The Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 90-85 on July 11, 2026, at Target Center in Minneapolis, with Kayla McBride scoring 14 of her 25 points in the fourth quarter.
Why it matters: This victory marks a turnaround for the Lynx after losing to the Liberty by 13 just eight days prior. The win improves Minnesota's record to 17-6, solidifying their playoff position.
Olivia Miles returned from injury to contribute significantly, adding 23 points after missing two games.
The Lynx's recent performance is a positive sign as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Driving the news: The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Minnesota ended the first quarter strong with a 12-2 run, taking a 17-13 lead.
Minnesota led 42-32 at halftime, but the Liberty surged back in the third quarter.
Sabrina Ionescu scored 19 points in the third, helping the Liberty outscore the Lynx 30-19 to take a 62-61 lead into the final period.
State of play: The fourth quarter showcased McBride's clutch performance. With the Lynx up 86-83, Miles made a key steal with 1:21 left.
McBride and Courtney Williams secured offensive rebounds, allowing Miles to hit two free throws, extending the lead to 88-83.
After missing two free throws moments later, Miles redeemed herself by grabbing a rebound and drawing another foul to seal the win.
The big picture: The Lynx have shown resilience in their recent games, which is encouraging as they approach the playoffs.
With this victory, Minnesota hopes to build momentum against the Phoenix Mercury in their next game.
The Liberty, now at 13-10, are struggling, having lost four of their last five games, raising concerns about their playoff viability.
What they're saying: McBride's performance was praised by teammates and analysts alike. "Kayla stepped up when we needed her most," said a Lynx spokesperson.
Olivia Miles expressed relief at returning to the court, saying, "It feels great to help my team win after being sidelined."
The Liberty's struggles were echoed by Ionescu, who noted, "We need to find our rhythm again if we want to compete in the playoffs."
By the numbers: Key statistics from the game highlight the competitive nature of the matchup.
McBride led all scorers with 25 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter.
Natasha Howard contributed 16 points for the Lynx, and Courtney Williams added 12.
Ionescu was the top scorer for the Liberty with 25 points, supported by Breanna Stewart's 17 and Jonquel Jones' 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Between the lines: The Lynx's ability to close out games has been a focal point this season. Their late-game execution against the Liberty showcased their growth.
With Miles back in the lineup, the Lynx are regaining their offensive rhythm, which had been disrupted during her absence.
The Liberty's defense struggled against Minnesota's rebounding, allowing second-chance opportunities that proved costly.
What's next: The Liberty will face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, aiming to break their losing streak.
The Lynx will host the Phoenix Mercury on Monday, looking to capitalize on their recent success.
Both teams are aware of the importance of these upcoming games as they prepare for the playoff push.