The New York Liberty looked like a team ready to unravel after the first quarter of Wednesday night’s Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The Minnesota Lynx looked to have returned to form, with more efficient scoring and defense and took the first quarter 28-18. Even at the half, the Liberty had only cut into the Lynx lead by two points. Then, after halftime, the Liberty slowly crawled back, and the cold shooting that had plagued the Lynx also crawled back.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Lynx held a one-point lead. Poor shooting from both teams, some sloppy play, and desperation on both sides followed that. The score went back and forth, and for a brief moment, it seemed like they’d be heading for overtime. Then Sabrina Ionescu happened, making a three-point shot with 10 seconds left. A failed attempt by Napheesa Collier left the Lynx on the losing end at 80-77.
Minnesota got good performances from Kayla McBride with 19 points, Bridget Carleton with 14, Courtney Williams with 12, and Collier with a team-leading 22. The Liberty was led by Breanna Stewart with 30, and Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich, and Ionescu all with 13.
The Lynx and Liberty And Their Concerns
What is becoming more and more apparent is that Minnesota needs a bigger inside presence. Alanna Smith and Myisha Hines-Allen are both tough as nails and provide some excellent inside defense. Dorka Juhász has not been seen much lately. Perhaps it is a question of experience because we’ve seen Juhász be an impactful player. Hopefully, she can grow into a more dominant player. Defending Jonquel Jones is no easy task for anyone, and a dedicated 5 might do the trick for the Lynx.
MOST POINTS IN A SINGLE POSTSEASON. 👑 pic.twitter.com/gv0VpyBlpR
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) October 17, 2024
The Liberty is not without its issues. They have also suffered at times from inconsistent shooting and came very close to another upset in Game 2 by giving up a substantial lead before turning on the jets. However, on a night when Stewart, Ionescu, Fiebich, and Jones are clicking, they are very difficult to beat. Not impossible, but difficult.
Lynx In A Must-Win Game Four On Friday Night
So what does Minnesota need to do to force a Game 5 other than win Game 4? Shooting and consistent defense. Even when the defense is less than 100%, if the shooting stays consistent, the defense will follow. Could the Lynx win the series? Absolutely. Can New York? Absolutely. But there are too many ifs at the moment, for both teams. It’s going to come down to who wants it more, and that is the intangible that can only be seen on the court during a game.
If the Lynx manage to win Game 4, I would say that neither team has the advantage in a possible Game Five. That’s the only if I’m going to venture into. Counting out Minnesota would be a mistake or thinking New York will stumble. We’ll find out Friday if New York raises the trophy or heads back to Barclays Center for a do-or-die game. We’ll also see what the character of the Lynx can bring to the court to force a Game 5. Sounds pretty exciting to me.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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