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The 2024 WNBA Finals have reached a Game 5 as the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx have tied the series, 2-2. Tonight is a do-or-die game for both teams, and Liberty coach Sandy Brondello shrugged off the pressure during her media availability.
The 2024 season is her third year coaching the New York team, and Brondello has already helped the franchise reach the finals twice. Last season ended in disappointment as they lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. This time, the team has the chance to win its first title.
Given that it's her second year in a row to lead the Liberty to the finals, a reporter asked the coach how she deals with pressure.
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"I was probably a little anxious in the morning, to be quite honest," Brondello said. "But once I get into the game, like now, I’m very calm. Maybe because I'm old now, I've been in many of these. World Cups, Olympics.
"If you want pressure, do a World Cup in your own country — that’s pressure."
In 2017, Brondello became the head coach for the Australian Women's national team, the Opals. Although leading the national team hasn't always been simple, she has contributed to their success. The 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup took place in Australia, her home country.
In the tournament, the Aussies failed to finish at the top place but were still in the top three.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Brondello coached the Australian team. The team's medal drought was broken by the coach, who took home the bronze medal in the tournament. It was the first time the national team won a medal in the Olympics since 2012.
Brondello on the Liberty's composure ahead of Game 5
Tonight's contest between the Liberty and the Lynx will decide which team wins it all.
"Of course, there's gonna be some nerves," Brondello said on Game 5. "I think we had more nerves in the last game. I feel good about what we're showing now. I think some nerves are good."
New York will play the deciding game in front of its home crowd. According to the head coach, the energy from the fans will help her and the rest of the team take on their toughest challenge this year.
Game 5 will tip-off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Fans can watch the game via Sling TV, Fubo or DirecTV Stream.
