Of course the WNBA Finals are going the distance: How the Lynx won Game 4

Of course it's going to five.

The 2024 WNBA Finals was a roller coaster full of close finishes and big-time drama. So it's only fitting that one goes the distance in one of the most thrilling championship series in recent memory. The Minnesota Lynx's 82-80 Game 4 victory Friday over the New York Liberty ensured a winner-takes-all showdown Sunday at Barclays Center (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Unlike the historic comebacks that defined Games 1 and 3, Game 4 was a back-and-forth affair, with 14 lead changes and 13 ties. No team leads by more than six points.

New York had a chance to take the lead in the final minute but missed three shots on one possession, which ended with a shot clock violation. It looked like a second overtime game of the finals was imminent, but Bridget Carleton was fouled with 2.0 seconds left after getting an offensive rebound off a missed shot by Courtney Williams. The Lynx forward hit two free throws to put Minnesota up for good and send the series back to New York.

ESPN breaks down how the Lynx evened the series and what to expect in an iconic ending to the Finals on Sunday.

The WNBA Finals Game 4s were not kind to Stewart in a New York uniform. After shooting 3-for-17 from the field a year ago when the Las Vegas Aces won the title, Stewart had a rough Friday night. He went 5-for-21 with 11 points (and missed four 3-point attempts) — a game after Stewart's dominant Wednesday with 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Minnesota's defense is the biggest reason there will be a Game 5. The Lynx sent more defenders to Stewart earlier Friday. Whenever he caught the ball inside the 3-point line, Stewart had to contend with two defenders, one to prevent a quick-free jumper, the other to cut off a driving lane. It was a case of a veteran coach implementing a game plan that only a smart and team-oriented defense could execute possession after possession.

Stewart got some open looks that she missed, but the Lynx — led by Napheesa Collier, the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year — deserve most of the credit. — cream

the game

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello blasts officials: 'Just be fair!'

New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello didn't hold back in the postgame press conference, blasting those responsible for his team's narrow loss.

Sandy Brondello criticized Friday's performance, saying, “We didn't get a call.” Did officiating affect the outcome of Game 4?

Neither team won or lost because of foul play on Friday. Stewart was the only player in foul trouble and he still managed to play 33 minutes. Yes, Minnesota had more chances at the free throw line, but the shooting struggles of Stewarts and Sabrina Ionescu (a combined 10-for-36 from the field, 0-for-3 from 3) had more to do with the Liberty's inability to shut down. Out New York had three shots on its last full offensive possession and was unable to convert any of them.

Brondello may have wanted to respond after Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve called the office the night before the interview, but he'll be more focused on cleaning things up offensively and helping his team overcome some of their turnover issues — which continued into Friday's game ( 19 points for 16 turnovers). — Philip

the game

Kayla McBride in Game 4 win: Everyone gave it all they had

Kayla McBride reflects on the Lynx's thrilling Game 4 victory over the Liberty in the WNBA Finals.

What effect did role players have on Game 4?

Notably, Minnesota pulled off its biggest win of the season with zero points in the fourth quarter from either Collier or Williams. Kayla McBride had a good night with a team-leading 19 points, but was quiet in the second half with just five. Alanna Smith and Carlton scored seven of Minnesota's final nine points and delivered in the clutch. They each finished with 12 points and combined for 11 rebounds. The Lynx even got a crucial 10 minutes defensively from Dorkha Juhasz, who had only played two minutes in the previous three games.

Despite Stewart's tough night, New York nearly pulled away from Minnesota for the championship, a testament to the contributions of Leonie Fibich, who had 19 points, seven of which came in the fourth quarter. — cream

Cecilia Jandalacini delivers another clutch performance. The Minnesota forward finished plus-6 plus/minus (with six points and four rebounds in 16 minutes). He is the only player still on the roster from the 2017 Lynx championship team, returning to the league after a five-year hiatus.

“Ceci is tough. Goes through a lot of games where she might not want to contribute, and then all of a sudden we got to see Ceci the other day at shootaround, and these last two games have really been helping us.” Reeve said Friday. “We've always tried to get him back here. The timing was good for it, and he's a great fit for us.” — Philip

Stewart has a history of bouncing back. What do you expect from his Sunday?

No wonder Stewart looked completely different on Sunday. In the regular season, his lowest point total in a game was eight. Two days later, he had 31 points and 10 rebounds. An 11-point game late in the season was followed by 38. Stewart had a playoff-low 13 in Game 2 against Atlanta in the first round — then had 34 points against Las Vegas in the semifinals.

At this point, a bounce-back game is almost a calling card. Stewart may not score 30 points in Game 5, but he will be much better. — cream

Who has the advantage in Game 5?

In a series like this, “who knows” might be the safest answer. Both teams have plenty of positives to take away from Friday. Minnesota won despite not getting a great game from Collier. Lynx will also gain confidence in how to contain Stewart. Smith looked healthy after suffering a back injury in Game 3. This should make Reeve more sure of his rotation and bench minutes.

The Liberty can take solace in the fact they nearly stole one as Stewart had one of the worst games of his career. They also know he's a counter puncher who often finds a way to bounce back. Jones played with more confidence.

Speed? Edge of Minnesota. Home court? Edge of New York. Flip a coin and hope Game 5 is as entertaining as the previous four. — cream

New York should be back on home court, but the way the first four games of the series have gone, I don't think that would surprise me at this point. — Philip