The stage is set for a blockbuster WNBA showdown as the Minnesota Lynx, boasting the league’s best record, roll into Brooklyn to face the surging New York Liberty at Barclays Center on Sunday. With tip-off scheduled for 12:30 PM EST, fans and analysts alike have circled this matchup on their calendars, eager to see how two of the league’s top squads perform under the bright lights—and with both teams missing key superstars, the stakes feel even higher.
But the buzz around the arena isn’t just about basketball. In an unsettling twist, recent incidents involving fans throwing sex toys onto WNBA courts have cast a shadow over the league’s otherwise stellar season. Just this past Tuesday, a man hurled such an object during a Liberty game at Barclays Center, striking a 12-year-old girl in the leg. While the girl reported pain, she was not hospitalized. The NYPD quickly released video footage of the suspect, described as wearing a red hat, black shirt, black shorts, and black shoes, and are actively seeking leads. The Liberty organization, along with WNBA officials, have condemned the act, which is just the latest in a string of similar incidents across Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles in recent weeks.
Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison voiced her frustration on X, posting, "ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It's not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous." Her sentiments echo those of many players and coaches. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who was nearly hit by a sex toy during a game in Los Angeles, didn’t mince words on her podcast: "Everyone is trying to make sure the W is not a joke and it's taken seriously, and then that happens. I'm like, 'How are we ever going to get taken seriously?'" Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve added, "This has been going on for centuries, the sexualization of women. This is the latest version of that. It's not funny. It should not be the butt of jokes. The sexualization of women is what's used to hold women down, and this is no different."
Despite the distractions, both teams have kept their focus on the court. The Lynx (26-6) arrive in Brooklyn riding a four-game winning streak, fresh off an 80-76 victory over Washington. Even without league-leading scorer Napheesa Collier, sidelined by an ankle injury, Minnesota’s offense has been electric, averaging 94 points per game in her absence. Alanna Smith has stepped up in a big way, pouring in 25 points on 10-15 shooting in Friday’s win. Kayla McBride’s defensive prowess—registering at least two steals in three straight games—has kept opponents on their toes, while Courtney Williams continues to orchestrate the offense, ranking second in the league with 6.3 assists per game and averaging eight over her last five outings. Di’Jonai Carrington, a recent addition from Dallas, has chipped in with 12 points off the bench, quickly finding her rhythm with her new squad.
The Lynx’s dominance isn’t limited to offense. They lead the league in scoring defense, allowing just 75.8 points per game, and are relentless in forcing turnovers. Against Washington, Minnesota’s defense forced 20 turnovers, converting them into 25 points—a testament to their aggressive, opportunistic style. Even when outrebounded, as they were 32-22 on Friday, the Lynx have found ways to win, thanks to efficiency (52.5% shooting) and discipline (only 14 turnovers).
On the other side, the Liberty (20-10) have found their groove after a rocky patch. Following a four-game losing streak triggered by Breanna Stewart’s knee injury, New York has rattled off three consecutive wins, including a convincing 88-77 road victory over Dallas on Friday. Emma Meesseman has been a revelation since joining the lineup, averaging 12.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists over her first three games back. Her presence has helped the Liberty regain their defensive edge, ranking third in defensive rating over their current streak and winning each of their last three by at least nine points.
Sabrina Ionescu remains the Liberty’s offensive engine, leading the team with 19.9 points per game, while Jonquel Jones has found her range, sinking four three-pointers against Dallas—her best mark of the season. Even with Stewart still sidelined until the end of August, New York’s offense is humming, averaging 86.9 points per game on 45.4% shooting, and their defense is starting to click, holding opponents to 41.8% from the field.
This isn’t the first high-stakes meeting between these two division leaders. Just 12 days ago, Minnesota edged New York 100-93 in a tightly contested affair, proving that the Lynx’s firepower can overcome even the most determined Liberty defense. Yet, with both teams missing their marquee stars, Sunday’s matchup offers a tantalizing glimpse into each squad’s depth and adaptability. As one expert noted, "This is the Lynx’s first true test without their best player. For the Liberty, it’s been hard to trust them when they aren’t healthy."
Betting markets have taken notice of the evolving dynamics. The Liberty are slight favorites at home, with predictions leaning toward a close game and a possible edge for New York, thanks in part to Meesseman’s steadying influence. Prop bets have focused on her rebounding prowess, with analysts eyeing the over on 5.5 boards after she grabbed eight rebounds against Dallas. The over/under sits at 166.5, reflecting both teams’ ability to light up the scoreboard, even with key absences.
But the action on the court is only part of the story. Off the hardwood, the league is grappling with how to address the recent wave of inappropriate fan behavior. At least one crypto-based predictions market has even begun allowing wagers on whether sex toys will be thrown at future WNBA games—a development that has sparked outrage among players and coaches. The league, along with arena security teams, is under increasing pressure to prevent such incidents and ensure a safe environment for athletes and fans alike.
As the Liberty and Lynx prepare to tip off, all eyes will be on Barclays Center—not just for the basketball, but for how the league responds to these unprecedented challenges. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience, battling through injuries and distractions to remain at the top of their game. Sunday’s contest promises high-octane action, tactical adjustments, and no shortage of drama, both on and off the court.
With the WNBA regular season heating up and playoff positioning on the line, the Liberty-Lynx rivalry is shaping up to be one of the defining storylines of the summer. And as the league confronts off-court controversies, the players’ determination to keep the focus on basketball—and demand respect for their game—has never been clearer.
