Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Breanna Stewart Leads Liberty Past Lynx in Playoff Opener
The New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 91-75 in their first playoff game.
Breanna Stewart was the Liberty’s best player with 34 points and 12 rebounds.
She also made six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The game was part of a series where the first team to win two games advances.
The Lynx had the best regular-season record but struggled against New York.
Two Minnesota players fouled out of the game.
New York will host the next game on Tuesday.
If Minnesota loses again, its season will be over.
If Minnesota wins, the teams will play a deciding game on Thursday.
Breanna Stewart scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as New York defeated Minnesota 91-75.
The Liberty won Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round WNBA playoff series.
Nia Brodie led Minnesota with 16 points, while Kayla McBride added 14.
Napheesa Collier and Natasha Howard fouled out for the Lynx, and rookie Olivia Miles scored 11 points.
New York can eliminate Minnesota in Game 2 on Tuesday; a Lynx victory would force Game 3 on Thursday.
- Who
- The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, led by Breanna Stewart and Minnesota’s leading scorers.
- What
- New York defeated Minnesota 91-75 in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round WNBA playoff series.
- When
- Sunday; Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, with a possible Game 3 on Thursday.
- Where
- Game 1 was played in Minneapolis; New York will host Game 2.
- Why
- New York won the opening game and moved within one victory of advancing, while Minnesota must win to extend the series.
- Game 1 result
- New York Liberty 91, Minnesota Lynx 75
- Series
- Best-of-three WNBA first-round playoff series
- Breanna Stewart
- 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks
- Minnesota leaders
- Nia Brodie scored 16 points; Kayla McBride scored 14
- Fouls
- Napheesa Collier and Natasha Howard fouled out
- Next game
- Game 2 in New York on Tuesday
- Series stakes
- A New York win eliminates Minnesota; a Minnesota win forces Game 3