NFL
By: Sameer Kumar
The New York Liberty became the first No. 8 seed to win a playoff series.
They took down the Minnesota Lynx in two games, and neither contest was particularly close.
Breanna Stewart put her team on her absolute back, averaging 27.5 points on 50% shooting, 8.5 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two steals per game.
Sabrina Ionescu has shaken off a string of poor shooting performances, putting up 18 points, seven assists, and three steals in Game 2.
The Liberty have shot the 3-pointer fairly well, but their defense is what really got it done.
New York really kept Minnesota from getting too hot behind the arc. Given the Lynx’s strong ability to move the ball around, that’s no easy task.
Can the Liberty Make a Serious Run?
The Liberty will face the winner of the Las Vegas Aces-Indiana Fever series.
New York matches up very well against both teams, but they’re going to have their hands full stopping two of the best players in the game.
Caitlin Clark will stretch out New York’s defense to the halfcourt line, should the Liberty have to face Indiana.
A’ja Wilson won’t make life any easier for the Liberty, as she’s a dominant, efficient threat at all three levels.
The Liberty are missing an important piece in Satou Sabally, but a trio of Stewart, Ionescu and Jonquel Jones is more than enough to strike fear in their opponent.
Leonie Fiebich should continue to hit a high percentage of her shots, especially from downtown and provide lockdown defense.
Ultimately, though, the Liberty’s true title chances hinge on how well Stewart can carry them.
Stewart has proven time and time again that no moment is too big for her. Despite the Liberty being the No. 8 team, it’d be unwise to write them off.
