Napheesa Collier had 22 points for the Lynx in Game Five. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images
The Minnesota Lynx lost a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals in overtime to the New York Liberty last night, 62-60.
What happened: Minnesota's Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride combined for 43 points, but the Lynx offense cooled in the second half. The only shots the team made in overtime were two free throws.
Why it matters: Despite this defeat, the Lynx prove Minnesota sports fans can have nice things.
No other WNBA franchise has made more finals appearances than the Lynx — seven in the last 13 years — and this one came with a roster completely rebuilt from the 2010s dynasty that won four championships.
The Lynx accomplished much, despite most preseason oddsmakers pegging them to miss the playoffs, and most analysts picking the star-studded Liberty to win the series.
The intrigue: Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve thought a foul call against Minnesota's Alanna Smith with 6.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter "should have been reversed." The Lynx challenged, but the call stood.
Liberty forward Breanna Stewart made the two resulting free throws, tying the game and forcing overtime.
