Thus ends the series of Finals rematches between the Liberty and Lynx, who played to a five-game thriller last fall in what became New York's first postseason championship run. None of the four games featured Liberty star Breanna Stewart while her fellow UConn alum and Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier missed the latter three.

New York jumped out to a 19-7 lead. By the end of the quarter, it was 24-20. Liberty fans melted in their seats, knowing that their hope against hope for a nice, easy blowout was not meant to be.

Minnesota’s starters collectively had a poor offensive night Tuesday, yet the Lynx bench almost rescued the team. Starting guard Courtney Williams overcame a slow start to finish with a team-high