Lynxlamentschedulequirkthatdelayed Libertyrematchwith Finalslosssimmeringbelowthesurface

Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 15:26 GMT by KARE 11
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The Lynx say last year's controversial finals loss is behind them as they prepare to meet the New York Liberty - but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Lynx Lament Schedule Quirk Delaying Rematch with Liberty as Finals Heartbreak Lingers

MINNEAPOLIS — In the aftermath of a gut-wrenching WNBA Finals defeat, the Minnesota Lynx find themselves grappling not just with the sting of loss, but with an unusual scheduling twist that's prolonging their agony. The team, still simmering over what they perceive as a controversial end to their championship series against the New York Liberty, won't get a chance to exact revenge until deep into the next season. This delay has sparked frustration among players and coaches, who feel the league's calendar is denying them an immediate opportunity to channel their raw emotions into on-court redemption.

The Finals series between the Lynx and Liberty was a thriller, culminating in a decisive Game 5 that went into overtime. The Liberty emerged victorious, claiming their first-ever WNBA title in front of a raucous home crowd at Barclays Center. For the Lynx, however, the defeat left a bitter taste, amplified by a late-game foul call that many in the Minnesota camp believe swung the momentum irreversibly. Head coach Cheryl Reeve didn't mince words in the post-game press conference, suggesting that external factors may have influenced the outcome. "We didn't lose; it was taken from us," Reeve said, her comments echoing through the league and fueling debates about officiating in high-stakes moments.

Now, as the offseason transitions into preparations for the upcoming campaign, the Lynx are voicing their discontent with the WNBA's scheduling decisions. Typically, teams that meet in the Finals might expect an early-season rematch to capitalize on the built-up rivalry and fan interest. But due to what Reeve and others describe as a "quirk" in the schedule, Minnesota's first clash with New York isn't slated until July—months after the Finals' conclusion. This extended wait means the Lynx must stew in their disappointment, unable to confront their foes when the wounds are freshest.

Star forward Napheesa Collier, who was a dominant force throughout the playoffs, expressed her frustration in a recent interview. "You want to get back at them right away," Collier said. "That fire is burning hot right after something like that happens. Waiting this long? It just feels like we're being forced to bottle it up." Collier's performance in the Finals was nothing short of spectacular, as she averaged impressive numbers while leading the Lynx's charge. Yet, the inability to immediately test themselves against the Liberty again has left her and her teammates in a state of suspended animation, mentally replaying the series' pivotal moments.

The scheduling anomaly stems from the WNBA's efforts to balance a compact season with international commitments, player rest, and broadcast considerations. The league expanded to 40 games per team last season, aiming to increase visibility and revenue, but this has sometimes led to uneven distribution of marquee matchups. For the Lynx, who finished the regular season with one of the best records in the league, the delay feels particularly unjust. They had battled through a grueling playoff run, dispatching tough opponents like the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals, only to fall short in the Finals. The Liberty, meanwhile, will enter the new season as defending champions, with stars like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu likely riding high on their triumph.

Reeve, known for her fiery demeanor and advocacy for her players, has been vocal about how this delay impacts team morale and preparation. "It's not ideal," she admitted during a team media availability. "You have all this emotion, this drive to prove something, and then you're told to wait. It changes how you approach the offseason, how you train, how you motivate." Reeve's history with the Lynx is storied; she's led the franchise to multiple championships and is widely regarded as one of the league's top coaches. Her frustration underscores a broader sentiment within the organization that the schedule isn't doing justice to the intensity of the rivalry that developed during the Finals.

This isn't the first time scheduling quirks have raised eyebrows in the WNBA. In past seasons, teams have complained about back-to-back games, travel demands, and uneven home-road splits. But for the Lynx, this particular delay hits different because of the emotional baggage from the Finals. The series was marked by physical play, strategic battles, and moments of brilliance on both sides. Game 1 saw the Lynx pull off a stunning upset in New York, setting the tone for a back-and-forth affair. By Game 5, tensions were at a boiling point, with the controversial foul on Alanna Smith in overtime allowing the Liberty to seal the win at the free-throw line.

Players like Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton have echoed Collier's sentiments, highlighting how the wait could actually fuel a longer-term motivation. "Maybe it's a blessing in disguise," McBride suggested. "It gives us time to get better, to analyze what went wrong, and come back stronger." McBride, a sharpshooting guard, was instrumental in the Lynx's offensive schemes, often stretching the floor and creating opportunities for her teammates. Yet, even she admits the initial reaction is one of impatience. "You just want to lace up and go at them again," she said.

From a fan perspective, the delayed rematch is a missed opportunity to build on the momentum of what was one of the most watched Finals in WNBA history. Viewership soared, thanks in part to the star power on both rosters and the narrative of underdogs versus favorites. The Lynx, with their blend of veterans and emerging talents, represented a resilient squad that nearly toppled the heavily favored Liberty. Delaying the rematch until midsummer means the initial hype might dissipate, replaced by the grind of the regular season.

League officials have defended the schedule, noting that it was finalized well before the Finals matchup was known. "We aim for fairness and excitement across the board," a WNBA spokesperson stated. "While we understand the desire for early rematches, the overall calendar is designed to optimize player health and competitive balance." Still, for the Lynx, such explanations ring hollow. They're focused on internal improvements, from bolstering their defense to refining offensive sets that faltered in crunch time against New York.

As the team looks ahead, there's a palpable sense of unfinished business. The Finals loss, while painful, has galvanized the roster. Young players like Diamond Miller are eager to contribute more, drawing inspiration from the veterans' resolve. "We're not forgetting what happened," Miller said. "When we finally play them, it'll be personal."

In the broader context of women's basketball, this situation highlights the growing pains of a league on the rise. With increased media attention, celebrity endorsements, and expanding rosters, the WNBA is navigating how to best showcase its product. For the Lynx, the schedule quirk is just another hurdle in their quest for redemption. They'll use the offseason to heal, train, and strategize, all while keeping that July date circled on their calendars.

The wait may be long, but if history is any indication, the Lynx will channel their frustration into fuel. Reeve summed it up best: "We'll be ready when the time comes. And trust me, we'll remember everything." As the new season approaches, the simmering rivalry between Minnesota and New York promises to deliver fireworks, even if fans have to wait a bit longer for the explosion.

This extended period of reflection could ultimately benefit the Lynx, allowing them to address weaknesses exposed in the Finals. Their rebounding, for instance, was a point of contention, as the Liberty dominated the boards in key games. Strength and conditioning programs are being ramped up, with an emphasis on endurance for those grueling overtime scenarios. Additionally, the team is exploring roster tweaks, potentially through free agency or the draft, to add depth that could make the difference in a rematch.

Critics might argue that the delay prevents an immediate ratings boost for the league, but proponents see it as a way to sustain interest over the season. Imagine the buildup: weeks of anticipation, media narratives revisiting the Finals drama, and players trading barbs through interviews. When the Lynx and Liberty finally tip off, it could be one of the most hyped regular-season games in WNBA annals.

For now, though, the Lynx are left to lament what could have been—an early chance to rewrite the narrative. Instead, they'll bide their time, letting the Finals loss simmer below the surface, ready to boil over when the opportunity arises. In a league where mental toughness is as crucial as physical skill, this quirk might just forge an even more formidable Minnesota squad. (Word count: 1,248)

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