New York Liberty Defeats Minnesota Lynx 93-81
Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Target Center
New York Liberty 93, Minnesota Lynx 81, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx?
New York Liberty beat Minnesota Lynx 93-81 at Target Center on September 18, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at the Target Center, the New York Liberty triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx with a final score of 93-81. This victory solidified the Liberty's dominance in their season series against the Lynx, finishing with a 2-1 record against them. The Liberty's recent form has been strong, as they have won seven of their last ten games, averaging 89.7 points scored while allowing 84.2 points per game. Their latest victory against the Chicago Sky, where they won 85-66, showcased their offensive capabilities.
The Lynx, on the other hand, have struggled in their last ten games, posting a record of 7-3 but are currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 88.6 points scored and allowed 85.3 points during this stretch. Their last two games resulted in losses to the Atlanta Dream (81-89) and the Golden State Valkyries (66-80), indicating a dip in their performance as they head into critical matchups.
At home, the Lynx have a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Liberty have been particularly strong on the road with a 6-1 record in their last seven away games. This fixture was also notable for its previous meetings, with the Lynx winning their last encounter on July 11, 2026, but losing two earlier matchups in the season. The head-to-head record over the past two seasons stands at 4-2 in favor of the Lynx, but the Liberty's recent success has shifted the momentum in their favor.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Liatu King, and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, all marked as out due to coach's decisions or injury. The Liberty also faced challenges, missing Satou Sabally due to a concussion and Elizabeth Balogun for undisclosed reasons. These absences undoubtedly impacted the strategies employed by both teams.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Lynx favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 176.5. The moneyline was listed at -218 for the Lynx and +180 for the Liberty, reflecting the expectation of a competitive game. Conditions during the game were typical for a late September evening, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths.
Viewers were treated to a thrilling fourth quarter, where key plays defined the outcome. Notable scoring plays included Pauline Astier's crucial two-point shot and Breanna Stewart's jumper that extended the Liberty's lead. The Liberty managed to maintain control in the final minutes, with Sabrina Ionescu sealing the game with free throws that brought the score to 93-81.
Overall, the Liberty's performance in this game not only highlights their offensive prowess but also raises questions about the Lynx's ability to bounce back from recent losses. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their injury concerns and find ways to improve their consistency if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming WNBA clash between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty promises to be a pivotal matchup as both teams vie for supremacy in the playoffs. The series is currently tied at 1-1, heightening the stakes for this encounter. The game is set to take place at the Target Center on September 18, 2026, at 23:30 UTC.
The Minnesota Lynx come into this game with a home record of 31-9, showcasing their strength at home. However, they have recently struggled, losing their last two games against the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. In their last five outings, the Lynx have a record of 3-2, averaging 82.0 points scored and allowing 81.2 points. Olivia Miles leads the Lynx, averaging 19.7 points and 6.0 assists per game, while Natasha Howard is a key contributor on the boards, averaging 7.7 rebounds.
On the other hand, the New York Liberty, with an away record of 24-16, have also shown resilience, winning their last game against the Chicago Sky and boasting a recent record of 3-2 in their last five games. They have averaged 84.4 points scored and allowed 83.0 points during this stretch. Breanna Stewart is the standout player for the Liberty, averaging 20.4 points per game, while Jonquel Jones leads in rebounds with an average of 9.0.
