In an intense rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals on Thursday night, the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 85-75, powered by outstanding performances from Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu. The match in New York City saw the Lynx struggling without their top scorer Napheesa Collier, sidelined by an ankle injury, while the Liberty capitalized on their star players to claim victory.
Jonquel Jones showcased her dominance by scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds with efficient shooting, while Sabrina Ionescu contributed 17 points along with 11 assists and converted four three-pointers. The Liberty’s effective ball movement was a key factor, as they recorded 23 assists on 29 field goals, demonstrating teamwork that overwhelmed Minnesota’s defense.
Minnesota Lynx Experience Challenges Without Napheesa Collier
The absence of Collier was noticeably detrimental to Minnesota’s offense and overall game plan. Courtney Williams was the only Lynx starter who reached double figures with 17 points and five rebounds. From the bench, Maria Kliundikova, Natisha Hiedeman, and DiJonai Carrington provided 38 points combined, but their efforts were not enough to keep pace with New York’s balanced attack. Minnesota’s 28-6 record took a hit against a Liberty team now standing at 22-13.
Las Vegas Aces Edge Out Atlanta Dream in Close Contest
Elsewhere in the league, the Las Vegas Aces narrowly defeated the Atlanta Dream 74-72 in a closely fought game. Aja Wilson led the charge for Las Vegas with an outstanding 32 points, along with 12 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks. Her crucial mid-range shot in the final moments secured the win and strengthened her reputation as a potential four-time WNBA MVP.
Supporting Wilson, Jackie Young scored 16 points with seven rebounds, while Chelsea Gray contributed eight points and 11 assists. Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard was the game’s top scorer with 19 points but missed vital opportunities in the closing minute that might have changed the outcome.
Phoenix Mercury Rally to Overcome Golden State Valkyries
The Phoenix Mercury mounted a determined comeback to overcome the Golden State Valkyries 98-91 after trailing by 12 points at halftime. Kahleah Copper was pivotal in the Mercury’s resurgence, hitting five out of nine three-point attempts and finishing with 25 points.
Alyssa Thomas almost reached a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Satou Sabally added 17 points and six assists. For the Valkyries, Veronica Burton stood out with a strong performance of 24 points and 14 assists, though it was not enough to maintain their lead.
Playoff Races Tighten as Teams Battle for Position
The Valkyries, currently seventh in the playoff standings, face intense competition from the Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics, all within striking distance in a closely packed race. With every contest carrying significant implications, teams remain focused on securing crucial victories as the season progresses toward the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the New York Liberty’s victory over the Minnesota Lynx is an important boost to their confidence and postseason prospects. With key players like Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu delivering high-impact performances, the Liberty have reinforced their position as a formidable contender in the WNBA this season.