New York Liberty Upset Top-Seeded Minnesota Lynx to Reach WNBA Semifinals
The No. 8 seeded New York Liberty defeated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71 in a WNBA playoff game, advancing to the semifinal round.
Tyler Longview, TX, September 29, 2026 — The New York Liberty, entering the WNBA playoffs as the No. 8 seed, have advanced to the semifinal round after a decisive victory over the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. The Liberty secured their spot with a 87-71 win in their playoff matchup.
The outcome marks a significant upset in the postseason tournament, with the lower-seeded Liberty overcoming the team that finished the regular season atop the league standings. The victory propels the New York franchise into the next stage of competition, the WNBA semifinals.
Details regarding the specific game date, location, or individual player statistics were not provided in the summary. However, the scoreline indicates a strong performance by the Liberty, who managed to hold the top-seeded Lynx to 71 points while scoring 87 themselves. This level of offensive output and defensive containment was sufficient to clinch the series-deciding game and eliminate the league’s top regular-season team from championship contention.
As the No. 8 seed, the Liberty’s path to the semifinals was considered challenging, underscoring the magnitude of their achievement. Their advancement means they will continue their pursuit of the WNBA championship in the upcoming semifinal round, facing competition that has also successfully navigated the early stages of the playoffs.
The Minnesota Lynx, as the top seed, would have been considered a strong favorite entering the postseason. Their elimination at this stage highlights the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball and the Liberty’s capability to perform at a high level against elite competition. The specific series format or previous game results within this playoff matchup were not detailed in the summary.
The New York Liberty will now prepare for the semifinal round, where they will compete against other remaining playoff contenders. The focus shifts to their next challenge as they aim to advance further in the WNBA playoffs.
Story summarized from the original created by DOUG FEINBERG, Associated Press on www.ketk.com, see more information here.
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