The Minnesota Lynx are set to face the New York Liberty in a series of three consecutive games, a scheduling oddity that has stirred up discussion among coaches and players alike. This unique situation resembles a playoff stretch for the Lynx, who will first meet the Liberty in New York on Sunday. After that, they will host New York next Saturday, followed by a return to the Barclays Center for a third clash on August 19—marking a total of four encounters between the teams in just three weeks.
Minnesota’s head coach, Cheryl Reeve, expressed fatigue over discussing the scheduling, reflecting the pressure of such a condensed series. On the other hand, New York will face a challenging road trip with back-to-back games against Los Angeles and Las Vegas before their matchups with the Lynx. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the discrepancies in scheduling, noting it would have been better for her team if the games were spaced out more evenly.
Among these matchups, the players’ health remains a crucial factor. Breanna Stewart of New York is likely to miss the entire series due to a bone bruise in her right knee. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, a strong contender for the MVP this season, is also sidelined due to a sprained ankle.
The Lynx currently boast the best record in the WNBA at 26-5, with the Liberty trailing 5.5 games behind. The results of these consecutive contests could significantly impact playoff positions and team dynamics as the season progresses.
In light of the challenges both teams face, fans can look forward to intense matchups that will highlight the depth and resilience of the squads, emphasizing the competitive spirit of the WNBA.