The Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty put on a playoff-caliber display on Tuesday night at Barclays Center. These teams know each other very well, and it showed. For three quarters, the outcome of this game was unknown. After two minutes into the fourth quarter, the haze slowly began to dissipate.
Cecilia Zandalasini hit a three at the 8:00 mark, and that was it for the Lynx until Dorka Juhász made a driving layup with 30 seconds remaining. The Liberty outscored the Lynx 18-8 in the fourth quarter, with a final score of 76-67.
Neither team shot particularly well, 38.8% for the Lynx and 37.3% for New York. The Lynx were out-rebounded 45-37. The Lynx assisted on 23 of 26 made field goals, the Liberty 17-28. Neither Sabrina Ionescu nor Breanna Stewart shot well, going a combined 12-40 with 1-15 from three. Bridget Carleton, who played an outstanding game in the Commissioner’s Cup final, was held to one point and only one field goal attempt.
Only Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Zandalasini were in double figures for Minnesota. The surprise, and a welcome surprise for Liberty fans was Jonquel Jones, who scored 21 points including three treys. Jones had a total of 7 points in the previous two meetings, and fortunately for the Liberty, finally regained her efficiency.
Lynx and the Liberty: Tale of the Fourth Quarter
Were the Lynx gassed in to fourth quarter? Did the Liberty just turn on the jets? Aside from the Lynx’s lack of shooting, there were moments when the ball seemed to have a mind of its own, and we were presented with the Barclays Center version of WNBA hot potato. The Liberty were visibly frustrated, and the Lynx just couldn’t buy a bucket. There is really only one viable solution to those problems – don’t do that.
We’ve seen the Lynx close out close games, and we’ve seen the Liberty do the same. For this game, it was the Liberty’s turn. Yes, the Lynx have to find a way to work through these cold shooting moments, and even though New York won, both Stewart and Ionescu are probably not pleased with their performances.
back home Thursday. pic.twitter.com/Lcxomaxigx
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 3, 2024
I’m going to say as well that even though Carleton was ineffective in this game, looking at what she has done this season, it would not be out of the question to consider her for the MIP award. Being thrust into a starting role, Carleton’s game has gone to another level. There is a fearlessness now that perhaps was not there before, and even though this game didn’t go Carleton’s way, she is still worthy of consideration.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Up next for Minnesota is a home game on Thursday against the Connecticut Sun. Their previous game was a one point overtime win for the Sun. Since then, Connecticut has shown their vulnerability, and the Lynx have proven themselves to be a viable contender. This season, the Lynx have rebounded after every loss. Returning home after this loss just might give them the push they need to do it again. The Liberty travel to Indiana on Saturday to face a much improved Fever.
Knowing that the Liberty have had their share of tough games, and seeing the growth in Indiana, I am not so sure that this is an easy win for New York. It is also not a predictable loss for the Fever. In fact, this entire season so far has been quite unpredictable, so what happens in Indiana on Saturday is at the moment a mystery.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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