5 things New York Liberty must do to win Game 5 and 2024 WNBA Finals

The 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx has been one of the most fiercely contested series in history, featuring multiple game-winners and even an overtime clash.

The Liberty are still chasing their elusive first championship after falling short in five previous Finals appearances (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2023), while the Lynx are aiming to win their first title since 2017 and their fifth overall.

The Liberty have adjustments to make if they want to win Game 5, which will take place on Sunday at Barclays Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.

Here's a closer look at five things the New York Liberty needs to do to win the 2024 WNBA Finals.

5 things New York Liberty should do to win Game 5 and WNBA Finals

#1. Play more physically

The New York Liberty needs to play with more physicality (Image Source: IMAGN)

Being more physical has proven to be a key factor. In Game 4, the Lynx attempted 20 free throws, while the Liberty had just nine. In Game 2, which the Liberty won, they had 14 free throw attempts compared to the Lynx's seven.

So far, the team with more free throws has won each game, so the Liberty should embrace physicality to increase their chances.

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#2. Maintain their rebounding edge

New York Liberty's Jonquel Jones fights for a rebound (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Liberty have dominated the boards throughout the playoffs, leading with 36.9 rebounds per game, while the Lynx have struggled with just 29.9 per game.

The Liberty has outrebounded the Lynx in every game of the Finals, averaging 38.0 rebounds across the first four games compared to the Lynx’s 30.3. Continuing this trend will be crucial.

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#3. Protect leads and avoid turnovers

The New York Liberty should be more careful with their leads (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Liberty have built double-digit leads in two games but only won one, losing Game 1 despite being up by 18. To secure a victory in Game 5, they must protect their leads and limit turnovers.

They have averaged the most turnovers in the playoffs (13.1 per game), while the Lynx have been more disciplined, averaging 11.7. In the Finals, the Liberty’s turnovers increased to 16.8 per game, while the Lynx committed only 14.0.

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#4. Attack the paint and avoid settling for jumpers

The Liberty should attack the paint more (Image Source: IMAGN)

Despite their rebounding dominance, the Liberty have not excelled at scoring in the paint. They rank second worst in the playoffs with 34.8 points in the paint per game, just behind the Lynx at 34.9.

In the Finals, both teams are tied at 32.5 points in the paint. The Liberty need to focus on generating high-percentage shots inside for a more efficient offense.

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#5. Stars must step up

Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu should step up for the Liberty (Image Source: IMAGN)

Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu need to deliver performances like they did in Game 3 where Stewart scored 30 points and Ionescu hit the game-winning 3-pointer. The Liberty’s stars must rise to the occasion and play their best in this decisive Game 5.

Do you think the New York Liberty will win Game 5 and the WNBA Finals on Sunday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.