Breanna Stewart’s 34 Points Help Liberty Beat Top-Seeded Lynx in Game 1
MINNEAPOLIS — Breanna Stewart produced a standout performance in the WNBA playoffs as the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 91-75 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday.
Stewart finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, giving the Liberty an important road win against the top-seeded Lynx. She also contributed six assists, two steals and two blocks in an all-round performance.
The two-time WNBA MVP shot 11 of 18 from the field despite facing close defensive pressure from Napheesa Collier. The two players were former college teammates and remain friends, but Collier had the difficult task of defending Stewart in the playoff matchup.
Stewart’s scoring performance also moved her to second in WNBA history for postseason scoring average. She finished only two points short of matching the Liberty’s franchise playoff scoring record.
The Liberty built control of the game through a strong offensive performance while limiting Minnesota’s key players. The Lynx struggled to maintain their usual rhythm as New York turned its opportunities into points.
Nia Brody led Minnesota’s bench scoring with 16 points, while Kayla McBride added 14. McBride had a difficult start from three-point range but contributed important points as the Lynx tried to stay in the contest.
Minnesota also faced foul trouble. Collier and All-Star center Natasha Howard both fouled out, making it harder for the Lynx to compete against New York during the closing stages. Rookie Olivia Miles also had a difficult night, scoring 11 points on 3-for-12 shooting and recording only one assist.
The victory gives New York a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Game 2 will be played in New York on Tuesday, where the Liberty can close out the series with another win.
Minnesota will need to win Game 2 to keep its season alive. If the Lynx force a deciding game, the series will return to Target Center on Thursday for Game 3.
The Liberty’s victory also comes after their first-round exit last season against the Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix later eliminated Minnesota before going on to win the WNBA championship against the Las Vegas Aces. New York will now look to build on its Game 1 performance as the series continues.