WNBA Rematch! Liberty and Lynx Face Off in an Epic Duel
After an exciting journey, the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, finalists from last season, are preparing for a showdown that promises strong emotions. The first game of this series of four encounters will be played on Wednesday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
The meeting comes after the Liberty were crowned champions last October, defeating the Lynx in a closely contested series. The fifth game was decided in overtime, with the Liberty winning 67-62. The rivalry between the two teams intensified even more and is expected to be a high-intensity confrontation.
The Lynx, leading the table with a 22-5 record, have only lost one home game this season. Napheesa Collier, the All-Star Game MVP and the league’s top scorer with 23.5 points per game, is the favorite for the season MVP award.
For their part, the Liberty (17-8) have faced challenges due to injuries. Jonquel Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, returned on July 22 after an ankle injury and has only played 13 of New York’s 25 games. Breanna Stewart, a two-time season MVP, suffered a leg injury and her participation in Wednesday’s game is uncertain.
Injuries have impacted the health of New York’s frontcourt this season, but the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, Jonquel Jones, is back to face Napheesa Collier on Wednesday.New dynamics, same objectivesThe return of Jonquel Jones and the possible absence of Breanna Stewart could modify the Liberty’s scheme. In the past, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton had a key defensive role against the Lynx’s star players, Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. Now, Natasha Cloud could be the key to countering Minnesota’s guards.
In the 2024 Finals, coach Sandy Brondello favored larger lineups, but for Wednesday’s game, the situation could be different due to absences.
Star Guard Duel
The matchup between the guards will be crucial. Sabrina Ionescu leads the Liberty in scoring (19.3 points per game) and steals (1.5 per game). In Minnesota, Collier is the central figure, but the performance of Williams and McBride (98 combined three-pointers) will be decisive.All eyes are on the health of the New York frontcourt players, but the matchup between the Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud against Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride is also a key factor.The Lynx’s defeat to the Atlanta Dream showed that, although Collier shone, the collective performance must improve, especially in defense. Minnesota’s defense has been the best in the league, allowing only 75.4 points per game.Who will be available for New York?The possible absence of Stewart could affect the Liberty’s aspirations. Coach Brondello has not given a return date for Stewart, and her absence has been noted in recent games. The depth of the New York roster has been affected by injuries, including Kennedy Burke.
Brondello’s tactical flexibility will be key, especially if Stewart can’t play. More changes in the starting lineups are expected.
The next matchups between Liberty and Lynx will be on August 10 in New York, August 16 in Minnesota, and August 19 at the Barclays Center.
In addition, Emma Meesseman is expected to join the Liberty once she obtains her work visa. However, injuries, particularly those of Jones and Stewart, could be the biggest challenge for the Liberty in their quest for the title.
