Lynx vs Liberty Preview: Can Lynx Win Again at Home?

On the morning of October 17th at 8 AM, Game 3 of the WNBA Finals will be played as the Lynx return home to face the Liberty.

The Lynx finished the regular season with a 30-10 record, placing second in the league and advancing to the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Mercury 2-0 and then defeated the Sun 3-2 in the semifinals to reach the finals, demonstrating excellent performance. After entering the playoffs, the Lynx have maintained strong offensive output, averaging 85.7 points per game, ranking second among playoff teams. Their average points allowed increased to 83.2 compared to the regular season. Additionally, the Lynx have a high shooting percentage of 48.5%, but their rebounding has been less effective, averaging only 29.7 rebounds per game, the lowest among all playoff teams.

In the playoffs, three players on the Lynx are averaging double-digit points. Among them, Collier is averaging 25.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, making her the team’s standout player. Williams averages 14.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while McBride contributes 13.9 points.

The Liberty, on the other hand, finished the regular season with a 32-8 record, topping the league. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Dream 2-0 and then eliminated the Aces 3-1 in the semifinals, ending the Aces’ title defense hopes. During the regular season, the Liberty had the strongest offense in the league, averaging 85.6 points per game, ranking first. They also kept their average points allowed to 76.5, third-best in the league. In the playoffs, the Liberty average 84.9 points per game, allowing only 78.8 points, the fewest among playoff teams. They also excel at scoring from the free-throw line, averaging 17.1 free-throw attempts and making 14, which is an important scoring method for the team.

The Liberty boast an all-star starting lineup. In the playoffs, four players still average double-digit points. Stewart averages 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while Jones averages 19.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Jones also contributes 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds, and Phoebe averages 10.4 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Including the Commissioner’s Cup, the Lynx and Liberty faced each other five times during the regular season, with the Lynx winning 4 out of 5 games, showing a clear advantage. Despite the Liberty finishing first in the regular season, the Lynx are not intimidated by them this season. In the first game of the playoff finals, the Lynx completed a major comeback against the Liberty, winning 95-93 in overtime. In that game, three Lynx players scored over 20 points, with Williams scoring 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, McBride 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Collier 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. On the Liberty side, Jones scored 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, Jones 19 points and 5 rebounds, and Stewart 18 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players score in double digits, but the Lynx’s starters performed better overall.

In the last game, the Liberty won 80-66 at home. The Lynx struggled offensively, with only three players scoring in double digits and the bench contributing just 5 points. Collier scored 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Williams had 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. On the Liberty side, Stewart and Layney combined for 41 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, helping the Liberty even the series. It is understood that both teams will have full rosters for tomorrow’s game with no injuries or suspensions. Whether the Lynx can take a 2-1 lead at home is highly anticipated.

>>”>For more predictions on this game, click >>>