By: Reagan McLean
After a historic 30th season of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBA), the playoffs officially kicked off on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
After a devastating first-round loss in the 2025 playoffs, the New York Liberty fired their previous head coach Sandy Brondello on Sept. 23, 2025. Less than a year later, they hired Chris DeMarco as their head coach and won the Commissioner’s Cup against the Las Vegas Aces on June 30, 2026.
After the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup break, the Liberty finished off their season with everyone on the roster healthy and as the eighth and final seed heading into the playoffs.
On Sept. 26, 2026, ESPN journalists predicted whether the top seed, the Minnesota Lynx, or the Liberty would win this playoff series. The Lynx were the favorite n because of how they played during the regular season and being the top seed entering the playoffs; however, the Liberty showed that they aren’t your average eighth seed.
Despite torrential rainfall in New York City, the Liberty made a splash at the Lynx’s home arena, Target Center, in game one of the WNBA playoffs. In the first quarter, the Liberty went on a 15-0 run, forcing Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve to call a time-out.
As the second quarter progressed, the Lynx slowed the Liberty’s production. Great second-quarter defense held the Liberty to just 15 points and a four-point lead going into halftime.
After halftime, the Liberty came out with momentum on the court. They were on an 11-2 run. Veteran players Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu were the two heads of the same snake and made their presence known, scoring 9 out of 11 points.
At the end of the third quarter, the Liberty outscored the Lynx 25-16, taking a five-point lead into the fourth quarter.
This lead gave way to the Liberty’s comeback, as they won 91-75.
Stewart ended the game with a game-high 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Receiving recognition, Stewart also became the fourth player in WNBA history to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a game, joining Candace Parker (2012), Cappie Pondexter (2007), and Tamika Catchings (2007). Leonie Fiebich ended with 16 points, and Ionescu ended with 13 points.
Ionescu praised Stewart’s performance and her impact on the court.
“I mean, she’s everything. Obviously, her ability to do what she does offensively, but defensively as well […] she’s everywhere. She keeps us poised out there, and her versatility, her ability to score from really anywhere on the court, just helps, especially me as a guard.” Ionescu said.
For the Liberty, Game two of the first round against the Lynx played a significant role in how the rest of their postseason was going to look. Would they advance to the semifinals, or, as Stewart said, “get smoked” at home?
Game two of the first round kicked off at the Barclays Center on Sept. 29, and the crowd was ecstatic. As the ball tipped off in front of a sold-out crowd, the Liberty went on a 9-1 run within the first three minutes of the quarter. Jones scored the first 7 points of the night.
Although Ionescu and Stewart are off to a slow shooting night, they put in work on the court by facilitating shots and making important plays, ending the first quarter with 26-21.
In the second quarter, with 6:25 remaining on the game clock, Ionescu made her presence known with a deep three-pointer. As the quarter progressed, Stewart facilitated the ball and made plays; however, the Liberty outscored the Lynx 44-28 in the paint and went into halftime up 49-37.
Fans were in for a special treat during halftime. Brooklyn native and rapper Young M.A. performed her hit song “OOOUUU” alongside Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant.
As the second half began, the Lynx slowly started to come back, especially in the third quarter. However, the Liberty played smart. With 8:50 remaining in the third quarter, Leonie Fiebich made her presence known with a three-pointer.
For the Lynx, rookie Olivia Miles committed a flagrant foul on Stewart, hitting her in the face while coming down from a shot attempt with 6:26 on the shot clock. At the end of the third quarter, both teams scored 19 points each, with the score being 68-56.
In the fourth quarter, the Liberty’s “French Connection” in Pauline Astier and Johannès shone the most. With Astier’s lockdown defense and Johannès’s quick thinking on the court, they helped push the lead to 19 points and finish 87-71.
After the final buzzer, the Liberty became the first team in WNBA history as the eighth seed to make a clean sweep and eliminate the number one seed. Stewart and Jones ended the game with 21 points each, and Ionescu ended the game with 13 points.
The Liberty continue their journey to the WNBA championship in the semifinals, where they face off against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.