Minnesota Lynx Defeat New York Liberty 90-85

Game Overview

The Minnesota Lynx rode a late surge to topple the New York Liberty 90-85 on Saturday. Kayla McBride erupted for 25 points, with 14 of them coming in the fourth quarter, while Olivia Miles returned from a calf injury to add 23 points and deliver the clutch free throws that sealed the win. The Lynx improved to a 17‑6 record, rebounding from an eight‑day loss to the Liberty by converting a 12‑2 run in the opening period and holding a 42‑32 advantage at halftime.

Midway through the third quarter a McBride jumper pushed the Lynx ahead 56‑41, but New York responded with a 30‑19 burst led by Sabrina Ionescu’s 19 points. Jonquel Jones and Marine Johannes each added back‑to‑back three‑pointers to give the Liberty a 62‑61 lead entering the final period. The Lynx answered with a decisive 12‑2 run capped by Miles’s free‑throw double with eight seconds left.

Key Performances

Natasha Howard paced the Lynx with 16 points, and Courtney Williams contributed 12 off the bench. For the Liberty, Ionescu finished with a game‑high 25 points, while Breanna Stewart added 17 and Jones posted 15 points and 12 rebounds. Johannes provided a valuable 14 points as a sixth‑man.

Miles’s defensive play was crucial: a steal with 1:21 left forced a turnover, and her subsequent free‑throw made it 88‑83. Courtney Williams missed a potential game‑tying three as the shot clock wound down, allowing Miles to grab the rebound and close out the contest.

What It Means Next

The win keeps Minnesota in a solid playoff position and reverses a troubling 13‑point loss suffered just a week earlier. The Liberty’s defeat drops them to 13‑10 and extends their losing streak to four of the last five games, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.

Next Up

New York will travel to Toronto for Sunday’s contest, while Minnesota returns home Monday night to face the Phoenix Mercury. Both teams will look to build on their recent results as the WNBA schedule continues.