Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx forced a Game 5 with a competitive 82-80 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday. Minnesota had to fight extremely hard to earn the win, but they were able to get the job done. Collier had an immediate message after the game, via the WNBA.
"I feel incredible," Collier said. "That was a tough game but I can't wait for Sunday."
Collier understands that there is still work to do. Heading to New York and defeating the Liberty will be challenging without question, but the Lynx are ready to do so. Minnesot earned a Game 1 victory on the road, and now they have momentum once again following their Game 4 win.
The Liberty played well in Games 2 and 3. In fact, they have played a competitive brand of basketball throughout the series. Although they were the best team in the WNBA throughout the season, this Lynx team has made life difficult for the Liberty in the WNBA Finals.
Lynx's team effort in Game 4
Sometimes in basketball you need a player to score 25 or 30 points and lead the way. Other times, teams use complete team efforts, and that is exactly what occurred on Friday night for the Lynx.
Minnesota had five players record double digit points. Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 19 points. Courtney Williams had 15 points, while Napheesa Collier added 14.
Collier, who finished second in WNBA MVP voting, often draws plenty of defensive attention. She has a great team around her, though, and that was on full display Friday.
Minnesota's depth is what makes them so dangerous. They have a number of players on the roster who can make a big shot at any given moment. The Liberty are searching for answers on the defensive end of the floor. New York has been able to cause some havoc and force turnovers, but the Liberty have yet to truly find a way to shut down the Lynx's offensive attack.
When is Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals?
There will be a Game 5, and it is scheduled for Sunday night at 8 PM EST. The series will return to New York for Game 5. The Liberty's home court advantage will certainly benefit them, but as mentioned the Lynx were able to win on the road in Game 1. Anything can happen in Game 5.