Natasha Howard of the New York Liberty scored 18 points and hit a big 3-pointer in the final minute as her side defeated the Atlanta Dream 87-83 on Sunday at the Barclays Center.
With the win, Liberty secured a second consecutive berth in the playoffs – 17th time in 26 seasons.
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With New York leading 80-79 in a back-and-forth fourth quarter, Howard hit a 24-footer to put the Liberty up by four with 55 seconds remaining. The Dream extended their ensuing possession by collecting a couple of offensive rebounds before Aari McDonald made a driving layup to trail 83-81 with 26 seconds left. Sabrina Ionescu and Howard both made two free throws for New York and the Liberty led by six before McDonald made another layup to close out the scoring.
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Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas scored 16 points and her key bucket and rebound helped Connecticut hold off Minnesota 90-83. Lynx are eliminated from playoff contention. Now, Mercury have ensured a No. 7 or No. 8 spot. It is the first time since 2010 the Lynx have missed the postseason.
Here are the WNBA playoff clinching scenarios (updated on Sunday morning local time):
Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky at No 1 and No 2:
The Aces will bank on their home-court advantage against the Seattle Storm to take No 1 seed.
They’re 2-1 up against Seattle. Las Vegas takes the top spot if Sky and Sun lose their respective games.
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Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky, reigning champions, will need to win against Phoenix Mercury and hope the Aces lose and Sun win.
A top three tie at the top will mean Sky will take the top-spot woth Aces and Sun following.
Connecticut Sun at No 3:
The Connecticut Sun have a rare shot at No 1. Even with a tie, they will seal No 3.
They will host the No. 6 Dallas Wings beginning with Game 1 on Thursday.
No. 4 — Seattle Storm
No. 5 — Washington Mystics
No. 6 — Dallas Wings
For No 7 and No 8: The Mercury and Liberty are in battle for sealing No 7.
For the Phoenix Mercury to get in, they will have to beat Sky. A Lynx loss also puts them in the playoffs.
The New York Liberty can make it to postseason with a win against the Atlanta Dream (2-1) or following Mercury win, or a Lynx loss.
The Minnesota Lynx can move into a playoff spot with a win against the Sun and a loss by the Mercury or Liberty.
The Atlanta Dream can move into a playoff spot with a win over the Liberty and a Mercury loss.
