New York Liberty upset No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx in first-round WNBA playoff series
The Liberty defeated the top-seed Lynx 87-71, becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in WNBA playoff history.
The New York Liberty eliminated the Minnesota Lynx 87-71 on Tuesday, marking the first time a No. 8 seed has knocked out a No. 1 seed since the league adopted its current playoff format. The Lynx, who entered the postseason with a 33-11 record and a second consecutive No. 1 seed, fell behind early and never recovered, despite brief rallies.
Courtney Williams led Minnesota with 18 points on 17 shots, while Napheesa Collier added 14 on 14 attempts. Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles managed only five points on 1-of-8 shooting before being benched after a flagrant foul. The Lynx shot 38.2% from the field as a team.
New York’s core trio performed strongly: Jonquel Jones recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds, Breanna Stewart also posted 21 points with five rebounds and four assists, and Sabrina Ionescu contributed 18 points and seven assists. The victory gives the Liberty a place in the next round against either the Atlanta Dream or Washington Mystics.
Liberty coach Chris DeMarco praised his squad, noting their ability to answer every challenge from the Lynx. The result ends Minnesota’s season early for the third consecutive year, despite the team’s dominant regular-season record of 97-31 over the past three seasons.