WNBA to Punish Liberty's Han Xu After Lynx Game

David Butler II-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

WNBA to Punish Liberty's Han Xu After Lynx Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jul 12, 2026 8:28 AM ET

The New York Liberty lost a tight game against the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, 90-85. New York trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half, but they rallied in the second half to make it a thrilling game.

By the end of the third quarter, the Liberty had turned things around and taken the lead. Unfortunately, they simply couldn't close out Minnesota.

Sabrina Ionescu finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals in the loss, while Breanna Stewart had 17 points and seven boards. Jonquel Jones also chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Making matters worse for the Liberty, two members of the team were assessed technical fouls, including fan-favorite and gentle giant Han Xu.

New York Liberty center Han Xu (21) gets injured during a play.David Butler II-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Han Xu received the first-ever tech of her career in the fourth quarter after bouncing the ball in frustration, according to Madeline Kenney of the New York Post.

As a result, Han Xu is now due to pay a $500 fine, unless the WNBA rescinds the call. The league's rules state that the first three technical fouls a player receives each carry a $500 fine.

Once a player's technical foul count reaches four, the fine increases to $1,000, which remains in effect until the seventh tech. For every tech after that, a player will have to pay a $1,500 fine. A player also gets a one-game suspension after reaching eight techs and after every other tech thereafter.

Aside from Han Xu, Liberty coach Chris DeMarco was also assessed a technical foul during the fourth quarter after complaining to the referees. It was his third tech of the season, and like players, he's also subject to paying a fine.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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