McBride and Carrington help Minnesota top New York 83-71 in WNBA Finals rematch

The Minnesota Lynx secured a solid 83-71 victory over the New York Liberty, with Kayla McBride leading the charge with 18 points and DiJonai Carrington adding 15. This win sets the stage for an upcoming series of matchups between the two teams, with three games scheduled over the next nine days.

Both teams were missing key players, with New York sidelined without Breanna Stewart due to a knee injury and Minnesota playing without Napheesa Collier, who was out with an ankle issue. Despite the absences, the Lynx managed to dominate the game, fueled by a 24-7 run in the third quarter that propelled them to a comfortable lead.

Natasha Cloud stood out for New York, contributing 14 points, but the team struggled to keep up with Minnesota’s offensive prowess. Alanna Smith made a significant impact for the Lynx, tallying eight points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks.

The game was a rematch of the decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals last year, where New York emerged victorious. However, this time around, Minnesota showcased their strength and depth, with new acquisition Carrington making a significant impact after joining the team in a recent trade with Dallas.

The matchup at Barclays Center was also marked by special tributes, with former Liberty guard Jaylyn Sherrod joining the Lynx and being honored with a highlight video before the game. Additionally, former star Tari Phillips was inducted into the Liberty’s ring of honor at halftime, alongside a tribute to numerous former players.

Overall, the Lynx’s strong performance and cohesive team play secured them a well-deserved win over the Liberty. With more games on the horizon, both teams will have a chance to regroup and prepare for the next showdown in this exciting series.

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