Stewie’s rebound and a decisive 12-0 run: How Liberty pulled even in Finals

Is this really happening again?

Spectators at Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx might have found themselves wondering that for a moment in the fourth quarter Sunday.

Just like in Game 1 on Thursday, the Liberty jumped to a big lead — 17 points in the second quarter — before the Lynx roared back to make it a two-point game in the fourth, positioning themselves to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

But Game 2 had a different ending. After the Lynx won Game 1 in overtime, New York finished off Minnesota on Sunday with 12 unanswered points to seal a 80-66 victory at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and a WNBA Finals-record 7 steals.

Now, the series moves to Minneapolis tied 1-1, with two games guaranteed at Target Center on Wednesday and Friday. The Liberty undoubtedly feel like they’re back in it following a devastating Game 1 collapse. The Lynx might be disappointed they couldn’t recreate their Game 1 magic, but they still stole one game on the road and now have a chance to win a championship on their home floor.

ESPN breaks down the highlights, biggest questions and X factors from Game 2, and look ahead at what to expect when the series continues.

It was essentially a must-win. But was Sunday also a statement win for the Liberty?

When Minnesota closed to within 66-64 with 5:36 remaining, this one was beginning to feel like Game 1. Minnesota was making another comeback, but Sunday, New York didn’t let the Lynx finish it, instead going on a 14-2 run.

That was a statement: That the Liberty had mentally recovered from letting Game 1 slip away. That they still are a confident bunch in crunch time. That they could hold Minnesota to 66 points in a Finals game. New York’s defensive performance — led by Stewart and her Finals-record seven steals could change the series.

That said, New York wasn’t able to completely put Minnesota away after another good first quarter (31 points). The Liberty didn’t come close to the offensive production the rest of the game. — Creme

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What made the difference for the Liberty in Game 2?

Charlie covered two of the differences: New York’s performance in the clutch and its defense, as the Lynx put up fewer points each quarter as the game went on. Another huge X factor? Betnijah Laney-Hamilton‘s offensive explosion.

Laney-Hamilton hasn’t been 100% most of the year as she has dealt with knee issues and underwent a minor procedure in July. Coach Sandy Brondello had said Laney-Hamilton was still bringing toughness on defense even if her shot wasn’t falling.

Sunday was different. Laney-Hamilton started 4-for-4 from the field and said she knew she felt good when she drove the ball toward the end of the first quarter. Her 20-piece tied for her most points on the season and doubled her previous high this postseason. It also gave the Liberty a fourth double-digit scorer (following a quieter game from Leonie Fiebich, and seven bench points). Just three Lynx players scored in double figures.

“When she’s playing like that,” Courtney Vandersloot said of Laney-Hamilton, “we’re a different team.” — Philippou

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The series is tied, but the Lynx have led for 3:17 across two games. What do we make of that?

Despite the Game 1 loss, the Liberty have largely been in control, leading the series for 81:43 (the Lynx have led for just 4.7 seconds in regulation). Coach Cheryl Reeve said she was “pissed” the Lynx allowed the Liberty to get off to another big lead. Expect Minnesota to focus on strong starts for Games 3 and 4, something that might be easier to accomplish on its home floor.

Reeve also mentioned needing to improve things offensively and get back to more balanced scoring — it’s easy to see why after Game 2, where Kayla McBride was limited to 8 points, Bridget Carleton had another quiet game and the bench chipped in five points. The Liberty also scored 26 points off 20 Lynx turnovers.

The Lynx haven’t played their most consistent basketball yet, but they managed to snag a road win to start the series, which is all they were realistically expected to do. — Philippou

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What’s the biggest concern for both teams going forward?

Both coaches might chalk this up to the league’s two best defenses playing at the top of their games, but each needs to look at its offense. Minnesota must get Napheesa Collier more involved. She had four shots from the field in the first quarter of Game 1 and took 12 total field goal attempts and two free throws in Game 2.

Collier picked up her fourth four with 4:49 left in the third. She played three fewer minutes than she has averaged this postseason, but 12 shots in 35 minutes Sunday isn’t enough. As the Lynx went scoreless over the final 3:40, Collier didn’t attempt a shot. Even against the best defenses, stars need to be more of a factor.

Same goes for New York. The Liberty would be down 0-2 without Laney-Hamilton’s heroics. Sabrina Ionescu attempted two shots after a 12-point first quarter. Stewart was better with 21 points, but shot 7-of-18. — Creme