The WNBA playoffs continue Tuesday night in Brooklyn, where the New York Liberty stand just one victory away from sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the opening round. After a commanding 91-75 win in Game 1, powered by an outstanding 34-point performance from Breanna Stewart, the Liberty have momentum heading into their home court.
Key Moments from Game 1
Breanna Stewart delivered a near-flawless game against Minnesota, shooting 11-for-18 from the field and contributing 12 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. Her all-around dominance on both ends of the court played a crucial role in New York’s decisive victory.
The Lynx’s interior defense was severely impacted as Napheesa Collier and Natasha Howard each fouled out, leaving Minnesota without their key frontcourt players in the closing moments. This disruption significantly hampered the Lynx’s ability to mount a comeback.
On the offensive side, rookie Olivia Miles struggled in her first playoff appearance, managing only three successful shots out of 12 attempts. With such a limited contribution from the backcourt, Minnesota faces a tough challenge overcoming the Liberty’s pressure.
Despite the setback, Minnesota’s resilient season cannot be overlooked. They finished the regular campaign with the best record in the league at 33-11 and led the WNBA in points off turnovers. Head coach Cheryl Reeve and her squad will need to address the free throw discrepancy that plagued them in Game 1 to keep their postseason hopes alive and extend the series beyond Tuesday night’s contest.