Lynx Edge Liberty in Finals Rematch Behind Williams’ Season-High 26 Points

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Courtney Williams poured in a season-high 26 points, and Kayla McBride knocked down a clutch deep three-pointer with 30.8 seconds left as the Minnesota Lynx outlasted the defending champion New York Liberty, 86-80, on Saturday night.

The matchup was a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals, where New York defeated Minnesota in five games to secure the franchise’s first-ever title. Since then, however, the Lynx have taken control of the rivalry, winning three straight against the Liberty.

Minnesota (28-5) is now riding a six-game winning streak and has won 10 of its last 11 games.

In a tense final minute, DiJonai Carrington won a jump ball against Natasha Cloud with 25.2 seconds remaining. Forced to foul, the Liberty sent McBride — one of the league’s best free-throw shooters at 93.8% this season — to the line. McBride converted two of four, and Jessica Shepard sealed the win with a pair of free throws with just 3.6 seconds to play.

McBride finished with 17 points, while Shepard tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds. Alanna Smith also made a strong impact with 14 points, seven boards, and four blocks.

New York (21-13) was led by Jonquel Jones with 17 points. Sabrina Ionescu recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists, while Marine Johannès added 12 points and Kennedy Burke chipped in 11.

The Lynx once led by 11 late in the first half before the Liberty stormed back with a 16-0 run that spanned the second and third quarters. Jones capped that surge with a three-point play early in the second half, briefly putting New York ahead.

Star forward Napheesa Collier missed her fourth straight game for Minnesota due to an ankle injury. The MVP frontrunner has now sat out seven games this season. For New York, two-time MVP Breanna Stewart remained sidelined with a knee injury, missing her 10th consecutive contest.

The two teams are set to meet again Tuesday at Barclays Center in New York.