Lynx Swept by Liberty as Collier’s Free Agency Looms

The Minnesota Lynx were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs by the New York Liberty in a first-round sweep, ending the top seed’s season and bringing Napheesa Collier’s unresolved free agency into focus. Collier said after the loss that she had not yet considered whether she would remain in Minnesota, while coach Cheryl Reeve said she would respect whatever decision the forward makes. New York completed the sweep with an 87-71 win in Game 2 on Tuesday. The result made the Liberty the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in this playoff format, according to the reports. Minnesota’s defeat also ended the season earlier than the team expected after it finished atop the regular-season standings. Collier, who has spent all eight of her WNBA seasons with the Lynx, said the loss had happened less than 48 hours before her media availability and that she had not had time to process her future. She also said she loves Minnesota, the organization and her teammates. She signed a one-year deal before the season and is now a free agent, but no decision on her next team has been reported.