NY Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx preview: Sunday Showdown at the ‘clays
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
In what could be a potential WNBA Finals preview, the Liberty and Lynx face off in Brooklyn. A fun time was had in Texas. The New York Liberty were in Dallas to take on the Wings for a two game mini series. They took care of business on Thursday as they went wire-to-wire in a comfortable victory. At 31-6, the Liberty remain atop the WNBA standings as we draw closer to the playoffs.
The opponent today is right up there atop the standings. The Minnesota Lynx have been absolutely sensational this season and are looking to go on a deep playoff run of their own. They have a bee line for the second seed after beating the Chicago Sky on Friday night in Minneapolis.
Where to follow the game
My9 on TV. Tip after 3;00 p.m. ET.
Injuries
Nyara Sabally fell on her right wrist late in Thursday’s game. She is officially listed as questionable. Jackie Powell of The Next was at practice on Saturday and saw
I can tell y’all that Nyara was practicing today but with a black protective sleeve around her wrist. https://t.co/oN1Bi0ufon— Jackie Powell (she/her) (@ClassicJpow) September 14, 2024
All clear for the Lynx.
The game
The Lynx won the first regular season meeting and the Commissioner’s Cup Final. The Liberty won the second regular season meeting. If these teams see each other again this season, the stakes will be at its highest.
After the win against the Lynx in July, Leonie Fiebich and Breanna Stewart noted that Minnesota punishes every mistake you make.
The Lynx lead the league in assists and assist percentage as they are always moving and know how to hit every pressure point you have. For the Liberty, their job will be to disrupt their rhythm and force them into more isolation basketball.
That will start with Jonquel Jones. JJ’s two worst games of the season came in losses to the Lynx. Minnesota has the unique ability to clog her space and have her play in a phone booth. When she is comfortable, she’s able to display her all around game from the painted area and beyond. If the Liberty want to clinch the one seed this evening, they’re going to need an All WNBA caliber performance from their All Star.
They’re also going to need to continue their excellence on the glass. The Liberty have been the best rebounding team in the league this season while the Lynx are ninth. The Liberty are at their best when they’re out in transition and getting baskets that make the Barclays Center crowd turn up even more. That will be essential as the Lynx have been excellent on defense all season long and can force the Liberty into making untimely mistakes.
The two game Texas trip did wonders for Sabrina Ionescu. She looked like her old self as she was getting to the rim, driving downhill, and making great decisions. With the playoffs one week away, the Liberty need Sabrina back to playing like her All Star self, especially against elite competition.
If this game is close late, look for Courtney Williams to wreak havoc. Court has been a thorn in the Liberty’s side for years and is automatic in the midrange when the game is close late. We’ve seen Leonie Fiebich be an essential part of the Liberty’s closing lineups, and we’ll see how Sandy Brondello deploys her do-everything rookie.
Player to watch: Napheesa Collier
MVPhee? Napheesa Collier has been absolutely sensational on both sides of the ball and has carried Cheryl Reeve’s club to the top of the Western Conference standings. She’s had a spectacular 2024 and is a strong contender to win MVP
turning up the heat ️our crew makes their pitch for Phee for MVP and DPOY. pic.twitter.com/Z6leLxico4— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 11, 2024
Phee can do everything imaginable on a basketball court. She can score in the low post, make things shake in the midrange, always makes the right pass when facing double teams, and is someone you can always count on to deliver when the stakes are high. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: she’s a sensational defender!
Breanna Stewart will look to slow down her Unrivaled teammate. Due to the nature of the blowout wins in Dallas, Stewie hasn’t had to play that many minutes since last Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces. That should give her a little bit more energy in reserve this afternoon as New York looks to lock down the one seed. Last time out, the Lynx’s length closed off her passing angles when she looked to drive. She’s at her best when she’s on the move, so it’ll be a fun back-and-forth watching her find openings against Collier and the Lynx defense.
From the Vault
The VMAs were on Wednesday night, and it was Beyonce’s birthday last week! You know where we going
Also, happy birthday Nas!
More reading: Canis Hoopus, Swish Appeal, The Strickland, The Local W, New York Daily News, New York Post, The Athletic. NY Liberty Fan TV, Fansided, Just Women’s Sports, SI All Knicks, Winsidr, Her Hoop Stats, CBS Sports, and The Next
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