WNBA30 Sept 20262 minute read

Historic Upset: No. 8 Liberty Sweep Top Seeded Lynx

The New York Liberty made history by sweeping the top seeded Minnesota Lynx to advance to the WNBA semifinals.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Historic Upset in New York

The New York Liberty made WNBA history on Tuesday night. The eighth seeded Liberty beat the top seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71 to complete a two game sweep in the first round of the playoffs. It is the first time in the league's 30 year history that a number eight seed has eliminated a number one seed.

Jonquel Jones led the way with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Breanna Stewart also scored 21 points, while Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points. The win sends New York to the semifinal round, which begins on Sunday. The Liberty will play the winner of the series between Atlanta and Washington.

How the Game Was Won

New York wanted to avoid a repeat of last year, when they lost in the first round after leading their series 1-0. On Tuesday, they took control early. The Liberty led by five points after the first quarter and pushed their lead to 49-37 by halftime.

In the third quarter, Stewart took a hit to the face from Minnesota's Olivia Miles while driving to the basket. Officials ruled it a flagrant 1 foul. Stewart received chants of MVP from the sellout crowd of 17,593 before hitting two free throws. Minnesota could not get closer than seven points for the rest of the game.

Disappointment for the Top Seed

The defeat ends a disappointing postseason for the Lynx, who finished the regular season with the league's best record. Minnesota struggled to find their rhythm against New York's size and defense.

Olivia Miles, who was named the league's unanimous Rookie of the Year on Monday, struggled in both games of the series. On Tuesday, she scored just five points and missed seven of her eight shots in 17 minutes of play. Courtney Williams led the Lynx with 18 points, and Napheesa Collier scored 14 in the loss. Minnesota's coach, Cheryl Reeve, was named Coach of the Year on Monday, but her team could not extend their season.

What it means for the next game

New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx (WNBA, Thu, 01 Oct): Minnesota Lynx win 52%, New York Liberty win 48%; projected score Minnesota Lynx 90, New York Liberty 89. Our safest pick: Liberty +8.5.