Liberty shock WNBA world, complete sweep of Lynx after 87-71 win and advance to semifinals

Jonquel Jones contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds as the No. 8 seed New York Liberty secured an 87-71 victory over the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, advancing to the WNBA semifinals. Breanna Stewart chipped in with 21 points, while Sabrina Ionescu added 18. The Liberty marked history by becoming the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in the league's 30-year history.

The WNBA has experimented with various playoff formats, but in 2022, it adopted the current structure where the top eight teams compete in the quarterfinals. The Liberty will face the winner of the Atlanta-Washington series in the semifinals, which commence on Sunday. Following their first-round loss to Phoenix in the previous year after leading 1-0, the Liberty were resolved not to experience a similar defeat.

New York took a five-point lead at halftime, 40-35, and expanded it to a 52-39 advantage with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter. After Stewart was struck in the face by Miles while attempting to block a shot, she received a Flagrant-1 foul, prompting a brief interruption and a standing ovation from the crowd of 17,593. Stewart demonstrated poise by sinking both free throws, preventing Minnesota from narrowing the gap beyond seven points in the remainder of the game.

Despite being the regular season's top team, the Lynx couldn't prevail against New York. Coach Cheryl Reeve was honored with the Coach of the Year award, while rookie Olivia Miles received unanimous recognition. Miles' performance was notably subdued in the second game against New York, scoring five points while missing seven of her eight shots.

The Liberty's height and capacity to shield the basket posed challenges for Miles. Courtney Williams contributed 18 points, and Napheesa Collier added 14 for the Lynx.