MINNESOTA LYNX

MINNESOTA LYNX GAME STATS 9/27

SHOUT OUT MINNESOTA SPORTS PLAYER OF THE GAME / GAME RECAP

SHOUT OUT MINNESOTA SPORTS PLAYER OF THE GAME:

NIA BRODIE 16 POINTS 1 REBOUND (4-5 3PT)

LYNX 75 LIBERTY 91 FINAL

It was Round 1 Game 1 of the 2026 playoffs and the Lynx were faced with a tough battle early in the playoffs as they squared off against a good New York Liberty team (who had already beat them twice in the regular season).

A fast start for Minnesota quickly turned into a momentum swing with the Liberty countering with a run of their own. The Lynx battled back in the second quarter outscoring New York 26-15 to take a 44-40 halftime lead, but could not keep the momentum going in the second half.

Breanna Stewart was a serious problem for Minnesota as she hung 34 points on them and the Liberty (as a team) shot 52% from long range. New York also led in fast break points 11 to 6, second chance points 9 to 5, and points in the paint 30 to 22.

Nia Brodie had a playoff career high 16 points on 6 of 7 (85.7%) from the floor and 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. She recorded one rebound and one block

Kayla McBride had 14 points together with a postseason career-high six assists. Minnesota as a team had 20 assists on 28 baskets made.

Olivia Miles added 11 points (4 for 4 from the free-throw line). She also had 8 rebounds and one assist in her first career post season game.

It's a must win game on Tuesday night in New York as the season is on the line in the best-of-three first round series.

NEWS, GAME NOTES, & TRANSACTIONS 9/27

STATUS REPORT

ANASTASIIA OLAIRI KOSU - OUT (Right Foot)

LYNX MILESTONES - 9/18

Natasha Howard: 5000th point 9/24

Kayala McBride: 7000th minute played

Courtney Williams: 15TH All-Time rebounds 9/24 (DANTAS 609)

ELISKA HAMZOVA

On AUGUST 2nd:

Minnesota signed guard Eliska Joklova (Hamzova) to a one-year contract via a Sean Ending Injury exception granted by the league.

MINNESOTA LYNX VS NEW YORK LIBERTY

Minnesota faces New York 3x this season

7/3 at New York L 86-99

7/11 at Minnesota W 90-85

9/18 at Minnesota L 81-93

LYNX TEAM STATS

The Lynx most points in a game (111) vs Phoenix 6/1/26

The Lynx most field goals made (44) at Phoenix 6/1/26

The Lynx total rebounds in a game (54) at Chicago 5/23/26

The Lynx most assists in a game (31) vs Portland 6/15/26

The Lynx most 3pt FG made in a game (14) at Atlanta 8/30/26

The Lynx most steals in a game (14) vs Portland 6/15/26

The Lynx most free throws made (24) vs Phoenix 7/13/26

"WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE 2025 LYNX" BY JEFF CROYLE

Personnel changes

The 2024 Minnesota Lynx roster was loaded with talent. With the departure of Cecilia Zandalasini (Golden State Valkyries via expansion draft) and Dorka Juhász (sitting out the 2025 season to rest), the Lynx front office went to work adding guard Karlie Samuelson (via trade from the Washington Mystics for a 2026 1st Round pick) and returning player Forward Jessica Shepard (drafted by Minnesota in 2019). Both of these players with essential contributions to bolster the depth of the 2025 squad. Karlie averaging 20+ MPG, 6.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG. All higher this season compared to her career stats. Jess's stats are also higher this season compared to her career stats. She is averaging 23+ MPG, 9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG.

THE CORE OF THE TEAM

It's hard to believe that Napheesa Collier could be better than last season, but it's beginning to look that way so far. Through five games, she is averaging 26.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, & 2.4 SPG. All team leading stats. She is an early favorite to win MVP of the league and yet she has elevated her defensive game to be a serious 2-way threat on the court. Courtney Williams has made her presence known as well putting up two 20+ point games (Seattle, Dallas) and a Double-Double vs Los Angeles Sparks. Alanna Smith with her blocks in the paint & Bridget Carleton / Kayla McBride (made her season debut vs Seattle on Tuesday night) from the perimeter solidifies arguably the best starting group in the WNBA.

another run at a championship

The Lynx are off to a 5-0 start to the season and show no signs of letting up. There have been a few "Down Quarters" as Coach Reeve calls it and should be expected, but this team has shown resilience during those times. The team's chemistry seems to be even stronger this season. With two of the next three games vs a good Phoenix Mercury team (which includes the Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday 6/3 at the Target Center) it will test Minnesota again. Aside from any serious injuries or suspensions, I truly believe the Minnesota Lynx will back in the WNBA Finals in 2025.

SHOUT OUT MN SPORTS LYNX RECAP 9/25 VS PHOENIX WNBA PLAYOFFS

SHOUT OUT MINNESOTA SPORTS RECAPS R1 G2 LYNX VS MERCURY 2024 WNBA PLAYOFFS

The Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury played Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center last night. It was a slow start for Minnesota as Phoenix jumped out to an early lead with Minnesota missing several shots and fell behind. The Lynx started finding their rhythm as the first quarter progressed and finished with 21 points to close the gap to a four-point deficit to begin the second quarter. From there, the Lynx never looked back. Napheesa Collier tied a WNBA record for most points scored in a playoff game with 42.

Phoenix Mercury scoring was led by Center Brittney Griner with 24 points. She was 10 of 15 from the field, but all eyes were on #3 for the Mercury Diana Taurasi who many believe would be her last WNBA season and retire. Diana did not have a good game at all going 3 for 10 from the field, scoring 10 points and fouling out of the game with a couple minutes left to go. Ultimately the Lynx depth, teamwork, and ability to make shots in the second half closed out the first round of the WBNA Playoffs with a 101-88 win.

The Lynx have advanced to the Western Conference semi-final as they will face the Connecticut Sun with Game 1 of Round 2 at the Target Center Sunday night. Tipoff is at 7:30pm. Minnesota is favored in this series by 4.5 points. It will be another test and Coach Reeve will have this team ready to play.

MINNESOTA LYNX AT NEW YORK LIBERTY TUES 9/29 FINAL

2026 WNBA PLAYOFFS R1 G2 NEW YORK WINS SERIES 2-0

LYNX POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE VS NEW YORK LIBERTY 9-27-26

CHERYL REEVE

NIA BRODIE & KAYLA MCBRIDE

SHOUT OUT MINNESOTA SPORTS IMAGES OF THE GAME 9/27