Photo via Yahoo Sports

WNBA Playoffs: Minnesota Lynx drop Game 1 to Liberty, 91-75

The Minnesota Lynx dropped their opening playoff matchup against the New York Liberty by a score of 91-75 at Target Center on Sunday afternoon. Despite holding a 44-40 advantage at intermission following a sluggish opening, Minnesota faltered down the stretch as New York claimed a 65-60 lead after three frames and steadily extended the margin.

Breanna Stewart paced all competitors with 34 points and 12 rebounds for the victors, while Sabrina Ionescu contributed 12 points and six assists. Nia Brodie paced the hosts with 16 points, Kayla McBride chipped in 14 points along with six assists, and Napheesa Collier finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Now facing a potential elimination in the best-of-three series, the top-seeded Lynx must secure a victory during Tuesday night's contest in New York to keep their championship pursuit alive. A triumph by the Liberty would end Minnesota's quest for their first league title since 2017, whereas a Lynx win would force a decisive third game back in Minneapolis on Thursday evening.

Up nextWNBA· 57m ago

‘Gimmick Player,’ ‘Caitlin Clark Would Never’ – WNBA World Gets the Knives Out After Paige Bueckers’ 3-for-14 Shooting in Wings’ Playoff Exit