The Minnesota Lynx survived an early onslaught from the top-seeded New York Liberty to secure a thrilling 95-93 overtime victory in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
The Lynx’s 18-point rally equalled the largest comeback win in Finals history.
Teams that take Game 1 of the championship series go on to capture the title 74% of the time, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Here are three factors that helped Minnesota steal the series opener from New York.
Collier’s 2-way masterclass
Napheesa Collier had a performance for the ages in her Finals debut, becoming the first player in WNBA playoff history to tally at least 20 points, eight boards, six blocks, and three steals in one game, per Across the Timeline.
Collier has been unstoppable on the offensive end throughout the postseason, and that was the case once again on Thursday evening. The UConn product leaked out in transition for layups, pulled up from the mid-range, took the rock to the net with force, and hit multiple fadeaways, including the game-winner over the outstretched arms of 6-foot-6 center Jonquel Jones.
But Collier’s performance on the opposite end of the floor was arguably more impactful, as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year was largely responsible for Breanna Stewart’s 6-of-21 showing. She held her ground against the two-time Finals MVP and constantly used her length to force tough shots. The Lynx star blocked Jones from point blank with 24.1 seconds left in regulation to keep Minnesota within three points of New York, and, on the Liberty’s next offensive possession, denied Stewart’s game-winning layup attempt. Collier then stepped up in overtime, blowing up a low-post feed intended for Stewart and stripping the ball from Sabrina Ionescu as she penetrated the paint.
Big-game Courtney
Courtney Williams is no stranger to the big stage. She entered the championship series with 31 postseason appearances, including two previous trips to the Finals. That playoff experience was huge as New York jumped out to a 32-19 lead through the first quarter of action.
As the rest of her teammates tried to find their footing, Williams steadied the ship early on with six points, two boards, and two assists in the first half. Her ability to drive into the lane opened up looks on the perimeter for the likes of Kayla McBride, who made a team-high four triples and finished with 22 points.
It was the same story late in the contest with Minnesota staring at an 0-1 deficit. Williams was the catalyst of an 18-3 scoring run to end the fourth quarter, as she scored 10 of her 23 points over the final 6:40 of regulation, including an electric four-point play to help extend Game 1.
The All-Star guard added five points, one rebound, and one assist in overtime to put the finishing touches on an epic victory.
“From a basketball standpoint, Courtney recognized that she had to get more aggressive,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve told reporters postgame, per ASAP Sports. “Not pick up her dribble. Her team needed her to be aggressive to go score the basketball.
“We needed some help. … Courtney has been around for a while. She has been in Finals games, and she knows her team needed her to get aggressive.”
Lynx win paint battle
The Liberty edged the paint battle during the regular season, outscoring the Lynx by 24 across their four meetings this year. But Minnesota flipped the script in Game 1 with a 42-36 advantage.
Collier led the way on the interior with 14 points in the paint, while Williams and reserve Natisha Hiedeman combined for 16 points as they faced little resistance at the point of attack. Hiedeman continually blew past Courtney Vandersloot off the bounce and capitalized on her opportunities around the rim.
The Lynx also had success in the pick-and-roll with Myisha Hines-Allen, finding the veteran forward off the roll for a pair of easy buckets from close range.
