Wed Sep 18 03:11:52 UTC 2024: ## New York Liberty Clinch Top Seed in WNBA Playoffs

**NEW YORK (AP)** – The New York Liberty secured the top seed in the upcoming WNBA playoffs with an 87-71 victory over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night. This marks the second time in franchise history the Liberty have achieved the top spot, with their previous best record coming in 2015.

The Liberty, now 32-7, are guaranteed the league’s best record with one game remaining in the regular season. Coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the importance of securing the top seed, citing last year’s loss in the WNBA Finals to the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces as motivation.

“These games are very meaningful; it was clinching the No. 1,” Brondello stated. “We put the emphasis tonight on, ‘OK, it’s playoff basketball now.'”

Breanna Stewart led the Liberty’s offensive charge with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Liberty’s first-round playoff opponent remains uncertain, as the final playoff spot is still up for grabs. Atlanta holds the eighth and final playoff spot after defeating the Chicago Sky 86-70 on Tuesday. However, Washington and Chicago are both within striking distance at 13-26. The final playoff spot will be determined on Thursday, the final night of the regular season, when all 12 teams play.

The WNBA playoffs begin on Sunday.

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