New York jumped out to a 19-7 lead. By the end of the quarter, it was 24-20. Liberty fans melted in their seats, knowing that their hope against hope for a nice, easy blowout was not meant to be.

The Minnesota Lynx (28-5) visit the New York Liberty (21-13) on Tuesday at Barclays Center in a WNBA clash with major playoff seeding on the line.

The Lynx are riding a five-game winning streak despite Napheesa Collier -- a top candidate for WNBA MVP -- currently out for at least two weeks with an ankle injury. On Tuesday, they became the first team to clinch a playoff spot and have a big lead in the race for the No. 1 seed.