The WNBA Finals have arrived.
After a dramatic postseason that saw the fall of the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, the league is set to crown a new champion for the first time since 2021. The superstar-studded New York Liberty will face off against the well-rounded Minnesota Lynx in a five-game series.
The Liberty will enter the matchup as the clear favorites after a 32-8 regular season record. Led by the dynamic trio of Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty finished with the league’s top offense this season and ranked top 3 on the other end of the floor.
This Finals appearance will feel particularly personal for New York, who lost in four games to the Aces last season. The Liberty also have five WNBA Finals appearances without a single championship ring, which is the most in league history. This roster was built to finally get over the hump, and they’re only three wins away.
As for the Lynx, their 30-10 record was good enough to earn them the No. 2 this postseason. The team’s bread and butter is the defensive end, where they ranked behind only the Connecticut Sun. They also finished the year with the 4th-highest offensive rating thanks to their ball movement and efficient 3-point shooting. The Lynx finished first in both AST% and 3P% this season. Naphesse Collier is this squad’s driving force, averaging 27.1 points and 9.6 rebounds this postseason. Guard Kayla McBride is also among the WNBA’s best shooters with her 40.7 percent clip this season on 6.6 attempts per game.
Unlike their opponent, nobody has had more success in the WNBA Finals than the Lynx. Not only have they gotten there a league-high six times, but they have an intimidating 4-2 record in those appearances. The Lynx last won the title in 2017.
WNBA Finals Schedule
Game 1: Minnesota Lynx AT New York Liberty – Oct. 10 – 7:00 p.m. CT, ESPN
Game 2: Minnesota Lynx AT New York Liberty – Oct. 13 – 2:00 p.m. CT, ABC
Game 3: New York Liberty AT Minnesota Lynx – Oct. 16 – 7:00 p.m. CT, ESPN
Game 4: New York Liberty AT Minnesota Lynx – Oct. 18 – 7:00 p.m. CT, ESPN*
Game 5: Minnesota Lynx AT New York Liberty – Oct. 20 – 7:00 p.m. CT, ESPN*
*If Necessary
Projected Lineups
Minnesota Lynx
Kayla McBride
Courtney Williams
Bridget Carlton
Napheese Collier
Alanna Smith
New York Liberty
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Sabrina Ionescu
Leonie Fiebich
Breanna Stewart
Jonquel Jones