WNBA Playoff Update

We are currently in the midst of the WNBA Finals and so far it’s looking to be a nailbiting series.

The Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty are currently tied 1-1 in what has been some of the best postseason ball games in recent history.

Let’s take a minute to break down some of the highlights so far.

GAME 1: Lynx Win an Absolute Stunner

The Liberty came hot out of the gate, dominating the first half by scoring 32 in the first quarter and reaching an 18-point lead midway through the second.

Minnesota was not going down that easy though, after calling a timeout they surged back, scoring 12 points and holding New York to just three in the last six minutes of the quarter.

After the half, they would go back and forth, leaving the Liberty up seven going into the fourth.

After trading some more blows and bringing it down to the wire, Breanna Stewart would get fouled on a layup with 0.1 seconds left on the clock with the Lynx up one.

With a chance to win, Stewart would miss her second free throw, sending the game into overtime.

OT would be neck-and-neck once again, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones would nail some clutch shots, but none were as clutch as Napheesa Collier’s midrange jumper to win the game in the final eight seconds.

Final Score: Lynx: 95 - Liberty: 93

GAME 2: The Liberty Strikes Back

Game 2 started off much the same as the first, with the Liberty ending the first quarter with a 10-point lead facilitated by Ionescu, who scored all of her 15 points in the first.

The rest of the half remained a stalemate, with neither team giving one another an inch.

During the latter half of the game, the Lynx brought themselves within four before Stewart would secure a few buckets, reinstating the lead.

The rest of the game would not turn out like Game 1, with the Liberty extending their lead and finishing the game in a convincing fashion.

Final Score: Lynx: 66 - Liberty: 80

Things to Note:

Both Stewart and Ionescu have not been shooting the ball well, shooting 13/39 and 13/37 respectively. However, Stewart was a cookie monster in Game 2, grabbing herself seven steals.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton stepped up big time in Game 2, putting up 20/2/2.

Naphessa Collier has continued her two-way production that has been seen all postseason, grabbing four steals of her own in Game 2.

Courtney Williams has been stuffing the stat sheet so far, having at least 15/5/5 in both games.

Game 3 will tip off in Minnesota on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST.

Final Thoughts

This is still anyone’s game. The Liberty on paper have more talent than the Lynx, however, Minnesota has been much craftier and more versatile so far in the series.

The outcome of this series for the Liberty will depend on its stars getting out of their shooting slump.

The Lynx need to keep their like they did in Game 1, or else New York will take it away with ease.

Chris Vadnais is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cmv5562@psu.edu.