\u201cThe way we came out to start the game and, you know, everything\u2019s going on the last couple days, the way these guys came out and played, and took [Phoenix\u2019s] run in the second quarter and came out doing the same thing again in the second half,\u201d Thibault said, \u201cat a certain point, that\u2019s who you are. That\u2019s who these guys have been now for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the Lynx lost to the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals last season<\/a> \u2014 a late foul call and lopsided overtime away from a league-record fifth title \u2014 the Lynx decided to run it back, rather than retool a roster that had been largely underestimated heading into the 2024 season. <\/p>\n They returned all five starters, all searching for a first championship. They traded for guard DiJonai Carrington<\/a>, who missed the playoffs with a left foot injury, to strengthen the bench. They earned the target on their back, finishing 34-10 with league-high offensive and defensive ratings, even despite a 6-5 dip to finish the regular season.<\/p>\n And then Phoenix, peaking at the right time with a healthy \u201cbig three\u201d of Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, hit that target.<\/p>\n