The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx went the distance in the 2024 WNBA Finals, culminating in an exhilarating Game 5 thats still considered controversial (depending on which fan base you ask). Since the start of the 2025 season, theyve played every team in the league besides each other.
Finally, almost a year later, well get our rematch.
Venue: Target Center Minneapolis
Time: 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday
TV: ESPN
Streaming: Fubo (Save $20)
Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
Live coverage is also available on ESPN+.
The Liberty have largely met expectations, if not for a few missteps along the way. Injuries and absences have taken their toll Jonquel Jones has missed 12 games, Leonie Fiebich seven and Breanna Stewart, who was fortunate to avoid a significant leg injury in Saturdays loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, is currently without a timetable for return. And thats not to mention Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who remains out for the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery in March.
Despite that, this offense is even more potent than the one that carried New York to its first title in 2024. Sandy Brondellos squad ranks first in scoring and pace, and although the Liberty rank just eighth in points allowed per game, their third-place defensive rating is more indicative of the level this team performs at on a nightly basis.
Meanwhile, runaway MVP favorite Napheesa Collier has helped guide the first-place Lynx to an impeccable 22-5 record. Minnesota ranks No. 1 in offensive, defensive and overall net rating. Its also the most efficient shooting team at a 46.4 percent clip, and leads the league in assists and blocks per game.
Colliers counting stats are immaculate, but she has a stellar supporting cast behind her, too. Courtney Williams is fearless. Kayla McBride is one of the leagues deadliest shooters. And dont overlook Alanna Smith, whos become an elite rim protector. From top to bottom, theres a lot to love about this Lynx squad.
Minnesota is a sizable favorite in this first matchup and for good reason. This group is 14-1 at Target Center, and Stewarts injury looms large for New York. Emma Meesseman gives the Liberty a nice plug-and-play option alongside Jones while Stewart recovers, but shes yet to make her debut, and it could take some time for her to get accustomed to the WNBA again following a three-year hiatus.
The Liberty and Lynx will meet three more times this season. From Aug. 10-19, Minnesota will exclusively play New York. Game-to-game adjustments will be paramount as both sides continue jockeying for the top spot in the standings.
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