Liberty Stun Top-Seeded Lynx in WNBA Playoff Opener
New York, the eighth seed, is one win away from advancing after a commanding Game 1 victory.
The eighth-seeded New York Liberty secured a significant upset on Sunday, defeating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 91-75 in Game 1 of their WNBA playoff series. The victory places the Liberty one win away from advancing, a feat that would make history by preventing the top seed from reaching the second round under the current playoff format, established in 2022.
Breanna Stewart led the charge for New York with a dominant performance, recording 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Leonie Fiebich provided crucial offensive support, scoring 14 of her 16 points in the second half and making 4-of-5 three-point attempts.
The Liberty employed a defensive strategy similar to one used earlier in September, focusing on limiting Lynx guard Olivia Miles. New York’s defense, with players like Fiebich, Pauline Astier, and Rebekah Gardner applying pressure, hounded Miles beyond half-court and closed off driving lanes. This defensive pressure contributed to Miles finishing with 11 points, one assist, and eight turnovers.
New York established an early lead with a 15-0 run after falling behind by six points at the start of the game. They led 25-18 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Lynx rallied in the second quarter, outscoring the Liberty 26-15 to take a 44-40 lead into halftime, aided by late three-pointers from Courtney Williams and Miles.
The Liberty quickly regained control in the third quarter, opening with an 11-2 run fueled by Stewart's six points in the initial minutes. Despite a brief surge from Minnesota's Kayla McBride, who hit consecutive three-pointers, New York entered the fourth quarter with a narrow lead. The Liberty then extended their advantage in the final period, with Stewart's late three-pointer effectively sealing the win and quieting the home crowd.
Despite the victory, the Liberty's performance in the second quarter, which included seven turnovers and a cooling of their shooting, highlighted areas for improvement. The team cannot afford a repeat of their Game 2 loss in a similar situation last year in Phoenix if they are to advance.
Before the game, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the difficult matchup the Liberty presented as an eighth seed, suggesting the parity in the league this season has narrowed the gap between the top and bottom playoff teams.