18-point comeback. “I think it defines our team,” says Cheryll Reeves. But a huge blow to the Sandy Brondello-led New York Liberty, who stepped out of the locker room to not relive the feelings of the 2023 Finals. The second-best defensive team rose to the tag as they held down Liberty’s star player, Sabrina Ionescu, throwing in multiple coverages. Brondello acknowledges, but also notes it was both parties at play.

After the game, Brondello and the Liberty roster addressed the media in a post-game press conference, where she discussed Sabrina Ionescu’s performance.“Yeah, I think they’ll throw different coverages at her (Sabrina Ionescu), you know, with the switching, and she was trying to go a little bit too much one-on-one early,” Brondello pointed out when highlighting Ionescu’s tough night.

Sabrina had 19 points with five rebounds in 41 minutes of play. But she wasn’t able to fully live up to the expectations, thanks to Lynx’s defense. With a career average of 36.4 shooting % from beyond the arc and 40.5 from the field, Ionescu has experienced her share of screens. It was something she faced earlier in the game against the LV Aces too. “She’s been playing great. So, of course, they want to make it hard for her. I think they did put her in action on the other end,” Sandy had admitted.

It was evident again this time as Sab went only 8 for 26 from the field and 5 for 8 from three-point range. She would also miss four attempts, 2 from the field and beyond the arc each before landing her very first 3-pointer in the game, with about 2 minutes left on the clock.

Still, the head coach showed faith in Ionescu. “We had a tough shooting night. We all did, but what I know is that Sabrina’s a competitor and she’ll get ready for Game 2 and come back stronger,” she added.  With a regular-season average of 18 points, 19 points is impressive, but with a 20-point playoff average, she was below her usual standard today. How could she not be?

Napheesa Collier was the defensive star of the night.

In the first half, the Minnesota Lynx trailed by as many as 18 points, facing an 81-66 deficit with only five minutes remaining. But that fueled the Lynx to force overtime in the fourth quarter with an 18-3 run. Their advantage was short-lived, as Breanna Stewart was fouled just before the final buzzer.

However, the two-time MVP could only convert one of her two free-throw attempts, sending the game to overtime. It was a moment that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Both teams traded baskets until Collier hit a fadeaway jumper, giving the Lynx a two-point lead. With only eight seconds remaining, Stewie couldn’t connect, giving the Lynx a 1-0 series edge.

Collier finished the game with an impressive 21 points and eight rebounds, shooting 10-for-16. But she really dominated defensively, registering six blocks and three steals. Well, today’s game was a buzzer beater but the real thrill is what history will be made this season? First championship or the most?