Liberty vs lynx: The New York Liberty returned from the FIBA Women’s World Cup break with an important statement, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 93-81 on Friday night at Target Center.
With the WNBA playoffs approaching on Sept. 27, the final stretch of the regular season has taken on added significance for teams competing for playoff positioning. New York responded by delivering one of its strongest performances of the late-season push.
Liberty Take Control in Minnesota
The matchup remained competitive for much of the night, with neither team able to establish a commanding advantage through the first three quarters.
New York eventually created separation in the fourth quarter, using a 13-4 run to move ahead and quiet the Target Center crowd. Minnesota briefly responded with a 4-0 run, but the Liberty maintained their composure and closed out the game.
The victory also gave New York a 3-1 advantage over Minnesota in the regular-season series.
Breanna Stewart Leads the Way
Breanna Stewart delivered a standout performance in her return to WNBA action following the FIBA break.
Stewart finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, providing New York with production on both ends of the floor. The performance came less than a week after she helped Team USA win the gold medal at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
Stewart also moved into ninth place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list during the game.
Sabrina Ionescu Finds Her Rhythm
Sabrina Ionescu also played a key role for the Liberty, finishing with 17 points and six assists while making three 3-pointers.
Her performance was particularly notable after a difficult outing immediately before the international break, when she went 0-for-10 from the field.
Against Minnesota, Ionescu looked more comfortable offensively and helped New York maintain its pressure as the game entered its decisive stages.
Jonquel Jones Adds a Double-Double
Jonquel Jones provided another major contribution for New York, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Her interior presence helped the Liberty compete against Minnesota’s frontcourt while giving the team another reliable scoring option alongside Stewart and Ionescu.
The balanced offensive effort allowed New York to stay within striking distance before taking control late in the contest.
Marine Johannès Delivers a Late Spark
Marine Johannès provided one of the game’s key moments late in the third quarter.
After Nia Brodie’s corner 3-pointer tied the game with 3:45 remaining in the period, Johannès took over offensively. She scored 10 consecutive points for New York during the final 1:30 of the quarter, helping the Liberty carry momentum into the fourth.
That late-third-quarter burst proved important as New York began creating more space between itself and the Lynx.
Olivia Miles Keeps Minnesota Competitive
Minnesota struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, particularly early in the game, but Olivia Miles continued to battle through the Liberty’s defensive pressure.
Miles was limited to 3-for-13 shooting through the first three quarters before finding more success in the fourth. She ultimately finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Lynx, however, could not overcome New York’s late surge.
Liberty Enter Final Week With Momentum
The victory represents an important step for New York as the regular season enters its final week.
The FIBA break gave teams an opportunity to reset before the playoff race intensified. For the Liberty, that pause appears to have provided a chance to focus on defensive communication and offensive rhythm.
New York coach Chris DeMarco emphasized the importance of improving on both ends of the floor as the team moves toward the postseason.
With playoff seeding still being determined, every remaining game carries additional importance. The Liberty’s win in Minnesota gives them momentum as they continue their push toward the postseason.
A Significant Win in the Playoff Race
New York’s 93-81 victory was more than another regular-season result. It demonstrated how quickly the Liberty could regain their rhythm following an unusual midseason international break.
Stewart, Ionescu and Jones led the way, while Johannès provided a crucial scoring burst at a pivotal moment. Minnesota remained competitive for most of the night, but New York’s fourth-quarter execution ultimately decided the contest.
With the WNBA playoffs beginning later in September, the Liberty now turn their attention to the final games of the regular season and the race for playoff positioning.
Source: sports.yahoo