Then, Bridget Carleton happened. The Canadian guard — who was a leading candidate for Most Improved Player this season — grabbed the offensive rebound over Sabrina Ionescu, and was fouled on the putback attempt. She calmly sunk both free throws, and a last-second Ionescu heave at the buzzer clanked off the glass.

The Minnesota Lynx held on for an 82-80 win on Friday night over the Liberty, after Brdiget Carlton hit two free throws with two seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty were left thinking about what could have been. The Liberty had an 18-point lead in the first half and an 11-point advantage with 3:23 left in regulation before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals slipped away and with it homecourt advantage in the best-of-five series.

Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates after a missed shot by New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) at the buzzer during the second half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series,

How many games are played in the WNBA Finals? And why? Here's what to know about the New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx format

Bridget Carleton made two free throws with 2 seconds left, and the Minnesota Lynx forced a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, beating the New York Liberty 82-80

The New York Liberty look to capture the franchise's first WNBA title in Game 4 matchup against the Lynx in Minnesota.

The 2024 WNBA Finals will continue on Friday with Game 4 between the top-seeded New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. New York is up 2-1 in the best-of-five series and is one win away from the first title in franchise history.