This tipped battle features contrasting styles: Minnesota’s defensive tenacity and all-team execution versus New York’s high-octane offense and championship composure. While the Liberty score at will and boast terrific depth, Minnesota’s home stability, Collier’s impact, and clutch confidence give them the edge.

It’s been 282 days since the Liberty beat the Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals to clinch the franchise’s first title.

In case that needed underscoring, Reeve added a final jab when asked about Liberty newcomer Emma Meesseman — the top free agent in the world who chose New York over Minnesota last week. Meesseman won’t be available Wednesday, as she’s working to secure her work visa, but Reeve wanted to make one thing clear: