The playoffs are not an easy task for the New York Liberty, but do they still hold an edge? After Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, many thought New York was going to roll over and let Cheryl Reeve’s Minnesota Lynx take the upper hand. But they wasted no time and leveled the series with a commanding 80-66 victory in Game 2. Now, it seems the cards are heavily stacked in Liberty’s favor. And the numbers in one aspect highlight their dominance.

According to Geoff Magliocchetti, the NY Liberty has held the lead for a whopping 78 minutes and 43 seconds, compared to the Lynx’s meager 3 minutes and 17 seconds in the first two games of this series. Despite the heartbreaking 95-93 overtime loss in Game 1, the Liberty controlled the game, until the very end.

They even led by as much as 18 points in the first half and by 11 points in the final minutes before the Lynx staged a comeback. Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier pulled off a stunning turnaround jumper in overtime to seal the win. Post-game, Breanna Stewart, who scored 18 points, said, “We just take it on the chin… We’ll be ready.” 

And they made it happen; Game 2 was a different story. Stewart led the charge with 21 points and a Finals-record of 7 steals. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton also shone, snagging key points, all 20 without a free throw. The team dominated the first half, just like Game 1. But this time, they limited the Lynx’s offensive rhythm and won with a solid 80-66 record

But they are not done yet. They have made it clear that they are here for the title. After the New Yorkers knocked off the Aces to advance to the Finals, the 2x MVP Stewart said, “We haven’t done anything yet. [There’s] just the feeling of not satisfied.” 

But other than Liberty’s lead, is there any other threat to Cheryl Reeve’s team? Well, quite a few! 

More roadblocks for Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx

Lynx surely has some issues to tackle if they want to stay competitive. The first has to be Liberty’s proven ability to adapt under pressure, and their past playoff performances back this up. For instance, in the 2021 playoffs, they faced elimination against the Phoenix Mercury after losing Game 1. 

But they bounced back to win Game 2 and then dominated in Game 3. The recent one against the Las Vegas Aces, where they clinched the first two games but lost Game 3. However, they didn’t let it hit their momentum and secured their Finals spot with a Game 4 victory. 

As if that’s not enough, Liberty’s stars are primed to break some records in the next game. Stewart is just 4 points away from passing Seimone Augustus for 8th all-time in playoff scoring. Sabrina Ionescu is 3 three-pointers away from becoming first on New York’s all-time playoff threes list.

Also, Jonquel Jones is just 1 block away from reaching 10th all-time in playoff blocks. And you can bet these players are pumped up to put on a show. Plus, there are no injury reports to dampen their spirits, meaning they’re bringing their A-game to the court. 

Ionescu has already declared that their team has cracked the game of Napheesa Collier and  Co. by saying, “We know what they’re doing. They haven’t changed a whole lot from Game 1 to Game 2.” With that confidence and a hunger for victory, she knows “what wins you championships.”

Although Liberty seems ready, not just to win this game but potentially the series as well, Lynx are no rookie either. As HC Reeve puts it, “Getting through difficult times defines our team.” Let us see how Game 3 unfolds!