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Lynx-Liberty series preview: History, key stats, X-factors, and a prediction

The top-seeded Minnesota squad prepares to begin its postseason pursuit of a fifth league championship on Sunday against the eighth-seeded New York team. Minnesota finished the regular season with 33 victories despite struggling through four losses in five recent contests following an international break.

Meanwhile, New York enters the best-of-three opening round carrying 26 wins and a strong finish to the year, having previously captured the 2024 title in a five-game series against the very same franchise. Both teams split their regular season meetings after New York secured a pair of victories, including a July matchup featuring a 36-point performance by Breanna Stewart and another win in September following the break, while Minnesota claimed the other contest behind strong scoring from Olivia Miles and Kayla McBride.

Minnesota will rely heavily on an experienced starting five that includes Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and Napheesa Collier, alongside rookie standout Olivia Miles, who recently set a rookie scoring mark by surpassing Caitlin Clark's previous total. Miles missed the final two regular season games to rest a calf injury but is expected to return for the opening contest at Target Center.

Additional matchups in the series are scheduled to take place at Barclays Center, with the winner advancing past the first round of the postseason.

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