The No. 8 seed New York Liberty defeated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, completing a first-round playoff sweep. With the victory, the Liberty became the first No. 8 seed to win a series against a No. 1 seed since the WNBA updated its playoff format in 2016, according to USA TODAY Sports.
New York Liberty Sweeps Top-Seeded Minnesota Lynx in Historic WNBA Playoffs Upset
New York advanced behind a standout performance from center Jonquel Jones, who scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx exited the postseason early after struggling defensively through the final months of the regular season, finishing July and August with a 109.9 defensive rating.
Caitlin Clark Leads Indiana Fever Past Las Vegas Aces to Force Game 3
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark posted 27 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds to push her team to a 99-89 victory over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 29, 2026. Clark recorded a double-double by halftime with 14 points and 11 assists, marking the first time in WNBA playoff history a player achieved that stat line in a single half.
“We were just soft in Game 1, and I think tonight we played a lot tougher,” Clark said postgame, as reported by USA TODAY Sports. Despite fouling out late in the contest, Clark helped the No. 6 seed Fever stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 3 against Las Vegas.
Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu Drive New York’s Offense
After Breanna Stewart led the Liberty in Game 1, Jonquel Jones took control inside for Game 2. Jones shot 9-of-14 from the field, securing six of her 13 rebounds on the offensive glass.
“Just watching the film from the last game, I feel like we had a big advantage with our size,” Jones said, according to USA TODAY Sports. Guard Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points, seven assists, and three steals in her strongest postseason outing following an injury-shortened regular season where she played 31 games.
Officiating and Arena Etiquette Draw Criticism in Indianapolis
Both players and coaches voiced frustration with game management during the physical series between Indiana and Las Vegas. Aces head coach Becky Hammon and Fever guard Caitlin Clark both criticized the officiating crew following Tuesday’s matchup.
“It was a very physical game. When all the players and all the coaches are mad about the physicality, I think… You know,” Hammon said, as noted by USA TODAY Sports. Clark pointed to a wide discrepancy in free-throw attempts during stretches of the contest, calling the officiating inconsistent.
Hammon also addressed fan conduct at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following an incident involving A’ja Wilson and a courtside spectator. It marked the second time this season an Aces game in Indianapolis involved fan ejections, prompting Hammon to call for stricter arena protocols regarding spectator behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 WNBA Playoffs
How did the New York Liberty make WNBA history against the Minnesota Lynx?
By sweeping the top-seeded Lynx in the first round, the No. 8 seed Liberty became the first No. 8 seed to win a series against a No. 1 seed since the league adopted its current playoff format in 2016.
What records did Caitlin Clark set in Game 2 against the Las Vegas Aces?
Clark became the first player in WNBA history to record a double-double consisting of 14 points and 11 assists in a single playoff half. She finished the elimination-game victory with 27 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds.
Why were the Minnesota Lynx eliminated in the first round?
Minnesota struggled defensively down the stretch, ranking 10th in defensive rating during July and August before falling in a two-game sweep to New York.
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