2024 runner-up Collier and two former MVPs, Stewart and Jones, leading the team. Guards like Ionescu, McBride, and Williams are also in top form, making for an exciting, high-stakes showdown.
X-Factor: Control of the Paint
The key to the series may lie in how well the Liberty can dominate the paint. Stewart and Jones will need to control the inside, but Minnesota’s addition of Myisha Hines-Allen gives the Lynx added strength down low. Stewart is coming off a stellar performance in the semifinals, where she posted 19 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks against Las Vegas. However, Collier has been equally formidable throughout the playoffs, recording her 16th career WNBA postseason game with over 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Keys to Victory: What Each Team Needs to Win
New York Liberty:
The Liberty’s chances of winning hinge on Sabrina Ionescu continuing her red-hot form. The former Oregon Ducks star has emerged as the Liberty’s leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 20.7 points per game on 48.9% shooting, including 46.5% from beyond the arc. If Ionescu remains dominant and the Liberty maintain their ball movement, they have a strong shot at claiming their first title.
Minnesota Lynx:
For Minnesota, success depends on whether Napheesa Collier can keep asserting her dominance, as she has throughout the postseason. Having led the league in assists and 3-point percentage in the regular season, the Lynx must continue to shoot consistently from beyond the 3-point line.. If they continue to spread the floor and move the ball well, they could upset New York, as they’ve done in the past.
Predictions: Who Will Win the 2024 WNBA Finals?
Philippou’s Prediction: Liberty in 5
New York has the advantage of hunger and experience from last year’s Finals loss. Home-court advantage, coupled with their collective focus, should give the Liberty the edge in what promises to be a tightly contested series.
Voepel’s Prediction: Lynx in 5
Minnesota has been the more consistent team head-to-head against the Liberty. Their cohesive play and previous success over New York this season might be enough to secure another championship for the Lynx.
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