via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 15: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty brings the ball up the court against the Las Vegas Aces between Breanna Stewart #30 and Jonquel Jones #35 in the first quarter of the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 82-63. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 15: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty brings the ball up the court against the Las Vegas Aces between Breanna Stewart #30 and Jonquel Jones #35 in the first quarter of the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 82-63. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The countdown to the 2024 WNBA Finals is on—just two days to go! While the New York Liberty have already punched their ticket to the Finals by eliminating the Las Vegas Aces in an intense semifinal series, their opponent is still undecided. The Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx are set to battle it out in a decisive Game 5 to determine the final contender. For Liberty fans, the excitement is already sky-high.
This marks the New York Liberty’s sixth trip to the WNBA Finals, and they’re more determined than ever to bring home their first championship. Despite having the second-most Finals appearances in league history, the elusive title has always slipped through their fingers. But this year feels different. The Liberty has been a powerhouse, finishing the regular season with only eight losses and earning the top spot as the No. 1 offensive team.
After making it to the Finals last year, the New York Liberty are eager to avoid causing their fans another heartbreak in such a short span. However, their Finals opponent is still up in the air. With the Connecticut Sun defeating the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4, the second finalist will only be confirmed after tonight’s decisive matchup at the Target Center.
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With excitement building for the upcoming series, a fan page dedicated to the Liberty recently took to X to engage the fan base. They posed an intriguing question: “In your opinion, who poses a bigger threat to the Liberty in the Finals—Sun or Lynx? #LIGHTITUPNYL.”
Well, Liberty fans quickly jumped in with their opinions, sharing passionate arguments about which opponent they believe would be the lesser threat in the championship showdown.
New York Liberty fans weigh on Lynx vs. Sun in the Final showdown
The New York Liberty wrapped up the regular season as the top seed, earning the advantage of hosting the first two games and a potential Game 5 on their home court. As the team prepares for the Finals, they might be hoping for an opponent they’ve had success against this season. The Minnesota Lynx don’t fit that bill. Cheryl Reeve’s squad was the only team to hold a winning record over the Liberty, going 3-1 in their regular-season matchups. On the other hand, the Liberty dominated the Connecticut Sun, winning three out of four meetings.
Well, it appears fans have somewhat hazy yet vivid memories of the Lynx giving the Liberty a hard time. Some of them believe Minnesota would be the bigger threat to Sandy Brondello’s team, making the Sun a more favorable opponent in the Finals.
“Lynx, for sure. they beat us 3? 4? times this year“
“Lynx. Liberty would prefer Connecticut. They won the regular series, 4-0. Lynx beat the Liberty in the regular season, 3-1.“
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Lynx, for sure. they beat us 3? 4? times this year
— 🏳️🌈 🗽 omg it's leo 🗽 🏳️🌈 (@slootthereitis) October 7, 2024
The Lynx also have a significant advantage with Napheesa Collier, the league’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, leading their charge. Collier has been outstanding in the playoffs, scoring over 25 points in four of the six games she’s played. She even matched the playoff single-game scoring record with 42 points in the first round, making her a serious threat for the Liberty’s defense. One fan echoed this concern, noting that Collier could definitely pose a major challenge for New York.
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“Def the Lynx, Collier is trouble “
Another reason Liberty fans might prefer facing the Sun over the Lynx is simple—location. Minnesota is nearly 1,400 miles from New York, making it a tough trip for fans to attend away games. In contrast, Connecticut is only about 100 miles away. Plus, Stewart and her squad wouldn’t have to adjust to a different time zone.
“The Lynx but only because we will make any game in CT a home game for the Liberty. We will take over the Mohegan Sun“
“I think Lynx only because if they face the Sun they don have to deal with long flights or time zone differences. Either way they’re gonna win. #LIGHTITUPNYL #WNBA #WNBAFinals“
There’s no doubt that the Liberty have been the most consistent team this season, showcasing their talent and determination right from the start. However, the Lynx is the one team that could potentially give them pause. With their impressive regular-season record and being the only team to have more final appearances than Liberty, they certainly pose a threat. While one fan proudly highlighted Liberty’s top ranking, they admitted that it’s the Lynx who keep them on edge.
“Lynx TBH.. While I’m not scared because we really have been the best team in the league all year, that team does give me cause to pause“
As the excitement builds for the 2024 WNBA Finals, all eyes are on the Liberty as they seek their first championship. With a formidable season behind them, they are ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
