Breanna Stewart Powers Liberty to Huge Game 1 Upset Over Lynx

Stewart Dominates the Opener

Breanna Stewart showed why she is a two time league MVP on Sunday. The New York Liberty star put on a major performance in Minneapolis, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Her dominant play led the Liberty to a 91-75 win over the top seeded Minnesota Lynx to open their best of three first round series.

Stewart did a bit of everything in the series opener. Along with her scoring and rebounding, she finished with six assists, two steals and two blocks. She shot 11 for 18 from the floor. This was especially impressive because she was guarded for most of the afternoon by Napheesa Collier, her former college teammate and the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Stewart was just two points away from setting the Liberty franchise record for points in a playoff game. She already holds the second highest postseason scoring average in WNBA history. She also recently helped the United States national team win a fifth consecutive World Cup.

Lynx Struggle on Their Home Court

The top seeded Lynx had a rough afternoon in front of their home fans. Nia Brodie led Minnesota with 16 points in 19 minutes off the bench. Kayla McBride added 14 points, though she struggled early by missing her first five three point attempts.

Foul trouble and cold shooting hurt the Lynx. Both Collier and All Star center Natasha Howard fouled out of the game. Rookie star Olivia Miles had a quiet postseason debut. She scored 11 points on 3 for 12 shooting and managed only one assist.

The Playoff Picture

The series now shifts to New York for Game 2 on Tuesday. The Liberty have a chance to eliminate the top seeded Lynx on their home court. If Minnesota wants to force a deciding Game 3 back at the Target Center on Thursday, they must find a way to win on the road.

Although New York finished the regular season with a 26-18 record, they are a dangerous opponent. They won their first WNBA championship just two years ago by beating the Lynx in a dramatic five game series. Last season, the Liberty were knocked out in the first round by the Phoenix Mercury, who then beat the Lynx before losing to the Las Vegas Aces for the title.