And then there were two.
The 2024 WNBA Finals begins this Thursday (October 9th, 2024, 8:00 PM EST) and we’re down to the two best teams in the league just three wins away from the title.
THE STAGE IS SET.
The New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx will be battling it out in the 2024 #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV 🔥#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/2gRJVc2D6e
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 9, 2024
The Minnesota Lynx, led by WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, come into this finals seeking the franchise’s fifth championship in the last 13 seasons.
The Lynx made some key offseason moves to improve from their 19-21 2023 season. They brought in Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith in free agency and traded for Natisha Hiedeman. Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton allowed this team an outstanding 2024 campaign.
After their thrilling five-game semifinal victory over the Connecticut Sun, the Lynx are primed for a championship. They also have the chance to capture their second trophy this season after winning this year’s Commissioners Cup back in late June.
KEPT IT ON LOCK 🔒
NAPHEESA COLLIER IS THE 2024 WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 👏 pic.twitter.com/HsIc9Sqr2M
— ESPN (@espn) September 29, 2024
Speaking of that Commissioner’s Cup, Minnesota’s opponent in the Finals is the team that not only defeated in that late June game but finished an impressive 3-1 against them this regular season. Since losing to the Las Vegas Aces in last year’s Finals, the New York Liberty‘s main goal was not only to get back to this spot but to finish the job. They are seeking the franchise’s first-ever championship and their second trophy in the past two seasons (they won the Commissioners’ Cup in 2023).
All season they showcased their talent and chemistry en route to the best record in the WNBA. Sandy Brondello‘s squad is battle-tested and battle-scary.
Led by the dominant trio of Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty head into the Finals top three in the WNBA in points (85.6), rebounds (36.6), and assists per game (22.8). They also made some key offseason moves with none bigger than all-rookie WNBA member Leonie Fiebich who came as a pleasant surprise to many. She’s been tremendous from beyond the arc as well as forcing takeaways. She along with Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Courtney Vandersloot, Kayla Thornton, and Nyara Sabally have given New York some of the most depth in the league.
FULL TEAM! pic.twitter.com/xj6gVdtnRe
— Liberty Lead (@LibertyLeadSM) October 3, 2024
When looking at this head-to-head matchup, two key factors will define this series. The first is the depth of these contenders. Both teams have done a good job all postseason of not overworking their starters and getting valuable minutes from their role players. Both the Lynx and Liberty come into the championship series with nine players on each team averaging at least 12 minutes per game on the season. Who’s role players step up more will be massive.
The other major factor is the play down low. Jonquel Jones has been such a reliable force in the paint on both sides of the court since coming to New York. If Ionescu and/or Stewart have an off night, Jones still finds a way to back them up. Minnesota will counterattack Jones with Myisha Hines-Allen who has flourished since joining the Lynx on August 20th. If the Liberty can force their will down low, it will be a long series for Minnesota.
It should be a thrilling final that has the potential to go the full five games. It has everything you could ask for in a championship fight. Will the Lynx bring home yet another title to the twin cities? Or will the Liberty finally deliver a championship to a city in desperate need of a winner?
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