The New York Liberty traveled to Minneapolis and escaped with a narrow win over the Minnesota Lynx in a contest defined by physical defense and late-game execution. Both teams came in with playoff aspirations, and the intensity was evident from the opening tip.
The first half saw the Lynx attack aggressively inside, with Napheesa Collier setting the tone on both ends. Her scoring kept Minnesota close despite New York’s perimeter shooting, which once again featured big contributions from Sabrina Ionescu and Marine Johannès. The Liberty’s ability to space the floor helped them carve out a slim halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the momentum swung back to the Lynx as they fed off their home crowd. Kayla McBride knocked down timely shots while Minnesota’s defense tightened, forcing New York into rushed possessions. However, the Liberty’s bench depth proved valuable, keeping them afloat until the starters could reassert control.
The decisive stretch came in the final minutes when Breanna Stewart took over for New York. Her ability to create mismatches and finish tough shots proved too much for Minnesota to counter. Stewart’s scoring run, coupled with strong rebounding from Jonquel Jones, gave the Liberty the edge they needed down the stretch.
With the win, the Liberty continue to strengthen their position near the top of the standings while the Lynx are left to regroup as they jockey for playoff seeding. Both teams showcased resilience, but it was New York’s star power that ultimately made the difference in a high-stakes matchup.
