The WNBA Finals tipped off in thrilling fashion on Thursday, with an intense Game 1 that set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying series. The Minnesota Lynx staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the New York Liberty, overcoming an 18-point deficit in regulation before capturing the victory in overtime, giving them a 1-0 series lead.
The game offered a preview of a potentially historic finals, fitting for what has been the biggest season in WNBA history.
As the league continues to grow, so too does its celebrity fan base, with Game 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn drawing in several high-profile figures. Among the stars in attendance was legendary director and die-hard New York Knicks fan Spike Lee, who traded in his usual Knicks attire for a Liberty outfit as he rooted for the home team from his coveted front-row seat, just as he’s done for years at Madison Square Garden.
However, it wasn’t just Lee commanding attention. During a break in the fourth quarter, cameras panned to a familiar face in the crowd—actress Aubrey Plaza.
Known for her deadpan comedic style in Parks and Recreation, Plaza took full advantage of her cameo on the Barclays Center scoreboard. In typical Aubrey fashion, she pulled out a book and humorously pretended to read before looking straight into the camera, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
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Plaza has established herself as a dedicated WNBA fan, making appearances at several games over the past few seasons. She garnered headlines earlier this year during the WNBA All-Star Game, where she was spotted using crutches.
It was later revealed that Plaza had torn her ACL while playing a game of knockout at the Phoenix Mercury’s practice facility just days before the event. Despite the injury, her commitment to attending games and supporting the league has been unwavering.
Reading a book courtside at a high-stakes basketball game might seem unusual, but it was all in good fun—and a lot safer than risking another knee injury. Plaza’s playful moment captured the lighthearted spirit that fans, celebrities, and players alike have brought to the WNBA this season.
As the Finals progress, Plaza and WNBA fans around the world are eagerly anticipating Game 2, scheduled for Sunday afternoon. With the Lynx just two wins away from securing another title, the pressure is on the Liberty to bounce back and even the series before it shifts to Minnesota.
Regardless of the outcome, the series is already shaping up to be a memorable one, both for the excitement on the court and the growing support off it.
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