Two wins away from home. In a career year for Alanna Smith, the Minnesota Lynx advance to the 2024 WNBA Finals, earning a win in Game 1 and inching ever closer to their fifth championship.

After a strong game from Smith, who finished with nine points, nine rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes, the Lynx were able to come back from a 32-19 deficit in the first quarter and take a narrow 95-93 win in overtime take home. In overtime, the Lynx beat the Liberty 11-9 and secured the win.

Smith shortened the rotation and only used eight players. Smith started the game but played the fewest minutes of all starters at 30, as Courtney Williams (35 minutes) was the player with the second fewest minutes played. In addition to Smith, Bridget Carleton, Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride and Williams were the starters in the game. The other players featured were Myisha Hines-Allen, Natisha Hiedeman and Cecilia Zandalasini.

Smith, who played more of a defensive role in the postseason as she averaged just nine points per game, started every playoff game for Minnesota, continuing her breakout campaign in which she earned a spot in the All- Defensive second team secured. After spending last season as a member of the Chicago Sky, Smith signed a multi-year deal with Minnesota and immediately became an impactful player.

Her appearance in the Finals caps a year in which she set career-highs: She started all 39 games for which she was available, averaging 10.1 points per game, 3.2 assists per game and 5.6 rebounds per game. She also helped lead the Australian women's national team to a bronze medal at the Olympics.

The Lynx now lead the Finals 1-0 and have the next few days off before returning to Barclays Center for game two. Tipoff is scheduled for Sunday at noon PT and will air on ESPN.