The No. 8-seeded New York Liberty beat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71 in Game 2 of their WNBA playoff series on Tuesday night at Barclays Center, completing a sweep and advancing to the semifinals.
The win made the Liberty the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the league's 30-year history, according to multiple outlets.
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each scored 21 points for New York, with Jones also grabbing 13 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu added 18 points.
CBS Sports described the Lynx as showing 'little fight' in the loss, while the New York Post noted celebrations among the Liberty began before the final horn sounded.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian and AP reported the Liberty became the first No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 seed in WNBA history.
- Jonquel Jones was credited with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
- Breanna Stewart added 21 points and Sabrina Ionescu scored 18 in the series-clinching win.
“No 8 Liberty spring historic upset to take down No 1 seed Lynx” — The Guardian
Center
- Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports both noted the Lynx became the first No. 1 seed eliminated by a No. 8 seed.
- The Japan Times described the result as a historic sweep of the top-seeded Lynx.
- CBS Sports characterized the Lynx as showing little fight in the 87-71 defeat.
“The Lynx showed little fight in the 87-71 loss” — CBS Sports
Right
- The New York Post highlighted celebratory hugs and handshakes among Liberty players before the final horn.
- The Post framed the win as a historic upset advancing New York to the second round.
“The hugs and handshake lines started before the final horn officially sounded.” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened in the Liberty-Lynx WNBA playoff series?
The No. 8-seeded New York Liberty swept the No. 1-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round, winning Game 2 87-71 on Tuesday to advance to the semifinals.
Why is this result considered historic?
The Liberty became the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the WNBA's 30-year history, according to the Associated Press and other outlets.
Who led the Liberty in the win?
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each scored 21 points, with Jones adding 13 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu scored 18 points.
What did different outlets emphasize about the game?
Left- and center-leaning outlets focused on the historic nature of the No. 8 seed's upset and the statistical performances of Stewart, Jones and Ionescu, while CBS Sports highlighted the Lynx's lack of competitiveness and the New York Post described the on-court celebration.
What's next for the Liberty?
The New York Liberty advance to the WNBA semifinals following their sweep of the Minnesota Lynx.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningNo. 8-seeded Liberty sweep top-seeded Lynx 87-71 in quarterfinals, advance to WNBA semifinals
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningNo. 8-seeded Liberty sweep top-seeded Lynx 87-71 in quarterfinals, advance to WNBA semifinals
- The GuardianLeft-leaningWNBA playoffs: No 8 Liberty spring historic upset to take down No 1 seed Lynx
- CBS SportsCenterLynx crash out of playoffs as Liberty become first No. 8 seed to down a No. 1 seed in WNBA playoff history
- The Japan TimesCenterLiberty complete historic sweep of top-seeded Lynx
- Yahoo SportsCenter8 seeds to beat a 1 seed in WNBA: Complete history of biggest first-round playoff upsets
- New York PostRight-leaningLiberty oust top-seeded Lynx to reach second round of WNBA playoffs in historic upset