MINNEAPOLIS — Kayla McBride scored 25 points. The Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 90-85 on July 11, 2026. It was a statement win.
McBride shot 9-of-15 from the field. She hit 5-of-8 from three-point range. Her efficiency dictated the game’s pace. The Lynx improved to 18-8. The Liberty fell to 20-6.
McBride’s Scoring Masterclass
She attacked from the opening tip. McBride scored 10 points in the first quarter. She used screens to create space. Her pull-up jumper was unstoppable.
Key sequences defined the night. Midway through the third quarter, with the Lynx trailing by four, McBride drilled back-to-back threes. The crowd erupted. The lead shifted. Minnesota never trailed again.
The Supporting Cast: Olivia Miles Returns
Olivia Miles returned from a calf injury. She played 22 minutes. She finished with 12 points and 7 assists. “She doesn’t shy away from the moment,” head coach Cheryl Reeve said in the press conference. Miles drove hard to the rim. She found McBride on off-ball cuts. Her presence stabilized the second unit.
Game Flow: Fourth Quarter Decider
The Liberty led 68-66 entering the fourth. New York’s defense collapsed on drives. Minnesota swung the ball. McBride scored 8 points in the final period. The Lynx outscored the Liberty 24-17 in the fourth quarter.
New York struggled from deep. The Liberty shot 6-of-22 from three. Breanna Stewart finished with 22 points but only 2 assists. The Lynx’s defensive rotations forced tough shots. McBride also collected 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
Efficiency and Decision-Making
McBride’s shot chart showed range. She scored from the left wing. She scored from the right corner. She drove left and finished with her right hand. Her decision-making in pick-and-roll forced the Liberty to switch. She exploited mismatches.
The Liberty’s fourth-quarter response was insufficient. They had three turnovers in the final three minutes. New York scored only two field goals in the last four minutes.
Playoff Implications
The win moved the Lynx into third place in the standings. They sit one game behind the Las Vegas Aces. The Liberty remain first but lost home-court advantage in a potential playoff series. Seeding is tightening.
Quotes and Reactions
“She was locked in,” said Napheesa Collier, who added 18 points and 10 rebounds. “When Kayla gets going, we ride her.” McBride herself was measured. “I just read what the defense gave me,” she said. “We needed this one.”
Looking Ahead
McBride faces elite defenses next week. The Lynx travel to face the Aces on July 14. Las Vegas ranks second in defensive rating. McBride will see a lot of Jackie Young. Can she sustain this level? Her performance against New York suggests yes.
The night belonged to Kayla McBride. She reminded everyone she remains a star. The stat line was clean. The win was decisive.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many points did Kayla McBride score in the game?
- A: Kayla McBride scored 25 points against the New York Liberty.
- Q: What was the final score of the Lynx vs Liberty game?
- A: The Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 90-85.
- Q: What was the key moment in the game?
- A: McBride hit back-to-back threes in the third quarter, shifting the lead and ensuring the Lynx never trailed again.
- Q: How did Olivia Miles perform in her return?
- A: Olivia Miles returned from a calf injury, finishing with 12 points and 7 assists in 22 minutes.
Extended Reading
Game video and highlights are available via the WNBA’s official platform. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported on Miles’ injury return and the team’s defensive adjustments. Detailed box scores and play-by-play logs are hosted on ESPN’s WNBA recap archive.