The New York Liberty opened their WNBA playoff run with a 91-75 victory over the Minnesota Lynx, putting the defending champions just one win away from the semifinal round. Forward Leonie Fiebich contributed 16 points on six-of-seven shooting in the postseason opener, operating behind teammate Breanna Stewart, who led all scorers with 34 points.
New York Liberty Take Early Series Lead Over Minnesota Lynx
Entering the postseason as the eighth seed, the Liberty secured a decisive road victory in the opening game of the best-of-three series. “We knew which shots we would get,” Stewart said after the game, noting that the team used practice days to prepare for defensive double teams and quick ball movement to open shooters. The victory shifts home-court advantage firmly to the Liberty as the series heads to New York.
Leonie Fiebich Delivers Efficient Postseason Performance
German national team player Leonie Fiebich made an immediate impact in her playoff debut, hitting six of her seven field goal attempts to finish with 16 points. While Fiebich provided crucial scoring efficiency, Stewart shouldered the primary offensive load with her 34-point night. The Liberty played without Satou Sabally, who remains sidelined due to the lingering effects of a concussion.
Playoff Format and Historical Context
The Minnesota Lynx finished the WNBA regular season at the top of the league standings, earning the number-one seed. Despite the regular-season standings, the eighth-seeded Liberty demonstrated the form that secured them the WNBA title in 2024. These two franchises previously met in the league championship series two years prior. The Liberty will host the second game of the current series, where a single win will eliminate the Lynx and advance New York to the semifinals.
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