Cheryl Reeve tried to summarize the Minnesota Lynx’s last-second 82-80 Game 4 win at Target Center.
“This is the most this group has been tested in a way,” she said. “I was sure how we would connect and compete. … I was sure we were going to be the Minnesota Lynx.”
The statement seems innocuous initially, but the Minnesota Lynx play a specific brand of basketball that has not fully manifested in the WNBA playoffs. The Lynx’s biggest strength is the depth of their roster, which was on full display in front of the sellout home crowd.
The depth showed up when the game needed it most. Minnesota had the ball with only 18 seconds left, and the score was tied 80-80.
“We went four flat and said court, make a play,” Reeve summarized. “Then we said BC (Bridget Carleton), if you have a chance, follow it up and see if you can tip one in and get fouled.”
Reeve finished the sentence with a smile.
The play progressed just as Reeve drew it up. Courtney Williams had an isolation where she stalled down the clock and rose for her signature mid-range jump shot. Williams’ shot hit the back iron before smacking the backboard and landing, directing it into Carleton’s hands.
In one motion, she corralled the rebound and flung a shot at the rim while Sabrina Ionescu fouled her.
Carleton then had the moment that potentially everyone dreams of in their driveways. With two seconds left, the game was tied, and she was heading to the line at home to potentially force Game 5 of the WNBA finals. Carleton hit both free throws.
On the ensuing possession, the New York Liberty made a three-point attempt for Ionescu, which she missed.
“That’s just what she does every day we’re around her,” said Reeve, speaking on Williams’ importance to the team. “She’s the same, and you can always count on her to be there for you.”
Napheesa Collier mirrored Reeve’s sentiment toward Carleton.
“Like coach said, we can bank on her to make those hustle plays,” said Collier, “and be cool and collected to make those free throws at the end.”
Carleton finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and a steal. She scored five points in the last 3:14 of the game and was a crucial part of the Lynx win in Game 4. However, she was not Minnesota’s only player to rise to the occasion. All five of the Lynx’s starters scored in double-digits and all eight of their players who got minutes scored.
Cecilia Zandalasini last played in the WNBA in 2018 for the Lynx and is the lone player remaining from the 2017 championship team. She played a pivotal 16 minutes off the bench. That’s the most minutes she’s seen since October 1, in the opening game against the Connecticut Sun. She finished with a playoff-high six points to go along with four rebounds.
“I’m just happy for her,” said Reeve. “We’ve always stayed in touch through the years. I’ve always tried to get her back over the years, and timing was good for this one.”
Dorka Juhasz also showed up in a big way for the Lynx as Reeve pivoted away from Myisha Hines-Allen for the backup center minutes. Juhasz logged ten minutes, tied for the most she has played in the 2024 playoffs. She finished with two points and was even in the plus/minus category, a notable improvement from the -18 that Hines-Allen logged in game three backing up Alanna Smith.
Minnesota’s bench outscored the Liberty’s bench 10-9, a pivotal one-point difference in a game decided by two points. However, total plus-minus better represents the Lynx bench’s true impact. Minnesota’s three bench players finished +3, whereas New York’s three finished -17. When the Lynx brought in their bench to relieve the starters, the drop-off in production and defense was not nearly as drastic as it was for the Liberty.
The Lynx have credited their depth and the number of players who can step up in big moments as the driving force behind their success all season. With just one game remaining in the WNBA season, Reeve finally got the full team performance she has built this team around.
As cliché as it sounds, if the Lynx play Lynx basketball, there will be a parade in Minneapolis.
