The New York Liberty hosted the Minnesota Lynx for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.
The Lynx were looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead after putting off a historic comeback to win Game 1. The Liberty were looking to bounce back from the late-game collapse and tie the series 1-1.
Game Recap
The Liberty began the game on a 5-0 run after the Lynx turned the ball over on their first two possessions. The Lynx eventually got on the board but New York’s offense was in the zone. They extended their lead to five before Minnesota answered with a 5-0 run to cut it to two.
New York answered with a 8-0 run and made their next 11 field goals out of 13 attempts. Sabrina Ionescu had 12 points in the quarter, followed by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton with 7 on 100 FG%.
Both teams were sloppy with the call, each committing five turnovers. But the difference is the Liberty turned the Lynx turnovers into 10 points.
The Liberty shot 72.2 FG% and 55.6 3PG% while the Lynx shot 50 FG% and 33.3 3FG%. The rebounds were a major factor, with the Liberty out rebounding the Lynx 10-4. The Lynx missed five straight field goals to end the quarter, but did not commit a single foul in the quarter.
They began the second quarter on a 6-2 run to cut the lead to six after New York missed some shots and committed two early turnovers. Minnesota’s offense stalled as New York went on a 13-4 to increase their lead to 16.
The Lynx shot better from the field in the second quarter, but allowed five offensive rebounds and sent them to the free throw line. Both teams continued to be sloppy with the ball, each committing five more turnovers. Minnesota ended the first half on a 10-3 run to make it a 10-point game.
Even with a big lead, the Liberty continued to struggle with closing out the half. This was the same issue in Game 1, and they were in danger of allowing another comeback. The Lynx began the third quarter on a 9-2 to cut the lead to six.
They got within four at the 2:06 mark in the third quarter before Breanna Stewart scored the last four points for New York to end the quarter. Neither shot the ball well in the quarter as well as struggling to take care of the ball.
Minnesota began the fourth quarter on a 9-3 run to make it a two point game. At that moment, they had the momentum and had a chance to change the outcome once again. New York’s offense stalled and could not get anything.
At the 3:40 mark in the fourth quarter, Courtney Williams made a layup which cut the lead to two. That was the last made field goal for the Lynx as they did not score again while New York closed the game on a 12-0 run to win Game 2.
The Lynx had so many opportunities to take control of the game, but could not buy a bucket when needed. They also could not take care of the ball or stay out of foul trouble. They had 22 turnovers which turned into 26 points for the Liberty and shot just 30% from three.
The Liberty did not play a clean game either, committing 18 turnovers that turned into 17 points for the Lynx. But they got to the free throw and made timely shots. They also did the one thing they failed to do in the previous game: execute down the stretch to close out the game.
Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Not only are the seven steals a career-high, but it is the most in a WNBA finals game in WNBA history.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton finished with 20 points. She got it going early, and never cooled off. She played the entire fourth quarter, and hit some big shots down the stretch.
Sabrina Ionescu finished with 15 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jonquel Jones finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two steals.
Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 16 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Courtney Williams finished with 15 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Alanna Smith finished with 14 points.
Game 3 will take place at Target Center on Wednesday, October 16. The game will air on ESPN and begin at 8:00pm EST.
Photo Courtesy: @nyliberty/X
