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The WNBA playoffs schedule delivered a stunning result Tuesday night as the eighth-seeded New York Liberty eliminated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx with an 87-71 Game 2 victory. The sweep made Minnesota the first No. 1 seed in WNBA playoff history to lose its opening postseason series without winning a game.
The Liberty had already taken Game 1 comfortably, then returned to Barclays Center and controlled the decisive matchup from the opening minutes. New York’s victory ended another dominant regular season for Minnesota and extended the Lynx’s frustrating championship drought.
WNBA Playoffs Schedule Produces Historic First-Round Shock
Minnesota finished the regular season as one of the league’s elite teams, reaching a 31-7 record in late August. The Lynx were powered by a deep roster, the emergence of unanimous Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles and another outstanding campaign from coach Cheryl Reeve.
However, the postseason matchup quickly exposed problems that had been difficult to see during the regular season. New York’s size, defensive versatility and experienced core disrupted Minnesota’s offensive rhythm in both games.
- The Liberty swept the Lynx in the opening round.
- Minnesota became the first No. 1 seed swept in its first playoff series.
- New York won Game 2 by a score of 87-71.
- The Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu combined to score or assist on 70 points.
Liberty Size and Star Power Prove Decisive
New York’s length was a major factor throughout the series. The Liberty used size at nearly every position and even brought 6-foot-11 center Han Xu off the bench. That physical advantage made it difficult for Minnesota to attack the rim or establish consistent interior offense.
Reeve said New York effectively neutralized Miles and All-Star forward Natasha Howard. Miles, who frequently excelled near the basket during the regular season, acknowledged that the Liberty’s size created uncertainty for Minnesota’s defense and offensive schemes.
“Their size really is imposing,” Miles said after the loss.
The Liberty’s star trio also delivered when the pressure was highest. Stewart, Jones and Ionescu created opportunities as scorers and playmakers, while Minnesota struggled to produce a comparable three-player attack. Reeve said the Lynx “struggled to have a big three,” a weakness that became increasingly visible as the series progressed.
Cheryl Reeve Admits Lynx Need Major Changes
After the loss, Reeve offered a candid assessment of Minnesota’s recent playoff struggles. The Lynx have been among the WNBA’s best regular-season teams for several years, but they have failed to reach the Finals for the second consecutive season.
“We became a great regular-season team this year,” Reeve said. “And we ran into the wrong team.”
Reeve also accepted responsibility for finding a solution. She said Minnesota needs to make difficult decisions and add the appropriate help, both in her role as coach and as the franchise’s president of basketball operations.
The comments carry significant weight because Reeve has guided the Lynx to four championships, won Coach of the Year honors five times and become the winningest coach in WNBA history. She was also recently inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Critical Offseason Questions Await Minnesota
The next phase of the WNBA playoffs schedule will continue without the Lynx, but Minnesota’s offseason could shape the league’s future. Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard are under contract through 2027, while Miles remains on her rookie deal.
The biggest question involves Napheesa Collier. The perennial MVP candidate is headed toward free agency and cannot be cored by Minnesota. Her future could determine whether the Lynx remain a championship contender or begin a significant roster reshaping.
Collier returned during the season after undergoing offseason ankle surgeries but did not look like her usual dominant self in the series. She encountered foul trouble in Game 2, while Miles struggled under the pressure of her first postseason appearance.
Miles finished the series with 16 points, two assists, five turnovers and seven fouls. Still, Reeve emphasized that the difficult experience should become part of the rookie’s development rather than define her impressive season.
“Sometimes I have to have experiences like this that hurt this bad to get me to where I want to be,” Miles said.
What the Lynx Elimination Means
The Liberty’s sweep is more than a surprising result in the WNBA playoffs schedule. It raises questions about how Minnesota can translate regular-season excellence into postseason success. The Lynx have established a strong culture, but their recent exits suggest that additional size, shot creation and playoff experience may be necessary.
For New York, the victory confirms that the team’s seeding did not reflect its true potential. Only seven games separated the Liberty and Lynx in the standings, and the Liberty’s veteran core looked ready for the intensity of playoff basketball.
As Minnesota turns toward free agency, roster decisions and possible trades, the embrace shared by Collier, McBride and Williams after the final buzzer may become a symbol of the end of an era. Reeve insists the franchise still has work to do, and the coming offseason will reveal how aggressively the Lynx respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the latest WNBA playoffs schedule?
The New York Liberty swept the Minnesota Lynx in the first round, winning Game 2 by an 87-71 score.
Why was the Liberty matchup difficult for Minnesota?
New York’s size, rim protection and experienced trio of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu disrupted Minnesota’s offense and limited key players.
Who is the biggest offseason question for the Lynx?
Napheesa Collier is the central question because she is entering free agency and cannot be cored by Minnesota.
Did Olivia Miles have a strong rookie season?
Yes. Miles was unanimously named WNBA Rookie of the Year, although her first playoff series exposed areas for continued growth.
