The 2024 WNBA Finals between the top-seeded New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx begin Thursday.
Here are five storylines to watch:
Liberty in search of elusive first titleOne of the original eight WNBA teams to join the league in 1997, the Liberty are still title-less in Year 28. Last season, the Liberty came up short of winning a championship, falling to the Las Vegas Aces in four games to drop to 0-5 all-time in the Finals.
From bell to bell, the Liberty remained atop the 2024 WNBA standings, finishing with the best record in the league at 32-8. According to FanDuel, New York is a heavy favorite (-275) to top Minnesota and with All-Stars Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu leading the charge, this may be the franchise’s best shot at a title yet.
Lynx looking to make historyA year after finishing 19-21, the Lynx are back in the Finals for the first time since 2017. While only one player remains from that team, forward Cecilia Zandalasini, this year’s group has a chance to put the franchise in the record books.
Minnesota has won four WNBA titles, in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017, tied with the Seattle Storm and the defunct Houston Comets for the most all-time.
If the Lynx come away victorious over the Liberty, they’ll become the first team in league history to win five championships.
Former UConn standouts will be the matchup to watchTwo former UConn standouts, Stewart of the Liberty and Napheesa Collier of the Lynx, won an NCAA Championship together in 2015-16. But, beginning Thursday, they’ll battle for another crown, and only one can win.
Stewart, already a two-time Finals MVP, has something to prove after finishing only 3-of-17 for 10 points in the deciding game of the 2023 championship against the Aces. Meanwhile, after a breakout year, winning Defensive Player of the Year honors and finishing second in the MVP voting, Collier aims to take her place among the elite by bringing another title to Minnesota.
Size could play a huge role for LibertyDespite the presence of six-foot-four center and now three-time MVP A’Ja Wilson, the Liberty out-rebounded the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces 149-112 in the semifinals. Compared to the Aces, New York will have an even more significant advantage in terms of size against the Lynx.
Three Liberty starters, including Jones (6-foot-6), Stewart (6-foot-4), and rookie Leonie Fiebich (6-foot-4), stand over Wilson’s height. Conversely, forward Alanna Smith (6-foot-4) is the tallest starter for the Lynx, while the rest stand at 6-foot-1 or shorter.
Lynx’s success from three may be the key to beating LibertyCounting the Commissioner’s Cup, the Lynx defeated the Liberty in three of four games during the regular season. The Finals are an entirely different animal, but Minnesota has a blueprint to pull off the upset.
The Lynx finished with the second-highest three-point shooting percentage in the WNBA, but how they fare from beyond the arc in the Finals may be the difference between winning and losing.
Minnesota shot 48% or better from three in three victories over New York and only 29% in their only loss.
As the 2024 WNBA Finals kick off between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, fans are gearing up for an exciting showdown. With both teams vying for the championship title, the series promises to be filled with intense matchups, key storylines, and unforgettable moments on the court.
The Liberty, still in search of their first elusive title after years of dedication and hard work, have their eyes set on victory. Led by a powerhouse lineup of All-Stars, including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, New York is determined to make this season their year. With a stellar record and strong momentum heading into the Finals, the Liberty are the team to beat.
On the other side, the Lynx are no strangers to success, with four WNBA titles under their belt. This season, they have their sights set on making history by becoming the first team to win five championships. With a talented roster and a hunger for victory, Minnesota is poised to give the Liberty a tough fight for the coveted title.
One of the most intriguing storylines to watch in this series is the matchup between former UConn standouts Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Both players have a history of success on the court, including an NCAA Championship together. Now, they find themselves on opposite sides, battling it out for WNBA glory. As two of the league’s brightest stars, Stewart and Collier will undoubtedly bring their A-game to the Finals, making for an electrifying showdown.
Size could also play a significant role in determining the outcome of the series. With the Liberty boasting a formidable frontcourt led by MVP A’Ja Wilson, they have a size advantage over the Lynx. This dominance on the boards could prove crucial in securing victories for New York, as they look to control the paint and outmuscle their opponents.
Meanwhile, the Lynx will be looking to their sharpshooting from beyond the arc to tip the scales in their favor. With a strong three-point shooting percentage, Minnesota has the potential to make a big impact from long range. How they perform from downtown could be the key to unlocking success against the Liberty’s defense and securing wins in the Finals.
As the series unfolds, fans can expect an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and heart from both teams. Whether it’s a buzzer-beating three-pointer, a game-winning block, or a clutch free throw, the 2024 WNBA Finals are sure to deliver non-stop action and excitement.
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