Historically, the Lynx have had the upper hand in their recent meetings, winning four out of the last six encounters against the Liberty. Their most recent matchup ended in a 90-85 victory for the Lynx at home on July 11, 2026. However, the Liberty managed to secure a win earlier in the season, defeating the Lynx 99-86 on July 3, 2026.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx will be without Elena Buenavida, Liatu King, and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, with the latter out due to a foot injury. The Liberty also face challenges, missing Satou Sabally due to a concussion and Elizabeth Balogun for undisclosed reasons. The absence of these key players could significantly impact both teams' strategies and performance on the court.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has set the Lynx as 5.5-point favorites, with a total points line of 177.5. The odds reflect the Lynx's strong home performance, despite their recent struggles. The over odds are listed at -105.0, while the under odds are at -115.0. The moneyline shows the Lynx at -218.0 and the Liberty at 180.0, indicating a clear expectation of a Lynx victory.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Lynx respond to their recent losses and whether they can leverage their home-court advantage effectively. The Liberty will need to find ways to compensate for their missing players and maintain their scoring efficiency, especially with Stewart leading the charge. With both teams having shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, this matchup is set to be an exciting and crucial battle in the WNBA playoffs.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -5.5 | 176.5 o -115 / u -105 | New York Liberty +180 · Minnesota Lynx -218 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Liatu KingOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Anastasiia Olairi KosuOutFootMinnesota Lynx
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
- Elizabeth BalogunOutUndisclosedNew York Liberty
Leaders
- PointsOlivia Miles20Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles5Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsOlivia Miles8Minnesota Lynx
- PointsBreanna Stewart24New York Liberty
- AssistsSabrina Ionescu6New York Liberty
- ReboundsBreanna Stewart10New York Liberty
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak L288.6 scored · 85.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L81-89at Atlanta DreamAug 30
- L66-80vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 25
- W94-84at Washington MysticsAug 21
- W77-66at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
- W92-87at Las Vegas AcesAug 16
- W85-81at Portland FireAug 13
- W103-90vs Dallas WingsAug 9
- W98-87vs Las Vegas AcesAug 8
- L82-89vs Los Angeles SparksAug 7
- W108-100vs Indiana FeverAug 2
New York Liberty
Last 10: 7-3Streak W189.7 scored · 84.2 allowed per game1-2 away
- W85-66vs Chicago SkyAug 29
- L60-79vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 28
- W109-102vs Indiana FeverAug 22
- L86-93at Chicago SkyAug 19
- W82-75at Connecticut SunAug 15
- W85-81vs Los Angeles SparksAug 14
- L92-106at Indiana FeverAug 11
- W111-71vs Las Vegas AcesAug 9
- W92-86vs Seattle StormAug 5
- W95-83vs Seattle StormAug 3
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W2 | .659 | 27 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W3 | .659 | 27 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W2 | .610 | 25 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | W1 | .610 | 25 |
| Chicago | 12 | 26 | L4 | .366 | 15 |
| Toronto | 16 | 30 | L5 | .268 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 17 | 31 | L4 | .244 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 10 | L3 | .756 | 31 |
| Golden State | 1.5 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 3 | 13 | W4 | .683 | 28 |
| Dallas | 6 | 16 | W5 | .610 | 25 |
| Portland | 15 | 25 | L2 | .390 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 26 | L1 | .366 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 16 | 26 | W2 | .366 | 15 |
| Seattle | 23 | 33 | L2 | .195 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | New York Liberty | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-74 | 29-74 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 13-29 | 6-22 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 27 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 17-20 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 22 |
| Steals | 12 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 44 |
| Fouls | 22 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 60 | 28 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter51-46Kayla McBride makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter51-48Olivia Miles makes 2-foot two point shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-51Nia Brodie makes 23-foot running jump shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-51Sabrina Ionescu makes 27-foot three point jumper (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-53Kayla McBride makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter54-55Napheesa Collier makes layup (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-55Breanna Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-55Marine Johannes makes 26-foot three pointer (Rebekah Gardner assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-55Marine Johannes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-58Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-58Marine Johannes makes 25-foot three pointer (Rebekah Gardner assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-60Napheesa Collier makes 1-foot layup (Nia Brodie assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-60Marine Johannes makes 25-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter65-61Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-62Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-64Natasha Howard makes 1-foot layup (Dorka Juhasz assists)
- 4th Quarter67-64Jonquel Jones makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter67-66Olivia Miles makes running layup
- 4th Quarter67-68Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter67-69Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter70-69Breanna Stewart makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leonie Fiebich assists)
- 4th Quarter73-69Pauline Astier makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leonie Fiebich assists)
- 4th Quarter73-71Maya Caldwell makes 4-foot layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter75-71Jonquel Jones makes 17-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter77-71Pauline Astier makes 1-foot layup (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter77-72Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-73Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-73Pauline Astier makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter80-74Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-75Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-77Napheesa Collier makes driving layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter82-77Breanna Stewart makes running layup
- 4th Quarter84-77Pauline Astier makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter84-79Napheesa Collier makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter86-79Breanna Stewart makes 12-foot jumper (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter86-81Napheesa Collier makes 6-foot fade away jump shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter89-81Jonquel Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 4th Quarter91-81Jonquel Jones makes 2-foot layup (Breanna Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter92-81Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-81Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours New York Liberty.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance15710
- OfficialsMaj Forsberg, Toni Patillo, Teresa Stuck
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx — WNBA: result pendingOct 1, 2026
- New York Liberty Defeat Minnesota Lynx 87-71 in Playoff MatchupSep 29, 2026
- New York Liberty Defeats Minnesota Lynx 91-75Sep 27, 2026
- Lynx Edge Liberty in Thrilling FinishJul 11, 2026
- Liberty Triumph Over Lynx in Barclays Center ShowdownJul 3, 2026