Minnesota Lynx defeated New York Liberty 90-85 on Saturday in the Women’s National Basketball Association, with Kayla McBride leading the way on 25 points as the home side closed the fixture strongly in the fourth quarter. A 29-point final period proved the pivotal moment at Target Center.
This was a contest that shifted in phases. Minnesota set the tone early with a disciplined opening quarter, moving 17-13 ahead and forcing New York to work through a compact defensive shape. The Lynx then built further control before the interval, adding 25 points in the second quarter to take a 42-32 advantage into the break.
New York responded impressively after halftime. Sabrina Ionescu sparked the Liberty with a 25-point display, adding eight rebounds and five assists, while Jonquel Jones gave them a steady interior presence and 12 rebounds. The visitors produced their best spell in the third quarter, pouring in 30 points and cutting into Minnesota’s earlier command as the fixture tightened heading into the final period.
But the Lynx had the sharper finish. McBride’s shot-making was central to that late surge, and Minnesota’s perimeter efficiency made a major difference. The home side hit 14 of 28 from beyond the arc, a superb 50.0 percent return, and that spacing allowed them to regain control when New York looked capable of completing the turnaround. Minnesota also got to the line 23 times, converting 18 free throws, which helped steady the side in the closing minutes.
There were strong supporting contributions as well. Courtney Williams controlled the glass with 12 rebounds from the backcourt, while Nia Coffey supplied five assists to keep Minnesota’s attacking flow balanced. Even though New York finished with 20 assists and shot a comparable 42.7 percent from the floor, the Liberty could not quite match the Lynx’s outside shooting or late execution.
Key performers
McBride was the standout performer for Minnesota, finishing with 25 points and four steals in an influential all-around display. Ionescu matched her with 25 points for New York and carried much of the Liberty’s attacking threat, while Jones’ 12 rebounds kept the visitors competitive on the boards. Courtney Williams also deserves mention for her 12-rebound effort, giving Minnesota an important edge in second-possession moments.
NerdSports Stat: Minnesota won by five points despite New York attempting six more shots, thanks largely to a +10 edge from three-point range and a +10 advantage at the free-throw line.
The result lifts the Lynx to 17-6 and strengthens their push near the top of the table, while the Liberty fall to 13-10 and miss a chance to build momentum on the road. Minnesota will feel encouraged by the composure it showed in the fourth quarter, and New York can still take positives from a spirited third-period response as both sides look ahead to their next fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded in the provided match data.
Minnesota Lynx 90 – 85 New York Liberty.
Minnesota improved to 17-6 to reinforce its position near the top of the table, while New York dropped to 13-10 and lost ground in the playoff race.
Kayla McBride was the standout performer with 25 points and four steals.
