Courtney Williams delivered a commanding performance Saturday afternoon at the Target Center, guiding the Minnesota Lynx to an 86-80 victory over the New York Liberty. This win extended the Lynx’s dominance in the ongoing WNBA Finals rematch series, as they continued to suppress New York’s attempts at a comeback.
Williams’ efficient shooting, combined with a significant advantage at the free throw line, helped Minnesota hold off a Liberty rally despite the visitors’ efforts on the road. Her 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting played a crucial role in maintaining the Lynx’s undefeated streak following last season’s intense postseason matchups.
Key Contributors and Team Dynamics in a Hard-Fought Game
The Liberty, missing All-Star Breanna Stewart due to injury, leaned on Jonquel Jones, who led the team with 17 points. Sabrina Ionescu contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, offsetting a difficult shooting night. Bench players Kennedy Burke and Marine Johannes combined for 23 points, providing essential support during the contest.
On the Lynx side, Jessica Shepard posted a strong double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, helping Minnesota maintain control and edge closer to clinching the top seed for the 2025 playoffs. The absence of Napheesa Collier had not diminished the team’s energy or execution throughout the game.
Liberty’s Rally Stalls Due to Free Throw Disparity and Key Runs
Trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half, the Liberty managed to mount a spirited comeback, fueled in part by Natasha Cloud, who sparked momentum with aggressive drives and a highlight assist on Ionescu’s three-pointer. New York closed the first half on a 15-8 run and opened the third quarter with 10 unanswered points, signaling a shift in momentum.
Despite this surge, the Liberty could not overcome a lopsided foul shooting margin. Minnesota outscored New York 33-8 at the charity stripe, marking the largest single-game free throw deficit the Liberty have suffered since 2002. The minus-37 differential in free throws over the last two games ranks as one of New York’s worst in this span historically.
In the closing moments, the Lynx extended their lead with an 11-2 run driven by a pivotal three-pointer from Kayla McBride, who despite shooting 3-of-14 from the floor, was perfect at the line (9-of-13). This final burst effectively ended the Liberty’s comeback hopes and sealed Minnesota’s victory.
Player and Team Performance Insights from Both Sides
New York struggled to get to the foul line consistently, a factor that greatly contributed to their defeat. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s home dominance continues, improving to a 17-1 record at the Target Center in regular-season play. Courtney Williams’ season-high points ensured that every Liberty score was promptly met with a Lynx response.
The Liberty faced a tough stretch on the road, dropping two of three games in this compressed schedule. Their prior back-to-back against Los Angeles and Las Vegas ended in a split, underscoring the challenges of a demanding road trip.
Upcoming Clash and Series Outlook
The final game of the four-game WNBA Finals rematch series is scheduled for Tuesday night when the Liberty host Minnesota at Barclays Center on Atlantic Avenue. The matchup is set for 7 p.m. ET on My9, offering New York a chance to level the series and regain momentum on their home court.
This rematch series continues to showcase intense competition between two formidable teams seeking to assert their postseason dominance again, with each contest providing a glimpse into what lies ahead for both franchises.