The Minnesota Lynx fell behind in a high-stakes WNBA matchup against the New York Liberty on July 12, 2024, as forward Breanna Stewart delivered a dominant performance, scoring 36 points to lead her team to a 98-89 victory. The loss marked a pivotal moment in the league’s standings, with the Liberty climbing to within one game of the top seed and the Lynx facing questions about their playoff prospects.
Stewart, a two-time WNBA champion and 2023 MVP, showcased her scoring prowess by shooting 14-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-7 from three-point range. Her performance came against a Lynx defense that had ranked among the league’s top five in points allowed per game this season. “Breanna was unstoppable tonight,” said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello, according to a post-game statement. “Her ability to create shots for herself and others was the difference.” The win extended New York’s winning streak to six games and improved their record to 18-10, while Minnesota dropped to 16-12.
Minnesota’s Struggles Against a Focused Liberty
The Lynx, who entered the game as the Western Conference’s second seed, struggled to contain Stewart’s offensive production. Minnesota’s leading scorer, Napheesa Collier, finished with 22 points but was limited by a 4-of-13 shooting night. “We knew Breanna would be a challenge,” said Lynx guard Jordan Goodwin, per a press conference transcript. “But we didn’t execute on both ends of the floor.” The Liberty’s balanced attack, which included 18 points from Sabrina Ionescu and 15 from Jonquel Jones, proved too much for Minnesota’s defense.
Key moments in the game included Stewart’s 12-point fourth-quarter surge, which widened the Liberty’s lead to 15 points. Minnesota’s deficit grew after a 9-0 run in the final 4:30, fueled by three consecutive three-pointers from New York’s guards. The Lynx’s bench contributed just 18 points, compared to the Liberty’s 38, highlighting a lack of depth in Minnesota’s rotation.
Stewart’s Legacy and the WNBA’s Competitive Landscape
Stewart’s performance elevated her season scoring average to 21.7 points per game, ranking her third in the league. Her 36-point outing was the second-highest of the 2024 season, behind only a 38-point game by Phoenix’s Diana Taurasi in June. The 29-year-old forward has now scored 30 or more points in five games this year, a testament to her consistency under pressure.
The game also underscored the WNBA’s growing competitiveness. The Liberty, who finished third in the Eastern Conference last season, are now a legitimate threat to the league’s top teams. “This is a team that’s evolving,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke in a post-game analysis. “They’ve added depth and experience, and Stewart’s leadership is a key factor.” The result has shifted the dynamic in the Eastern Conference, with the Liberty now tied with the Connecticut Sun for second place.
Minnesota’s Playoff Outlook and Adjustments
Despite the loss, the Lynx remain in the playoff picture, holding a one-game lead over the Seattle Storm for the final Western Conference berth. However, the team’s struggles against elite opponents have raised concerns about their readiness for the postseason. Head coach Rachelh Hillebrand acknowledged the challenges in a press release: “We need to improve our execution in critical moments. Breanna Stewart is an elite player, and we didn’t match her intensity.” The Lynx will look to regroup as they prepare for a matchup against the Las Vegas Aces on July 16.
Minnesota’s defense, which had been a strength all season, allowed the Liberty to shoot 52% from the field, including 43% from three-point range. The team’s inability to contain Stewart’s driving lanes and pick-and-roll plays was a recurring issue. “We need to adjust our game plan,” said Hillebrand. “That’s something we’ll work on in the coming days.”
The Impact of Stewart’s Performance on the WNBA
Stewart’s dominance has reignited discussions about her place among the league’s all-time greats. With 1,783 career points, she ranks 11th in WNBA history and is on pace to surpass the 2,000-point milestone by the end of the 2024 season. Her ability to perform in high-stakes games has also drawn comparisons to legends like Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker. “Breanna’s game is at another level,” said former WNBA player and analyst Becky Hammon. “She’s a complete player who can take over any game.”
The victory further solidified the Liberty’s reputation as a team capable of competing with the league’s best. New York’s 18-10 record places them in a tight race for the top seed, with the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury also vying for dominance. The Eastern Conference has become one of the most competitive in WNBA history, with four teams within two games of first place.