hero-image

New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx predicted starting lineups and depth charts | 2024 WNBA Finals Game 3, Oct. 16, 2024 

The Minnesota Lynx will host the New York Liberty at Target Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday in a vital 2024 WNBA Finals Game 3 matchup. This promises to be a fascintating encounter in this finely balanced series and a win for either team will give them a major advantage moving forward.

The series is currently tied at 1-1 after the two teams split the opening games.

The Lynx battled bravely to comeback in Game 1 in Brooklyn. Cheryl Reeve's team trailed by 18 points at one point of the second half, but a memorable display from Courtney Williams took the game to overtime where Minnesota was able to edge out a slender 95-93 victory. New York pushed back in Game 2 with Breanna Stewart leading the way with 21 points to help the Liberty secure a 80-66 victory.

The 2024 WNBA Finals pits two of the league's most talented rosters against each other. There will be plenty of stars on display at Target Center including All-Stars Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Steward, Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, among others.

New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx: Predicted starting lineups and depth charts

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Center. Photo Credit: Imagn
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

The Liberty finished the regular season with a WNBA-best 32-8 record. A big part of that success was due to their stellar Starting 5. Coach Sandy Brondello has stayed relatively consistent with her lineup during the regular season and played the same five in both the previous finals games.

Expect to see Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Leonie Fiebich, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones once again take the court on Wednesday.

New York Liberty depth chart:

GSabrina IonescuIvana DojkicJaylyn Sherrod
GBetnijah Laney-HamiltonCourtney VanderslootMarquesha Davis
F Leonia FiebichKennedy Burke
F Breanna StewartKayla Thornton
C Jonquel JonesNyara Sabally

Like Brondello, Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve has stuck with a regular starting group throughout the regular season and the playoffs. The Lynx started Game 1 and Game 2 of the series with the same starting lineup and we can expect to see Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith start once gain for the home team.

Minnesota Lynx depth chart:

GCourtney WilliamsNatasha Hiedeman
GKayla McBrideMyisha Hines-AllenAlissa Pili
F Napheesa CollierCecilia ZandalasiniSika Kone
F Bridget CarletonDorka JahuszDiamond Miller
C Alanna Smith

New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx: Players to watch

Breanna Stewart has been the standout player for the New York Liberty throught the season and postseason. Over eight playoff games, the forward is averaging 19.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 blocks. Her 21 points in Game 2 of the series were crucial for a Liberty team desperate for a victory.

Stewart is a two-time league MVP and has also won two championships with the Seattle Storm. She will need to be at her best if the Liberty have a chance of pulling off a victory away from home.

For the Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collier will be the player to keep an eye on. The four-time WNBA All-Star has put in some impressive displays over the postseason to guide Minnesota to the finals. During the playoffs, Collier leads her roster in almost every major category including points (25.2), rebound (9.2), steals (1.7), blocks (2.2) and minutes (37.9)

You may also like