The 2024 WNBA Finals are reaching their climax, with the New York Liberty holding a 2-1 series lead over the Minnesota Lynx. As Game 4 looms, head coaches Sandy Brondello and Cheryl Reeve are relying heavily on their core lineups to secure the coveted championship title.
Throughout both the regular season and playoffs, the coaches have stayed consistent with their starting lineups. Unless unexpected injuries or circumstances arise, Brondello and Reeve are clear about which five players will take the floor from the start.
Game 4 will tip off Friday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis. New York is aiming to seal its first-ever championship, while Minnesota looks to even the series and force a decisive Game 5 back at Barclays Center.
Who will start for the Liberty in Game 4?
Brondello has deployed seven different starting lineups this season. However, she has leaned on the same five players throughout the playoffs: Leonie Fiebich, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Breanna Stewart.
One lingering concern for Brondello is Laney-Hamilton. The standout forward has been dealing with injuries that sidelined her for nine games after the Olympic break, forcing the coach to rely on Fiebich and Kennedy Burke during her absence.
Who will start for the Lynx in Game 4?
On the Minnesota side, Reeve has used six different starting lineups this season. But for every playoff game, she has stuck with Bridget Carleton, Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams.
A potential issue for the Lynx is Smith’s fitness for Game 4. If the center is limited, versatile forward Dorka Juhász is ready to step up as she has throughout the season.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for tonight’s game at the Target Center. Will the Liberty make history with their first title, or will the Lynx push for a fifth championship trophy?
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