League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

New York Liberty make WNBA history by eliminating top-seed Lynx

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 12:34 PM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

New York Liberty make WNBA history by eliminating top-seed Lynx

Summary

The New York Liberty completed a historic upset by eliminating the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA playoffs, winning Game 2 of their series 87-71 on September 29, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each contributed significantly, leading the Liberty to a 2-0 series sweep. This victory marks the first time a No. 8 seed has knocked out a No. 1 seed in WNBA history. The Liberty, who had an uneven regular-season finish at 26-18, had previously beaten the Lynx twice during the season and won the Commissioner’s Cup. New York will advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Atlanta-Washington matchup.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Liberty beat Lynx 87-71 to complete the series sweep.
•Jonquel Jones led with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
•New York becomes the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in WNBA history.
•New York had already beaten Minnesota twice in the regular season.
•Next, the Liberty will face the winner of Atlanta vs. Washington in the semifinals.

Latest Updates

12:34 PMYahoo Sports — New York Liberty Make WNBA History, Become First No. 8 Seed to Knock Out a No. 1 Seed

What they're saying

"
The New York Liberty entered the WNBA playoffs in an unexpected position. They had won the Commissioner’s Cup but finished the regular season 26-18 after an uneven year, leaving them with the No. 8 seed. Minnesota spent most of the season near the top of the standings. The Lynx finished 33-11, earned the No. 1 [...]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Minnesota Lynx New York Liberty WNBA Basketball