MINNEAPOLIMEDIA SPORTS | LYNX FACE ELIMINATION AFTER 91-75 PLAYOFF LOSS TO NEW YORK LIBERTY

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (September 28, 2026). The Minnesota Lynx must win on the road Tuesday to keep their season alive after the New York Liberty claimed a 91-75 victory Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series.

New York seized control behind Breanna Stewart, who finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds. The Liberty shot efficiently, controlled the glass and outscored Minnesota 26-15 during the fourth quarter.

The Liberty opened a 25-18 advantage after the first quarter, but Minnesota responded with a 26-point second period and entered halftime within striking distance. New York reestablished control after the break, outscoring the Lynx 25-16 in the third quarter before pulling away in the fourth.

The result places the top-seeded Lynx one loss from elimination in the best-of-three series. New York entered the postseason as the eighth seed but used its size, veteran experience and perimeter shooting to neutralize Minnesota’s home-court advantage.

Rookie guard Olivia Miles struggled against New York’s defensive length in her first WNBA playoff appearance. Minnesota will need improved ball movement, stronger rebounding and more consistent scoring around Napheesa Collier to extend the series.

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Brooklyn. Minnesota must win to force a deciding Game 3 at Target Center. A New York victory would end the Lynx season and complete one of the most significant first-round upsets under the WNBA’s current playoff format.

The immediate challenge for Minnesota is correcting the rebounding and defensive problems that allowed the Liberty to sustain possessions and score efficiently throughout the second half. The Lynx no longer have room for a gradual adjustment. Their next game is an elimination game.

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