Liberty vs. Lynx: 3 Keys For Tonight's First Finals Rematch

For the first time since their 2024 WNBA Finals showdown, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx will meet again in tonight’s highly anticipated rematch.

In what was the first-ever overtime, win-or-go-home Game 5 in league history, the Lynx and Liberty delivered one of the most thrilling Finals of all time. Now, the top two teams in the standings are set to clash again. Both squads started the year 9–0, but have since taken different paths — New York briefly stumbled during Jonquel Jones’ absence, while Minnesota has continued to dominate with a league-best 22–5 record.

For New York, tonight isn’t just another game. It’s a gut check. The Liberty lead the league in points, three-point percentage, and steals. Meanwhile, the Lynx sit atop the WNBA in field-goal percentage, blocks, and box score +/-.

New York will once again be without Breanna Stewart, leaving a notable gap in their offensive firepower—as seen in their last outing against Dallas. To avoid falling into another come-from-behind situation, the Liberty will need to stick to three key objectives if they hope to walk away with a win.

3. Start Strong

The Liberty have struggled to start games on the right foot. In their last six matchups, they’ve only held a first-quarter lead twice, often relying on second-half surges to climb back into games.

Despite ranking first in PACE, New York has looked sluggish early. Sabrina Ionescu has scored five points or fewer in each of her last four first quarters, Jonquel Jones has done the same in three of them, and Natasha Cloud has failed to score more than four in all four.

To beat a disciplined Minnesota team, New York must hit the ground running — knocking down early shots, protecting the ball, and closing off defensive lapses. If they can do that, confidence should carry through all four quarters.

2. Contain Napheesa Collier

Slowing down MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier is no easy task — and it’ll be even tougher without Stewart.

Collier has been nearly unstoppable this season, averaging 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and a combined 3.4 stocks (steals + blocks) across 24 games. She’s also shooting a career-high 53.1% from the field. Coming off a 32-point outing in a loss to the Dream, Collier will be looking for revenge against the team that ended her 2024 season.

Jonquel Jones will likely draw the primary defensive assignment. With her 6'6" frame and 6'7" wingspan, she has the physical tools to contest Collier both inside and out. If Jones struggles, look for Leonie Fiebich to step in. Fiebich has quietly improved as a defender this season, already surpassing her 2024 block total in half as many games.

1. Sabrina Ionescu’s Scoring

Sabrina Ionescu has had two recent chances to show how she performs without Stewart — and the results have been mixed.

In Saturday’s loss to the Sparks, she delivered one of her best all-around performances of the year: 30 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. But in the next game against Dallas, she struggled, posting 17 points, five turnovers, and shooting just 38.5% from the field with only one made three-pointer.

Ionescu’s recent Player of the Week honors should give her a boost heading into tonight, especially against a Lynx team that gave her trouble in last year’s Finals. She averaged just 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across that five-game series.

To flip the script, she’ll need to stay aggressive from the jump — hitting from deep, attacking the rim, and playing with assertiveness. She’ll be facing pressure from the intense backcourt duo of Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams, both of whom have elevated their defensive play.

Whether at home or on the road, all eyes will be on Sabrina. How she responds may decide the outcome.