New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 80-66, tying the series 1-1.

In Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on October 13, 2024, the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 80-66, tying the series 1-1. Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 21 points, while Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 20. New York built a significant lead early and maintained control throughout, bouncing back from their Game 1 loss. The series now shifts to Minnesota for Game 3. The Lynx will look to regain momentum after their Game 1 overtime win, while New York aims to carry this form forward.

In Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on October 13, 2024, the New York Liberty won 80-66 against the Minnesota Lynx to even the series at 1-1. Here are some key stats from the game:

• New York Liberty:

  • Breanna Stewart: 21 points, 5 assists

  • Betnijah Laney-Hamilton: 20 points

  • Sabrina Ionescu: 15 points, 5 assists

  • Team shooting: 47.5% from the field, 45.8% from three-point range (11-24)

• Minnesota Lynx:

  • Napheesa Collier led the Lynx but struggled overall as the team shot 45% from the field.

  • Minnesota also had 20 turnovers, which contributed to New York capitalizing with 26 points off those mistakes.

New York's superior rebounding (34-27) and three-point shooting played pivotal roles in their victory

Here's a player performance breakdown for Game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx:

New York Liberty:

• Breanna Stewart:

  • Led the Liberty with 21 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds.

  • Dominated offensively, especially in crucial moments, and contributed significantly to the team's ball movement.

• Betnijah Laney-Hamilton:

  • Scored 20 points, proving to be a consistent scorer throughout the game.

  • Efficient shooting and strong presence on both ends of the floor.

• Sabrina Ionescu:

  • Added 15 points and 5 assists.

  • Provided leadership and was critical from beyond the arc, helping New York maintain its lead.

• Jonquel Jones:

  • Recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds (double-double), showcasing her strength in the paint and contributing defensively with 2 blocks.

Minnesota Lynx:

• Napheesa Collier:

  • Scored 18 points but faced tough defensive pressure from New York.

  • Added 8 rebounds but struggled with turnovers and efficiency.

• Kayla McBride:

  • Contributed 14 points, hitting some key shots but was limited by New York's defensive schemes.

• Diamond Miller:

  • Managed 10 points, though her impact was overshadowed by the team's turnovers and New York's defensive efforts.

Overall, New York's defense and rebounding edge were key in keeping Minnesota's stars from making a comeback.

Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx is set to be a critical matchup with the series tied 1-1. Here are some key factors and predictions to consider:

Momentum Shift

• The Liberty gained momentum in Game 2 with their strong performance, particularly from Breanna Stewart and Betnijah Laney. If they maintain their high shooting efficiency and defensive intensity, New York could take control of the series. Their ability to force turnovers in Game 2 (20 from Minnesota) will be crucial again.

Minnesota's Adjustment

• The Lynx will look to regroup at home. Their star player, Napheesa Collier, will need more support, especially in limiting turnovers and increasing offensive efficiency. If Kayla McBride and Diamond Miller can step up offensively, they could give the Lynx a strong chance WNBA

  
  

Key Matchups

• Breanna Stewart vs. Napheesa Collier: This battle of star forwards could define the game. Stewart’s versatility gives New York an edge, but if Collier can match her production, Minnesota will be in a better position.

• Rebounding and Paint Play: Jonquel Jones has been dominant on the boards, and if New York continues to out-rebound Minnesota, it could control the pace of the game.

Prediction

• Slight edge to New York: Based on their Game 2 performance and improved three-point shooting, the Liberty may have the advantage going into Game 3. However, home-court advantage for the Lynx and their ability to bounce back under pressure could make it a close contest. Expect a hard-fought game with New York potentially edging out another win WNBA

  
  

Game 3 will likely come down to execution in the final quarters and how well Minnesota adjusts their defense and offensive efficiency.

For Game 3 between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty in the 2024 WNBA Finals, there are no major injury concerns on either side. Both teams have clean injury reports heading into the game, which is a significant factor as they vie for the championship. The Liberty's top players, like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, remain healthy and are expected to continue their strong contributions. The Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, also have no injuries reported, ensuring that both squads are at full strength for this pivotal matchup.

ill be key in deciding the outcome.