Liberty Upset Lynx as Clark Powers Fever Over Aces in WNBA Playoffs
The No. 8 New York Liberty swept top seed Minnesota, while Caitlin Clark posted a historic double-double as the Indiana Fever avoided elimination against the Las Vegas Aces.
The New York Liberty completed a 2-0 series sweep of the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, winning 87-71 at Barclays Center and becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed since the league’s playoff format changed in 2016. Center Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while guard Sabrina Ionescu contributed 18 points and seven assists.
In Indianapolis, the Indiana Fever staved off a second-round loss by defeating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 99-89. All-Star guard Caitlin Clark recorded 27 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds, becoming the first player in WNBA playoff history to register a double-double by halftime. Clark said, "> We were just soft in Game 1, and I think tonight we played a lot tougher. ... I'm really proud of this group."
Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco, in his first playoff series win, praised his team’s resilience after a season marked by injuries. "This was a tough year for us with injuries, with a lot of other stuff going on," DeMarco said.
Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve, a Hall of Famer, declined to comment on pressure, stating, "> I’m already in the Hall of Fame. I feel no pressure."
Aces coach Becky Hammon criticized fan behavior at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, noting that incidents involving spectators have required arena intervention. She added, "> There are rules and procedures. Both players and fans need to abide by etiquette."
Both Hammon and Clark expressed frustration with officiating after the game, with Clark remarking that the referees were "inconsistent" and needed to be more consistent in the playoffs.