David Dow/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx wrapped up an inconceivable comeback in Recreation 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals on Thursday night time, defeating the New York Liberty in extra time by the ultimate rating of 95-93.
Minnesota Lynx @minnesotalynx
THAT’S ONE. pic.twitter.com/QLCAFvv3UK
Minnesota trailed by as many as 18 factors within the first half and confronted an 81-66 deficit with 5 minutes remaining in regulation. The Lynx have been capable of pressure extra time by ending the fourth quarter on an 18-3 run, which included a four-point play by Courtney Williams that gave the workforce a one-point lead.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
LYNX 4-PT PLAY TO TAKE THE LEAD WITH 5.5 SECONDS LEFT 😱 @HighlightHER
COURTNEY WILLIAMS OH MY GOODNESS.
(by way of @WNBA)pic.twitter.com/HAlXynFVhc
Minnesota’s benefit was short-lived, as two-time MVP Breanna Stewart was fouled simply earlier than the ultimate buzzer sounded. Nevertheless, she was solely capable of make one in all her two free-throw makes an attempt which resulted in extra time.
Each groups traded baskets within the further 5 minutes earlier than Collier linked on a fadeaway jumper to present the Lynx a two-point lead with roughly eight seconds remaining within the contest. A possible game-tying shot by Stewart did not join because the buzzer sounded, giving Minnesota a 1-0 collection edge.
ESPN @espn
THE BUCKET FROM NAPHEESA THAT WON IT FOR THE LYNX 🔥
Minnesota up 1-0 within the WNBA Finals! pic.twitter.com/oqZ7gXuWpq
Collier completed with 21 factors and eight rebounds on 10-16 taking pictures. She was additionally dominant on the defensive finish of the ground, recording six blocks and three steals.
Williams ended the sport with a team-high 23 factors to go together with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Minnesota was extraordinarily environment friendly as a workforce, taking pictures 51 p.c from the sphere and 41 p.c from three.
Followers, gamers and pundits alike have been amazed by Collier in addition to the comeback victory.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
LYNX WIN GAME 1 IN AN ABSOLUTE STUNNER 😱🔥
LARGEST COMEBACK IN WNBA FINALS HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/I6lAk1b7MK
Paolo Banchero @Pp_doesit
collier is single handily dominating this recreation on either side. recreation wrecker!
Michael Sykes, II @MikeDSykes
Napheesa Collier giving one of many biggest defensive efforts I’ve seen. That is unreal.
Chris Paul @CP3
Lynx vs Liberty recreation is so rattling good!! Nice Basketball being performed!!!!! Huge shot making!! #WNBAFinals
Chiney Ogwumike @chiney
this is without doubt one of the greatest finishes to a recreation I’ve EVER seen!!! 🤯
GopherHole.com @GopherHole
OMG WHAT A WIN!!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!! #LYNX!!!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE COMEBACK!!!! HISTORIC!!! #LynxRecognize pic.twitter.com/F2KdcHZw1Q
Chad Hartman @ChadHartmanShow
Fairly easy, that is an all time recreation in Minnesota sports activities historical past, will keep in mind for a very long time, astonishing victory for the Lynx
StatMamba @StatMamba
The primary trio in Lynx franchise historical past to every rating 20+ PTS in a Finals recreation:
23 PTS — Courtney Williams
22 PTS — Kayla McBride
21 PTS — Napheesa Collier pic.twitter.com/tAtCcppgnK
buckets @buckets
lynx followers rn pic.twitter.com/bkQeuocNQh
Hunter Cruse @HunterCruse14
Napheesa Collier simply put collectively among the finest defensive performances in WNBA historical past idc
Bd@irB@ll @Bd_irB_ll
I hope persons are understanding what we’re watching Napheesa Collier do. This is without doubt one of the biggest defensive performances I’ve ever seen in all sports activities
After stealing Recreation 1 on the highway, the Lynx will look to take a commanding 2-0 collection lead within the subsequent matchup between the 2 groups on Sunday.
