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October 11, 2024

Courtney Williams Leads Minnesota Lynx to Historic WNBA Finals Comeback

Courtney Williams WNBA Finals

Courtney Williams leads Lynx to Finals!

In a league known for its brevity, where careers often end as abruptly as they begin, Williams has emerged as an exception. As she exited the Barclays Center court following the Minnesota Lynx’s stunning upset over the New York Liberty, Williams paused to face the Lynx fans, flexing triumphantly. “I’m here,” she shouted. “I’m here.” And indeed, she is—on the biggest stage of women’s basketball, proving she belongs.

A Circuitous Journey to the WNBA Finals

Williams’ path to this moment has been anything but linear. Known early in her career for her shoot-first mentality, she was once a fringe player struggling to stay in the league. Two years ago, Williams signed a make-good contract with the Connecticut Sun.  Fast-forward to Thursday night, Williams was the heart and soul of the Minnesota Lynx, engineering one of the most dramatic comebacks in WNBA playoff history.

The Pivotal Moment: A Four-Point Play That Changed Everything

With just 5.5 seconds left in regulation, Williams made the defining play of the night: a four-point play that gave the Lynx their first lead of the game, helping them to a 95-93 overtime victory. Minnesota became the first team to win a playoff game after trailing by at least 15 points with five minutes remaining. “I could cry,” Williams said afterward. “This is amazing. I love it.”

From Journeywoman to Minnesota’s Edge

Williams wasn’t one of the marquee signings of the 2024 offseason. After a tumultuous exit from Atlanta and three seasons with three different teams, she was gaining a reputation as a journeywoman. Many doubted whether she could take on the point guard role for a contender, particularly since Minnesota had struggled to replace Lindsay Whalen. Yet the fit with the Lynx has been seamless, leading to one of Williams’ most productive seasons to date. Averaging a career-best 7.5 assists per 40 minutes, she also became one of the league’s best midrange shooters, alongside MVP A’ja Wilson.

The Missing Piece for the Lynx

More than her stats, Williams brought a toughness that Minnesota had been lacking since the departure of their Hall of Fame core in the 2010s. “Courtney lights up a room when she walks in,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “She’s authentic, and she can fit anywhere.” Despite coming to Minnesota to play the role of distributor, Williams has maintained the scoring prowess that made her an All-Star in 2021, delivering 23 critical points in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

Prepared for the Moment: Lessons from Past Finals

The Liberty was expected to be the stronger team; however, Williams was no stranger to the stage. She had reached the finals with the Connecticut Sun in both 2019 and 2022. Reflecting on her first trip to the championship, Williams laughed at how little she understood about the magnitude of the moment. “I was a kid, I didn’t even know what to expect,” she shared.

Now, at 30, Williams is more than ready. Her experience in those prior finals taught her the mental toughness needed to weather the dramatic swings of postseason basketball. She showed that resilience on Thursday, shaking off a quiet first half to score 10 points in the fourth quarter and another five in overtime.

A Family Affair: The Emotional Highs and Lows of Game 1

Williams’ father, Don, known as one of the most vocal fans in the Lynx entourage, admitted even he was subdued in the first half of the game. But when his daughter turned up the heat, he knew there would be more noise to come.  Williams added five points and an assist, securing a victory over a team that had been heavily favored.

After the final buzzer, Williams gathered with her family and friends, none of whom had sat down since halftime. They FaceTimed with fans back in Minnesota, celebrating the unexpected win that had drained every ounce of their energy.

Finding Her Home in the WNBA

No matter what twists and turns Williams’ journey has taken, it has led her to exactly where she belongs.  She is a key player for one of the WNBA’s most storied franchises poised to make a lasting impact on the league’s history. “These people I’m around, we believe in each other so much,” Williams said. “It’s crazy, man. I’m happy to be here.”

Seizing the Moment: Williams’ Finals Opportunity

Every player dreams of reaching the WNBA Finals, but few get the opportunity to make a defining impact once there. Courtney Williams, however, is taking full advantage of her moment. As she stood on the right wing of the 3-point line, nailing the biggest shot of her career.  She has finally found her home in the WNBA, and the league may never be the same.

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