Move over, Caitlin Clark! The WNBA Finals are here, and they’ve made history—without needing a Caitlin Clark highlight reel to do it. The Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty took the court for Game 1 of the 2024 Finals, smashing a 21-year viewership record for non-Caitlin Clark games. Yes, you read that right. No Caitlin, no problem. Turns out, people still like basketball!
With over 1.14 million viewers glued to the screen, this showdown became the most-watched Game 1 in the history of the WNBA Finals—an achievement previously held by the Phoenix Mercury vs. Houston Comets in 1998, back when dial-up internet was still a thing. And this wasn’t just a lucky night; the Liberty vs. Lynx clash is only the third game this season to crack a million views without Caitlin Clark’s name attached. It’s almost as if the league can survive without her… almost.
Breaking the Records, Despite the Odds
You’d think pitting a WNBA Finals game against NFL’s Thursday Night Football and MLB postseason madness would be a recipe for disaster. But nope. The 2024 season has been all about surprises, and this Finals matchup kept the trend going, as viewers chose hoops over helmets and home runs.
In a year where Clark-mania has been at an all-time high, it’s worth noting that this is the game that crossed a million viewers without being directly tied to her. It’s basically the WNBA screaming, “Hey, we’re more than just one superstar!” And with 27 games crossing the million-viewer mark this season, the league’s got a bright future ahead—Caitlin Clark or not.
Liberty Took the Lead—But Lost the Plot
Game 1 was a rollercoaster, to say the least. The Liberty came out guns blazing, putting up a 13-point lead in the first quarter that had Lynx fans crying into their nachos. It looked like an easy win for New York’s best team. But wait, this is the WNBA Finals—where no lead is ever safe.
The Lynx slowly chipped away, and by halftime, they were down by just 8 points. Sure, they were still trailing, but in basketball, that’s a sneeze. Third quarter? They cut it down to 7. Cue the ominous music because that’s when Naphessa Collier decided to flip the script.
Naphessa Collier: Unlocking Beast Mode
Dubbed the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Collier made sure no one forgot it during the most crucial moments of the game. She casually dropped 6 points, threw in 2 blocks, and stole the ball in the third quarter like she was shopping on Black Friday. The Liberty, with superstar Breanna Stewart at the line, had the chance to clinch the win with two free throws. Simple, right?
Plot twist! Stewart sank the first but missed the second, because, hey, drama is a must in these Finals. With the game tied at 83-83, we went to overtime. The heart rates of Liberty fans? Skyrocketing. Lynx fans? Holding on for dear life.
Overtime Shenanigans
The extra period was just as nerve-wracking. Both teams traded baskets like they were in a street game, but it all came down to—surprise, surprise—Naphessa Collier. Tied at 93-93, she pulled off a clutch, fadeaway jumper that would’ve made Kobe proud. Lynx win 95-93! Collier finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals. You know, just another casual day at the office for her.
Game 2 Awaits—Liberty Looking for Revenge
Game 2 is set for October 14th at the Barclays Center, and you better believe the Liberty will show up with a vengeance. After letting Game 1 slip through their fingers, they’ll need to channel some serious energy if they hope to even the series. For now, though, the Lynx have the upper hand, and Collier is the Finals MVP in the making.
But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves—the Finals have just begun, and if Game 1 was any indication, we’re in for an epic series. So buckle up, because the WNBA is here to break records, defy expectations, and give us basketball at its finest. Oh, and Caitlin Clark? She’ll be watching from the sidelines, too.