Lynx Triumph Over Liberty in Commissioner's Cup Championship
Game Recap: Liberty Fall to Lynx in Back-to-Back Defeats
In a thrilling rematch, the Minnesota Lynx once again proved to be the kryptonite for the New York Liberty, securing a 94-89 victory in the Commissioner’s Cup Final on Tuesday night. This win marks the Lynx's first Commissioner’s Cup championship and extends their impressive winning streak to seven games.
Lynx Dominate with Stellar Performances
Minnesota's victory was led by outstanding performances from Bridget Carleton and Napheesa Collier. Carleton scored 23 points, while Collier added 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists, earning her the game's MVP award. Collier praised her team, saying, "Means a lot. Testament to where we are at this season. This is the best group. Our personalities mesh so well. Any night anyone can have 20. Bridget had an outstanding game. It's so fun."
The Lynx shot an impressive 47.8% from the field, including a scorching 50% from beyond the arc. Their balanced attack and solid defense kept the Liberty at bay throughout the game.
Liberty Struggle Despite Strong Efforts
The Liberty, who had been riding high with three straight wins and 11 victories in their past 12 outings, faced a tough challenge against the Lynx. Breanna Stewart led New York with 24 points, while Sabrina Ionescu added 23 points and 12 assists. Despite their efforts, the Liberty were unable to overcome Minnesota's relentless play.
Jonquel Jones, usually a standout for New York, struggled on the night, missing all three of her field goal attempts and scoring only two free throws with 1:20 left. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the Lynx's effective defense, saying, "JJ has been playing great. They really took her out of the game, made it hard for her to catch the ball."
Key Moments: Lynx Pull Away
The game was tightly contested until the Lynx made a decisive move late in the third quarter. With the score tied at 60, Carleton and Cecilia Zandalasini hit back-to-back 3-pointers to ignite a 10-0 run that spanned into the fourth quarter. Although Stewart's nine straight points brought the Liberty within one, Minnesota responded with another run to seal the victory.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was proud of her team's resilience, stating, "What I'm proud of is we answered every run on the road, and that tells you everything about our basketball team."
Concerns for the Liberty
While the Liberty have been strong this season, their inability to handle the Lynx raises questions about their championship potential. The back-to-back losses to Minnesota highlight the need for New York to find answers against tough opponents. With Jonquel Jones struggling and the team's high turnover rate, there are areas that need addressing.
Despite the loss, there were positive signs with the return of key players. Courtney Vandersloot, back from a personal leave, contributed four points, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, recovering from right knee soreness, added 13 points.
Financial Incentives and Charitable Contributions
Both teams earned significant financial rewards from the Commissioner’s Cup. Players on Minnesota could make up to $30,000, while each player on New York earned $10,000, plus an additional $5,000 in cryptocurrency. The Liberty also raised $15,000 for Women Creating Change, and the Lynx earned $13,500 for Gender Justice, with an additional $10,000 for their charity by winning the Cup.
Looking Ahead
Liberty: New York will look to bounce back as they travel to Chicago for a rematch against the Sky, aiming to address their recent struggles and regain their winning form.
Lynx: Minnesota will enjoy their victory and the momentum from their seven-game winning streak as they prepare for their next challenge.
The Liberty’s back-to-back losses to the Lynx have cast a shadow of doubt, but with plenty of basketball left in the season, they have time to regroup and address their weaknesses. The Lynx, on the other hand, have solidified their status as a championship contender with their impressive play.
