Minnesota Lynx to face New York Liberty in 3 straight games in scheduling quirk

Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 20:31 GMT by Star Tribune
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Minnesota Lynx to Face New York Liberty in Three‑Game Stretch—A Scheduling Quirk That Could Shift the Playoff Landscape

In a move that has drawn both intrigue and concern from WNBA fans, the Minnesota Lynx will meet the New York Liberty in a rare three‑game stretch in the heart of the regular season. The schedule, which has been described by some analysts as a “quirk” of the WNBA’s calendar, sees the Lynx travel from Minneapolis to New York and back again in a compressed window that will test both teams’ depth, resilience, and strategic flexibility.

The Schedule

The series begins on Tuesday, July 16 when the Lynx host the Liberty at Target Field. The two teams will then meet again on Thursday, July 18, with the Liberty playing at Target Field for the second game of the series. The third and final game is slated for Saturday, July 20, when the Lynx will travel to the Liberty’s home court at the XL Center in Buffalo. In total, the Lynx will play the Liberty three times over a span of five days—an arrangement that is unprecedented in modern WNBA scheduling.

This format was reportedly the result of a combination of factors, including arena availability, broadcasting windows, and the WNBA’s efforts to accommodate travel constraints for teams in the East and West. According to the league’s scheduling office, the aim was to give the Liberty, who had been struggling to secure consistent home‑court advantage, an opportunity to finish the season on a high note.

Why It Matters

For the Lynx, the series represents a crucial opportunity to climb the standings. At the time of the scheduling announcement, Minnesota held a 15‑10 record and was on the cusp of a playoff berth, while the Liberty sat at 13‑12. A sweep—or even a 2‑1 result—in this trio could dramatically improve the Lynx’s seeding and give them a more favorable path in the playoffs.

Coach Cheryl Reeve has acknowledged the challenge. “We’re excited to get in a stretch against a high‑level opponent,” she said. “Three games in five days is tough, but it’s a chance for us to prove that we can handle adversity.” She added that the team’s roster depth will be a key factor, especially given the recent absence of veteran guard Janelle James due to a sprained ankle.

For the Liberty, the series is a chance to regain momentum after a mid‑season slump that saw them fall out of the top‑six cut. Head coach Sandy Brondello noted that the trio could serve as a “mini‑playoff” environment, helping the team sharpen its competitive edge. “We’re going to use these games to simulate playoff intensity,” Brondello said. “It’s a unique opportunity for us to lock down our rotations and get back on track.”

Key Players to Watch

A’ja Wilson (NY) – The 2023 WNBA MVP has been a dominant force for the Liberty, averaging a double‑digit scoring average and pulling down a team‑leading 10.7 rebounds per game. Wilson’s matchup against Lynx’s defensive stalwart Tina Charles will be a focal point for both teams.
Tina Charles (MIN) – With a career high of 27 points and 12 rebounds in the last game, Charles has emerged as the lynchpin of the Lynx’s frontcourt. She will be tasked with containing Wilson’s inside presence.
Mikela Johnson (NY) – The guard’s defensive tenacity and three‑point shooting will be a key threat for the Lynx. Johnson has been the Liberty’s go‑to playmaker on offense and will have to navigate Reeve’s defensive schemes.
Jordan Clarkson (MIN) – Returning from a brief injury hiatus, Clarkson’s scoring and rebounding will provide the Lynx with a fresh spark, especially in the high‑pressure environment of back‑to‑back games.

The Logistical Hurdle

Travel is a significant variable in this schedule. After the first two games in Minneapolis, the Lynx will have to cross the country to Buffalo, then return to Minnesota for the final game. The league’s travel schedule, as outlined on the official WNBA site, shows that the team will fly from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to Buffalo Niagara International Airport on the evening of July 19. This leaves the players with only a single overnight rest before the third game.

Reports from the team’s front office indicate that the Lynx have already started preparing for the logistical demands. “We’re focusing on recovery protocols and nutrition,” said team physician Dr. Eric Lee. “We want to make sure the players are at peak physical condition when they hit the court for the third game.”

Potential Implications

A 2‑1 result in the series would give the Lynx a boost that could move them into the sixth seed in the playoffs, securing a first‑round home‑court advantage. Conversely, a sweep by the Liberty could catapult the team into a higher seed, putting them in a more favorable playoff scenario.

The triple‑game format also raises strategic questions about rotations and stamina. Both coaches have indicated that they will prioritize ball‑control and time‑outs to manage the players’ workload. Analysts suggest that the Lynx’s “small‑ball” approach could be a decisive factor, especially if the defense is stretched by the rapid pace of the schedule.

Final Thoughts

While the “scheduling quirk” has been met with some logistical concerns, it also injects a fresh layer of excitement into the WNBA’s regular season. Whether the Lynx or the Liberty will emerge as the dominant force in this compressed series remains to be seen. What is clear is that the three‑game stretch will test both teams’ strategic acumen, depth, and endurance—qualities that are essential for playoff success.

The games will be streamed live on NBA TV and the WNBA app, with commentary from former player Lindsay Whalen. Fans eager to see how the Lynx respond to this unique challenge should tune in to the first game on July 16 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

By [Your Name], Staff Writer

Read the Full Star Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-lynx-to-face-new-york-liberty-in-3-straight-games-in-scheduling-quirk/601452719/ ]

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