New York almost lost another big lead
Three-time Olympic champion Breanna Stewart (21 points) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (20) particularly shone at Liberty. Napheesa Collier (16 points), Courtney Williams (15) and Alanna Smith (14) were the most accurate for Minnesota. New York started the game dominantly, and in the second quarter Fiebich and Co. were ahead by 17 points. The guests were able to reduce the deficit somewhat before the break.
Minnesota also held up better in the second half. The game came to a head in the final quarter and the Lynx came within two points. However, the guests were no longer able to achieve another comeback like at the start, when New York led by 15 points five minutes before the end and still lost.
The series now moves to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Game three is on Thursday night (2 a.m.) at the Target Center. A possible decisive fifth duel would take place on October 21st in New York.
For Minnesota it is about the fifth title in the WNBA, which would make the team the sole record champion of the league. On the other hand, WNBA founding member Liberty is still waiting for its first title; in the previous season, New York lost the final series against the Las Vegas Aces 1:3. The only German WNBA title winner to date is Marlies Askamp with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002.
