Minnesota Lynx eliminated by New York Liberty in playoff upset

The Minnesota Lynx were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs by the New York Liberty in a first-round upset on September 29, 2026. The Lynx, the No. 1 seed, lost the series 2-0 after a decisive 87-71 defeat in Game 2. Despite a dominant regular season with a 33-11 record, the Lynx continued a trend of playoff heartbreak, marking the first time a No. 1 seed lost to a No. 8 seed since the playoff format changed in 2016. Coach Cheryl Reeve cited ineffective performances from key players as a major factor in the defeat, as well as the Liberty's significant rebounding advantage. The Lynx will now reflect on their early exit and the missed opportunities in their pursuit of a championship.

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