The New York Liberty aims to even the WNBA Finals on Sunday, after a stunning 95-93 overtime loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1. The Lynx made history by becoming the first team in WNBA playoff history to win after trailing by 15 points with less than five minutes left in regulation.
Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM CT on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Barclays Center. New York must regroup quickly to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole and having to avoid elimination in a possible elimination scenario in Game 3 at Target Center.
Let’s break down the odds and player props for Game 2 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Game 2 Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread
Minnesota Lynx: +7.5 (-112)
New York Liberty: -7.5 (-108)
Total Points
Over: 162.5 (-112)
Under: 162.5 (-108)
Moneyline
Minnesota Lynx: +260
New York Liberty: -325
The Liberty enter Game 2 as 7.5-point favorites despite their collapse in Game 1, where they built an 18-point lead early, thanks to standout performances from Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich. Jones delivered a strong double-double, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Fiebich added 17 points on 5-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc.
However, New York’s offense became stagnant in the second half, with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggling to execute down the stretch. The two stars combined to shoot just 14-of-47 from the field, allowing Minnesota to claw their way back into the game.
Minnesota’s resilience was evident, as Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Courtney Williams added 23 points and 5 assists, while Kayla McBride chipped in 22 points, including 4-for-7 shooting from three-point range. McBride’s timely shooting kept the Lynx within striking distance, while Collier and Williams took over late in the game, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure.
Looking ahead to Game 2, New York will need to improve their execution in critical moments. Stewart acknowledged the team’s issues late in the game, stating, “We gave up 11 points in two minutes. Our offense got really stagnant, and we didn’t do what got us that lead.”
For Minnesota, the focus will be on avoiding a slow start. Collier emphasized the need for a stronger beginning, saying, “We got down by a lot early, and we can’t let that happen again. We know they’ll come out hungrier, so we have to be ready.”
Game 1 finished with 188 total points, surpassing the 162.5 line set for Game 2. If both teams maintain their offensive output, the Over could hit again, but expect defensive adjustments, particularly from New York, as they try to even the series.
Player Props for Game 2
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
Points: O 20.5 (-120) / U 20.5 (-110)
Rebounds: O 9.5 (-115) / U 9.5 (-115)
Breanna Stewart had a frustrating night in Game 1, shooting just 6-of-21 from the field and missing a key free throw in regulation that could have won the game for New York. Despite her shooting struggles, Stewart was active on defense, pulling down nine rebounds and recording two blocks. Following the loss, Stewart emphasized the need to move on quickly.
“We were playing with fire toward the end, and it caught up to us,” Stewart said. “We need short-term memory, get it out of our system, and focus on Game 2.”
Stewart is known for stepping up in big moments, and her ability to score efficiently under pressure will be vital for the Liberty’s success. Her points prop is set at 20.5, and given her history of bouncing back from tough outings, the Over could be a strong bet. Additionally, her role as a key rebounder in New York’s lineup makes the Over on 9.5 rebounds an attractive option, especially if the Liberty commit to limiting Minnesota’s second-chance opportunities.
Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
Points: O 20.5 (-110) / U 20.5 (-120)
Rebounds: O 9.5 (-110) / U 9.5 (-120)
As previously mentioned, Napheesa Collier was instrumental in Minnesota’s Game 1 victory, showcasing her dominance on both ends of the floor. It’s hard to look past totals of 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting, eight rebounds and six blocks, a playoff career high. Collier’s versatility and efficiency in the paint caused problems for New York’s defense, and her presence as a shot-blocker limited the Liberty’s effectiveness around the rim.
“Honestly, I think just the fight that we showed is what makes me proud,” Collier said after the game. “We got down big, but the resilience of this team is something we’ve had all year.”
Given Collier’s ability to transcend paint protection as a scorer and Minnesota’s reliance on her to generate offense, the Over on her 20.5 points is an appealing option for Game 2. Additionally, with the Liberty likely to make defensive adjustments, Collier’s rebounding will be crucial, making the Over on 9.5 rebounds another solid bet as she continues to battle against New York’s frontcourt.
Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)
Points: O 19.5 (+105) / U 19.5 (-135)
Threes: O 2.5 (-140) / U 2.5 (+105)
Assists: O 5.5 (-115) / U 5.5 (-115)
Sabrina Ionescu struggled with her shooting in Game 1, going 8-of-26 from the field and 3-of-9 from three-point range. Despite her inefficiency, Ionescu still managed 19 points and five assists. The star guard was candid about the team’s mistakes and the lessons learned from the loss.
“It’s a crappy way to lose, but a lot of it was in our control,” Ionescu said. “We know we can be better, and it’s just about executing next time.”
Ionescu’s shooting volume makes the Over on 2.5 threes a tempting play, particularly if she improves her accuracy in Game 2. Her role as the Liberty’s primary playmaker also makes the Over on 5.5 assists worth considering, as she will need to create better opportunities for her teammates to avoid another late-game collapse.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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