Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride. Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Watch: Lynx jump out to early first-quarter lead in Game 3 of WNBA Finals

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/16/24

Through the first two games of the 2024 WNBA Finals, it's been the New York Liberty who've started hot, tallying 32 points in the opening quarter of Game 1 and 31 in Game 2. But the Minnesota Lynx turned the tables early in Game 3.

The Liberty scored five of the first seven points of Game 3, but the Lynx responded on their home floor, going on a 12-0 run to gain a 14-5 lead with 6:57 left in the first quarter. Kayla McBride led the charge, equaling her Game 2 total with eight points, including back-to-back three-pointers, forcing New York to take its first first-quarter timeout of the playoffs.

KAYLA MCBRIDE HITS BACK-TO-BACK THREES pic.twitter.com/lecwThqTNF
— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2024

While the Lynx's offense came out firing, its defense was an unsung hero, posting five steals and turning eight turnovers into 14 points. Meanwhile, Liberty star Breanna Stewart ended the quarter with only four points and two fouls.

New York went on a 7-2 run to end the first quarter, but Minnesota still held a 10-point advantage, 28-18, heading into the second stanza.

McBride ended the first with a team-high 10 points, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Bridget Carleton also came alive, tallying seven points (3-of-5), including a three-pointer.

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