Lynx comeback WNBA Finals G1 win over Liberty sends social media into overdrive

The Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 95-93 in Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals after staging a memorable comeback in overtime.

New York led by as many as 18 points in the first half and 15 points with 5:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. Minnesota took a one-point lead with an 18-2 run with 5.1 seconds left in regulation, but fouled Breanna Stewart on the ensuing possession. However, the two-time WNBA MVP split the two free throws and sent the game into overtime.

With the score at 93, Napheesa Collier gave Minnesota the lead for good eight seconds before the end of the extra frame. As time expired, Stewart missed a layup, sending the Lynx into euphoria.

From San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul to South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley, the sports world was captivated by the stunning start to the series that delivered historic numbers.

99.2%: To say that a New York win was a formality with 5:20 left in the game wouldn't have been an understatement.

According to ESPN analytics, the Liberty had a 99.2% chance of winning after leading the Lynx 81-66 in the fourth quarter.

I LOVE THIS GAME!! OUR GAME!! WBB IS SOMETHING SPECIAL!!!

– Dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) October 11, 2024

I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!! Legendary stuff here! #WNBA

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 11, 2024

15: The Liberty appeared to be in control with a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. But the Lynx stormed back to get back into the game before ultimately winning in overtime.

Including the regular season and playoffs, this is the second time in WNBA history that a team has won a game after trailing by at least 15 points in the final five minutes of regulation – Minnesota is the first postseason team to do so succeeded.

Tonight, the teams were 1-for-2,416 in WNBA history while trailing by more than 15 points in the final five minutes of regulation.

What a HUGE win for Minnesota. The biggest comeback in #WNBAFinals History (18). Wow

– Renee Montgomery (@ReneeMontgomery) October 11, 2024

This is one of the best endings to a game I've ever seen!!! 🤯

— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) October 11, 2024

5.1: The Lynx's fourth-quarter comeback was capped off by a four-point play from Courtney Williams, whose free throw gave them a one-point lead with 5.1 seconds left in regulation.

According to Elias, there had never been a game-winning four-point play in the final 10 seconds in a WNBA game before Thursday night.

Ouuu, this series is going to be so good!! #WNBAFinals

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) October 11, 2024

The Lynx game was 🔥

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) October 11, 2024

Three: Minnesota had a trio of scorers that made the difference in the end.

Three players scored at least 20 points for the first time in franchise history – Williams (23), Kayla McBride (22) and Collier (21). This group scored or assisted 81 points in Game 1.

Collier became the second player in WNBA history to record 20 points and five blocks in a WNBA Finals game – and the first since Lisa Leslie in 2001.

The Lynx vs. Liberty game is so damn good!! Great basketball is being played!!!!! Great throw!! #WNBAFinals

— Chris Paul (@CP3) October 11, 2024

Collier clearly dominates this game on both sides. Game destroyer!

– Paolo Banchero (@Pp_doesit) October 11, 2024

ESPN Research contributed to this story.