The rivalry between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty intensified this week as the teams faced off in their final regular-season matchup, with New York securing an 85-75 victory. This game capped a series of four encounters in a span of three weeks, highlighting the competitive landscape of the WNBA as the playoffs approach, scheduled to begin on September 14.
New York’s coach, Sandy Brondello, reflected on the significance of the matchup, emphasizing the importance of facing a strong opponent like the Lynx, who currently lead the league with a record of 28-6. “The closer you play them to the end of the year, I think that helps,” Brondello stated after the game, which brought the Liberty’s record to 22-13. With nine games remaining in the regular season, the Liberty are focused on securing a favorable playoff position.
The recent clashes between these two teams have not only showcased their talent but also provided a glimpse into potential playoff dynamics. The Lynx have consistently performed well throughout the season, but the Liberty demonstrated their resilience by overcoming three earlier losses to Minnesota.
One standout performer in Tuesday’s game was Jonquel Jones, who scored a game-high 22 points and secured her 100th career WNBA double-double with ten rebounds. Remarkably, Jones’s scoring included five field goals from outside the paint, underscoring her versatility as a player. This achievement marks her as the seventh player in league history to reach this milestone, further solidifying her status as a critical asset for the Liberty.
The Liberty’s victory was notable not only for the score but also for the adjustments made by the team. Sabrina Ionescu commented on their improved offensive strategy, stating, “We were super decisive on what we were doing before we caught the ball.” This approach contrasted with previous games where the team struggled to find rhythm, ultimately affecting their performance.
Despite their recent success, the Liberty have faced challenges with injuries, particularly the absence of Breanna Stewart, who is recovering from a bone bruise. Stewart is hopeful for a return by her birthday on August 27. The Liberty’s ability to regain full strength will be crucial as they prepare for the playoffs, especially against a Lynx team that has shown little sign of vulnerability.
The Lynx, led by coach Cheryl Reeve, remain a dominant force, having not lost back-to-back games in 2025. Reeve noted the significance of the rivalry, likening it to previous intense matchups against the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 and 2017. She shared, “It brings out the best in you and the worst of you, all at the same time.”
As the regular season winds down, the anticipation of a playoff rematch between the Lynx and Liberty builds. The competitive spirit of this rivalry has not gone unnoticed, with Brondello acknowledging the tension that has developed. The Liberty’s recent victory may have altered the psychological landscape heading into the playoffs, but the Lynx remain confident in their overall performance.
In conclusion, the ongoing rivalry between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty promises to deliver exciting basketball in the postseason. With both teams showcasing their strengths and addressing weaknesses, the upcoming playoffs could very well be a stage for another thrilling chapter in this competitive saga. The eyes of the basketball world will be watching closely as these teams vie for the championship.
