What to watch for in Liberty-Lynx WNBA Finals Game 2

After opening the WNBA Finals with a stunning come-from-behind overtime victory, the Minnesota Lynx will try to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series on Sunday.

Here are four things to watch for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals:

Can Napheesa Collier build off her tremendous Game 1 performance?

The Lynx' dramatic come-from-behind overtime win over the Liberty in Game 1 was a team effort, but make no mistake, Collier was the ring leader. Incredible on the offensive end, scoring 21 points (10-of-16) while hitting the game-winning shot in the extra session, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year made her most significant impact on the other end of the floor, recording eight rebounds (six defensive) and six blocks while helping contain Breanna Stewart and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (23 points combined) underneath the basket. With that kind of production, she could be the ultimate difference-maker for Minnesota in the series.  

Liberty shooting to improve

After building an early 32-19 lead in the first quarter of Game 1, the Liberty let the Lynx force them off their balanced attack, leading to complete just 37.8% of their shots. As head coach Sandy Brondello told reporters after the loss, her team veered away from its "principals of play." But that might change for an offense that shot 44% from the field (fourth in the WNBA) during the regular season.

Lynx to keep using size disadvantage to their benefit

The Liberty aimed to use their distinct size advantage to bully the Lynx in Game 1, but towards the backend of the contest, Minnesota went with an even smaller lineup, using their speed to control the pace on the offensive end. Despite being out-rebounded, the Lynx effectively nullified the size advantage on defense, doubling anyone with possession down low and forcing New York to take more low-percentage looks than it probably wanted to. If they can repeat that performance, they'll be in the driver's seat, heading home for Game 3 up 2-0.

Can Liberty stars step up

The Liberty started red-hot but cooled significantly as Game 1 progressed, partly due to lackluster outings from the team's two biggest contributors. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu were out of rhythm most of the game, finishing 6-of-21 and 8-of-26, respectively for 37 combined points. Much of the credit goes to the Lynx's defensive effort, but New York could face a nearly impossible 0-2 deficit if the duo isn't more efficient on Sunday.